prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v if_o the_o event_n do_v not_o answer_v his_o prediction_n i_o have_v deceive_v he_o or_o confute_v his_o vain_a lie_v prophecy_n and_o how_o will_v god_n deceive_v he_o that_o immediate_o follow_v i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o will_v destroy_v he_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n israel_n and_o they_o shall_v bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n both_o prophet_n and_o people_n this_o do_v effectual_o deceive_v they_o as_o be_v a_o terrible_a confutation_n of_o their_o prophecy_n and_o what_o god_n express_o threaten_v because_o they_o have_v seduce_v my_o people_n say_v peace_n and_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n 13._o ezek._n 8_o 9_o 10._o this_o be_v what_o god_n attribute_n to_o himself_o as_o his_o peculiar_a prerogative_n and_o glory_n that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o seer_n and_o make_v diviner_n mad_a by_o deceive_v they_o in_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n and_o confute_v their_o prophecy_n by_o his_o judgement_n 44._o isaiah_n 25._o as_o he_o express_o threaten_v against_o these_o lie_a prophet_n and_o diviner_n 3._o micah_n 5_o 6_o 7._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a comment_n upon_o this_o text._n as_o for_o what_o be_v object_v about_o david_n number_v the_o people_n it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a name_n â—_o sam._n 24._o â—_o it_o be_v say_v the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o israel_n and_o he_o move_v david_n against_o they_o to_o say_v go_v number_v the_o people_n but_o in_o 1_o chron._n 21._o 1._o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o satan_n stand_v up_o against_o israel_n and_o provoke_v david_n to_o number_n israel_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v in_o what_o sense_n this_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n when_o satan_n be_v the_o immediate_a tempter_n only_o because_o god_n in_o anger_n against_o israel_n suffer_v satan_n to_o tempt_v david_n to_o number_v they_o but_o that_o be_v more_o considerable_a that_o be_v object_v from_o st._n paul_n concern_v the_o heathen_n who_o god_n deliver_v up_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o idolatry_n they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n wherefore_o god_n also_o give_v they_o up_o to_o uncleanness_n through_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o dishonour_v their_o own_o body_n between_o themselves_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o even_o as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a be_v fill_v with_o all_o unrighteousness_n fornication_n wickedness_n covetousness_n etc._n etc._n now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n that_o because_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o one_o sin_n he_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o all_o other_o sin_n for_o can_v a_o holy_a god_n punish_v sin_n with_o sin_n can_v he_o who_o hate_v all_o wickedness_n contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o make_v man_n more_o wicked_a than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o need_v only_o consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n which_o signify_v no_o positive_a act_n of_o god_n but_o only_o his_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o power_n and_o management_n of_o those_o evil_a spirit_n who_o they_o idolatrous_o worship_v for_o most_o of_o these_o vice_n to_o which_o god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v they_o up_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o their_o idolatry_n be_v the_o sacred_a rite_n and_o mystery_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o if_o they_o will_v worship_v such_o god_n they_o must_v worship_v they_o as_o they_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o this_o corrupt_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o then_o they_o be_v prepare_v for_o any_o wickedness_n which_o their_o own_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o fortune_n or_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n can_v tempt_v they_o to_o this_o very_a account_n we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n etc._n where_o we_o have_v such_o another_o catalogue_n of_o vice_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v we_o charge_v upon_o their_o idolatry_n as_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o it_o now_o if_o man_n will_v worship_v such_o god_n as_o delight_v in_o uncleanness_n and_o impurity_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o who_o will_v be_v worship_v with_o the_o most_o infamous_a vice_n to_o the_o utmost_a reproach_n and_o contempt_n of_o human_a nature_n there_o be_v no_o avoid_v it_o but_o that_o their_o religion_n must_v corrupt_v their_o life_n they_o give_v 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which_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v human_a nature_n start_v and_o fly_v back_o the_o like_a objection_n be_v make_v from_o the_o antichristian_a state_n the_o appearance_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 1_o thess._n 2._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o just_a than_o this_o for_o god_n to_o suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o blind_v those_o man_n who_o
have_v deliver_v israel_n without_o they_o for_o it_o will_v argue_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o government_n if_o god_n can_v not_o at_o any_o time_n save_o good_a man_n and_o punish_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a without_o a_o miracle_n god_n can_v do_v whatever_o he_o please_v by_o the_o wise_a direction_n and_o government_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a cause_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o work_v miracle_n because_o he_o need_v they_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o natural_a power_n but_o to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o his_o own_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n and_o prophet_n and_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o from_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n mankind_n at_o that_o time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v atheist_n that_o they_o will_v worship_v any_o thing_n the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n rather_o than_o have_v no_o god_n and_o they_o be_v so_o sensible_a how_o much_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n that_o one_o god_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o but_o they_o want_v as_o many_o god_n not_o only_o as_o there_o be_v nation_n but_o as_o they_o have_v want_n to_o supply_v this_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n and_o proclaim_v by_o the_o whole_a visible_a creation_n but_o yet_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o so_o prevail_a that_o their_o wise_a philosopher_n who_o have_v better_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o torrent_n and_o dare_v not_o open_o oppose_v the_o worship_n of_o those_o country_n god_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o popular_a rage_n and_o fury_n now_o when_o neither_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o of_o a_o common_a providence_n can_v secure_v the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n what_o remain_v but_o for_o god_n to_o make_v some_o more_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v have_v be_v take_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n than_o by_o miracle_n especial_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v for_o the_o deliverance_n and_o protection_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n and_o overthrow_n of_o the_o wicked_a when_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v such_o that_o they_o will_v not_o learn_v from_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o teach_v they_o but_o by_o something_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o when_o the_o beautiful_a and_o regular_a and_o uniform_a order_n of_o nature_n will_v not_o convince_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o least_o not_o that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a god_n who_o make_v and_o who_o govern_v this_o world_n miracle_n will_n those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o have_v any_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a cause_n must_v confess_v that_o miracle_n have_v a_o cause_n because_o they_o see_v they_o produce_v and_o that_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o nature_n because_o they_o see_v they_o produce_v without_o any_o natural_a cause_n or_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o chance_v and_o accident_n because_o they_o be_v do_v at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n at_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n as_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o egypt_n be_v wrought_v at_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n who_o word_n have_v no_o natural_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o it_o to_o work_v wonder_n and_o therefore_o miracle_n certain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a intelligent_a cause_n who_o if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o world_n can_v have_v make_v it_o if_o he_o have_v please_v for_o whoever_o can_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n act_n without_o or_o against_o nature_n can_v create_v nature_n too_o for_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o nature_n can_v do_v be_v in_o that_o particular_a to_o make_v nature_n and_o he_o who_o can_v make_v nature_n in_o one_o instance_n can_v do_v so_o in_o all_o and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v when_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o can_v make_v the_o world_n and_o that_o superior_a power_n he_o exercise_v over_o nature_n prove_v that_o he_o both_o can_v and_o do_v govern_v the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a government_n of_o nature_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v give_v new_a power_n to_o it_o or_o suspend_v and_o reverse_v its_o law_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o supernatural_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v can_v be_v a_o atheist_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o atheist_n be_v such_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wonder_n that_o they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o reject_v all_o those_o authentic_a relation_n we_o have_v of_o miracle_n both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o no_o more_o than_o history_n and_o have_v obtain_v the_o most_o universal_a belief_n especial_o this_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a in_o those_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o deism_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n for_o can_v that_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v nature_n act_n without_o or_o above_o or_o against_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v and_o may_v it_o not_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o do_v this_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o more_o abundant_a conviction_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v sink_v into_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n when_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v necessary_a to_o awaken_v man_n into_o the_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n or_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o prophet_n to_o declare_v and_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o miracle_n as_o long_o as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o make_v any_o new_a and_o public_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n when_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a and_o credible_a that_o god_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v shall_v some_o time_n work_v miracle_n as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n and_o to_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v or_o to_o make_v such_o new_a discovery_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o the_o fall_a state_n of_o mankind_n require_v when_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o credible_a and_o so_o worthy_a of_o god_n what_o reasonable_a pretence_n can_v there_o be_v for_o reject_v miracle_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n but_o atheism_n be_v not_o the_o disease_n of_o that_o age_n which_o have_v run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o though_o miracle_n do_v prove_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v principal_o intend_v to_o prove_v the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o no_o other_o god_n can_v do_v such_o as_o make_v the_o egyptian_a magician_n confess_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v be_v take_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n than_o such_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a power_n superior_a to_o all_o those_o who_o worship_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n either_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o power_n rule_v over_o all_o or_o if_o they_o have_v yet_o they_o believe_v that_o this_o supreme_a god_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o mankind_n to_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o therefore_o worship_v with_o divine_a honour_n as_o the_o disposer_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o either_o pay_v no_o worship_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n which_o be_v the_o more_o general_a practice_n or_o worship_v their_o country-god_n together_o with_o he_o and_o that_o with_o the_o most_o frequent_a most_o solemn_a and_o pompous_a worship_n now_o such_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n as_o these_o which_o none_o of_o their_o country-god_n can_v do_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o
we_o owe_v to_o providence_n 345_o a_o particular_a acknowledgement_n of_o providence_n in_o all_o event_n ibid._n submission_n to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n 347_o concern_v submission_n to_o god_n under_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n 348_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n 354_o concern_v hope_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o divine_a providence_n 366_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n 378_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n the_o introduction_n my_o chief_a design_n in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n be_v so_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o religious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o providence_n be_v the_o principal_a objection_n against_o it_o which_o tempt_v some_o man_n to_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o so_o weaken_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o other_o that_o they_o be_v very_o little_a the_o better_a for_o believe_v it_o that_o a_o divine_a providence_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n i_o have_v prove_v large_o enough_o for_o my_o present_a design_n in_o the_o discourse_n concern_v a_o future_a judgement_n 3._o which_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o but_o that_o this_o work_n may_v not_o seem_v to_o want_v a_o foundation_n i_o have_v not_o whole_o omit_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o providence_n but_o have_v at_o least_o say_v enough_o to_o convince_v those_o of_o a_o providence_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o a_o discourse_n of_o providence_n the_o whole_a be_v divide_v into_o nine_o chapter_n i._o the_o necessary_a connection_n between_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n ii_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o particular_o concern_v a_o preserve_v providence_n iii_o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n iv._o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n v._o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n viii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n ix_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n the_o explication_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o only_o answer_v many_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n but_o will_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o of_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o religion_n chap._n i._n the_o necessary_a connection_n between_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n instead_o of_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v a_o providence_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a insist_v only_o on_o this_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n infer_v a_o providence_n that_o if_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n do_v govern_v it_o too_o 1._o for_o first_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o chance_n as_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n for_o chance_n can_v no_o more_o govern_v than_o it_o can_v make_v the_o world_n one_o principal_a act_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v to_o preserve_v their_o nature_n power_n operation_n to_o make_v this_o low_a world_n again_o every_o year_n by_o new_a production_n for_o nature_n seem_v to_o decay_v and_o die_v and_o revive_v again_o in_o almost_o as_o wonderful_a a_o manner_n and_o as_o unintelligible_a to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v first_o make_v now_o though_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o chance_n which_o act_n by_o no_o rule_n nor_o with_o any_o counsel_n or_o design_n can_v make_v a_o world_n which_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o admirable_a wisdom_n in_o its_o contrivance_n yet_o it_o seem_v more_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o chance_n can_v preserve_v that_o it_o can_v uphold_v the_o thing_n it_o have_v make_v that_o it_o can_v repair_v the_o decay_n of_o nature_n nay_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v lose_v that_o it_o can_v not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n twice_o but_o repeat_v it_o infinite_o in_o new_a production_n that_o chance_n can_v give_v law_n to_o nature_n 1._o and_o impose_v a_o necessity_n on_o it_o to_o act_v regular_o and_o uniform_o that_o be_v that_o chance_n shall_v put_v a_o end_n to_o chance_n and_o introduce_v necessity_n and_o fate_n be_v there_o not_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a providence_n it_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o likely_a that_o chance_n shall_v unmake_v and_o dissolve_v the_o world_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v at_o first_o make_v it_o for_o a_o world_n that_o come_v together_o by_o chance_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o keep_v it_o together_o but_o the_o chance_n that_o make_v it_o which_o be_v as_o uncertain_a and_o mutable_a as_o chance_n be_v will_v quick_o unmake_v itself_o shall_v the_o sun_n but_o change_v his_o place_n come_v near_o this_o earth_n or_o remove_v far_o from_o it_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o low_a world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v place_v there_o by_o chance_n it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o in_o so_o many_o age_n some_o new_a unlucky_a chance_n have_v not_o remove_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n attribute_n not_o only_o the_o creation_n but_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n praise_v he_o sun_n and_o moon_n praise_v he_o you_o star_n of_o light_n praise_v he_o all_o you_o heaven_n and_o you_o water_n that_o be_v above_o the_o heaven_n let_v they_o praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v make_v he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v he_o have_v make_v they_o fast_o for_o ever_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o law_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v break_v 148._o psal._n 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 2_o the_o same_o wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o make_v the_o world_n must_v govern_v it_o too_o it_o be_v only_o a_o create_a power_n that_o can_v preserve_v that_o which_o owe_v its_o very_a be_v to_o power_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o power_n that_o make_v it_o for_o it_o can_v have_v no_o principle_n of_o self-subsistence_n independent_a on_o its_o cause_n it_o be_v only_o create_v wisdom_n that_o perfect_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o see_v all_o the_o spring_n of_o motion_n that_o can_v correct_v the_o error_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v suspend_v or_o direct_v the_o influence_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o can_v govern_v heart_n change_v man_n purpose_n inspire_v wisdom_n and_o counsel_n restrain_v or_o let_v loose_v their_o passion_n it_o be_v only_o a_o infinite_a mind_n that_o can_v take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o world_n that_o can_v allot_v every_o creature_n its_o portion_n that_o can_v adjust_a the_o interest_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n that_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n in_o a_o word_n the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v such_o wisdom_n and_o such_o power_n as_o no_o be_v have_v but_o he_o who_o make_v it_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v it_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o maker_n of_o it_o 3_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o be_v as_o we_o call_v god_n a_o pure_a infinite_a eternal_a mind_n it_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o must_v govern_v the_o world_n those_o who_o deny_v a_o providence_n will_v not_o allow_v that_o god_n see_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o the_o epicurean_o though_o in_o civility_n and_o compliment_n to_o the_o superstition_n of_o mankind_n rather_o than_o from_o a_o real_a belief_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n they_o do_v own_o a_o god_n nay_o a_o great_a many_o god_n fruatur_fw-la such_o as_o they_o be_v yet_o never_o allow_v their_o god_n to_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o affair_n longè_fw-la which_o will_v have_v disturb_v their_o profound_a ease_n and_o rest_v the_o sole_a happiness_n of_o the_o lazy_a unactive_a epicurean_a deity_n and_o this_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o their_o god_n who_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o they_o and_o know_v nothing_o concern_v they_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n this_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n that_o wicked_a man_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n see_v or_o hear_v or_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o what_o they_o do_v 64._o psalm_n 5._o they_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a matter_n they_o commune_v of_o lay_v snare_n secret_o they_o say_v who_o shall_v see_v they_o 10._o psalm_n 11._o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n god_n have_v forget_v he_o hide_v his_o face_n he_o will_v never_o see_v it_o
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
work_n of_o nature_n prove_v that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o uniform_a production_n of_o nature_n prove_v the_o world_n be_v uphold_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o omnipotent_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 1_o rom._n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n or_o his_o govern_n providence_n this_o visible_a world_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o eternal_a power_n which_o make_v it_o but_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o administer_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o 14._o act_n 17._o he_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n from_o his_o providence_n nevertheless_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n and_o 17._o act_n 28._o he_o prove_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o because_o he_o make_v it_o for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o your_o own_o poet_n have_v say_v for_o we_o be_v also_o his_o offspring_n which_o be_v very_o improper_o allege_v by_o st._n paul_n if_o we_o may_v be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v if_o god_n make_v the_o world_n do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v his_o constant_a care_n and_o governmet_a of_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n know_v in_o those_o day_n that_o no_o man_n who_o confess_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n question_v his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o god_n because_o he_o make_v we_o this_o be_v a_o noble_a argument_n to_o prove_v both_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o very_a delightful_a entertainment_n to_o view_v all_o the_o curiosity_n and_o suprize_v wonder_n of_o nature_n with_o what_o beauty_n art_n and_o contrivance_n particular_a creature_n be_v make_v and_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o great_a machine_n be_v fit_v to_o each_o other_o and_o make_v a_o regular_a and_o uniform_a world_n how_o all_o particular_a creature_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o use_n and_o purpose_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n and_o yet_o be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o one_o another_o and_o have_v as_o mutual_a a_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n as_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o clock_n what_o a_o equal_a and_o steady_a hand_n govern_v the_o world_n when_o its_o motion_n seem_v most_o eccentric_a and_o exorbitant_a and_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n when_o thing_n be_v so_o perplex_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o but_o a_o god_n to_o disentangle_v they_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n in_o this_o cause_n will_v but_o man_n attentive_o study_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v as_o visible_a in_o his_o work_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v by_o its_o light_n when_o all_o the_o wonder_n of_o nature_n be_v unfold_v and_o expose_v particular_o to_o our_o view_n it_o so_o over-power_n the_o mind_n with_o such_o infinite_a variety_n of_o that_o most_o divine_a art_n and_o wisdom_n that_o modest_a man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o ascribe_v such_o thing_n to_o a_o blind_a chance_n which_o have_v no_o design_n or_o counsel_n indeed_o to_o say_v that_o a_o world_n full_a of_o infinite_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o admirable_a art_n a_o world_n so_o make_v that_o no_o art_n can_v make_v it_o better_o be_v not_o make_v by_o a_o wise_a mind_n but_o by_o chance_n by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o without_o any_o design_n after_o infinite_a fruitless_a trial_n happen_v into_o this_o exact_a useful_a beautiful_a order_n that_o now_o they_o be_v in_o know_v when_o they_o be_v well_o and_o in_o despite_n of_o chance_n move_v as_o constant_o regular_o artificial_o in_o all_o new_a production_n as_o the_o divine_a and_o most_o uniform_a wisdom_n can_v direct_v i_o say_v to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_n by_o leave_v no_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o argumentation_n to_o dispute_v with_o a_o atheist_n be_v the_o most_o vain_a pretender_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a strength_n of_o atheism_n consist_v in_o contradict_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n they_o have_v no_o principle_n nor_o can_v have_v any_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o reason_v but_o only_o confident_o deny_v or_o affirm_v they_o can_v assign_v no_o principle_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n allow_v to_o be_v principle_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o no_o providence_n but_o they_o only_o reject_v those_o principle_n which_o all_o other_o man_n agree_v in_o and_o from_o whence_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n brief_o to_o explain_v this_o which_o will_v teach_v you_o to_o reject_v atheism_n and_o atheist_n without_o trouble_v yourselves_o to_o dispute_v with_o they_o for_o they_o have_v no_o common_a principle_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o reason_n upon_o nor_o indeed_o any_o principle_n of_o reason_n at_o all_o a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v for_o this_o purpose_n mankind_n who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o think_v and_o reason_v have_v universal_o agree_v that_o there_o must_v be_v something_o that_o have_v no_o beginning_n and_o no_o cause_n for_o nothing_o can_v produce_v nothing_o that_o have_v there_o ever_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n unless_o there_o can_v be_v a_o effect_n without_o a_o cause_n which_o be_v too_o absurd_a for_o atheist_n themselves_o to_o say_v in_o express_a word_n who_o do_v not_o boggle_v much_o at_o absurdity_n and_o therefore_o they_o make_v their_o atom_n and_o their_o vacuum_n to_o be_v eternal_a it_o be_v agree_v also_o that_o whatever_o have_v a_o beginning_n have_v a_o cause_n and_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o natural_a progress_n of_o human_a understanding_n be_v to_o reason_n from_o one_o cause_n to_o another_o till_o we_o ascend_v to_o and_o centre_n in_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o believe_v one_o first_o eternal_a cause_n as_o to_o believe_v a_o eternal_a be_v but_o though_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o believe_v something_o eternal_a it_o be_v as_o unnatural_a to_o believe_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a though_o we_o have_v of_o a_o eternal_a cause_n for_o the_o very_a reason_n why_o we_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v something_o eternal_a be_v because_o there_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v because_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o eternal_a but_o if_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v not_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v and_o unmake_v change_v and_o alter_v as_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v may_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n than_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o if_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o natural_a notion_n it_o can_v be_v a_o natural_a notion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o first_o cause_n for_o that_o very_a notion_n suppose_v that_o something_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o be_v original_o make_v when_o it_o be_v not_o before_o and_o therefore_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o eternal_a for_o to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o axiom_n primary_o relate_v to_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n and_o be_v so_o understand_v by_o all_o man_n and_o how_o can_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o the_o make_n and_o give_v be_v to_o any_o thing_n be_v natural_a if_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o nothing_o be_v make_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o see_v and_o visible_a effect_n which_o have_v no_o visible_a cause_n adequate_a to_o the_o produce_v such_o effect_n be_v allow_v by_o all_o mankind_n to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o some_o invisible_a cause_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o
and_o he_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o human_a nature_n in_o it_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v 1._o rom._n 20._o for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v make_v must_v have_v a_o cause_n if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a cause_n there_o must_v be_v a_o invisible_a maker_n and_o therefore_o this_o world_n which_o have_v no_o visible_a must_v have_v a_o invisible_a cause_n and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o conclude_v the_o cause_n from_o the_o effect_n so_o be_v it_o to_o learn_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o effect_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n must_v be_v either_o specifical_o or_o virtual_o in_o the_o cause_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o cause_n that_o have_v no_o cause_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o itself_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o have_v life_n and_o understanding_n must_v be_v make_v by_o a_o live_n and_o understand_v cause_n whatever_o have_v art_n and_o skill_n and_o wise_a contrivance_n in_o its_o frame_n as_o every_o worm_n and_o fly_n have_v must_v have_v a_o wise_a design_v cause_n for_o its_o maker_n and_o then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o whole_a world_n be_v not_o make_v by_o chance_n or_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n but_o by_o a_o infinite_o wise_a mind_n this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v easy_a and_o natural_a to_o our_o mind_n all_o man_n understand_v it_o all_o man_n feel_v it_o atheist_n themselves_o allow_v of_o this_o kind_n of_o proof_n in_o all_o other_o case_n except_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o providence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o absurd_a foolish_a way_n of_o reason_v for_o than_o it_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v of_o in_o any_o case_n and_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v it_o in_o this_o case_n but_o that_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o yet_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o effect_n to_o cause_n must_v be_v good_a in_o all_o case_n or_o in_o none_o for_o the_o principle_n be_v universal_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v make_v without_o a_o cause_n this_o principle_n be_v false_a and_o can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o i_o challenge_v the_o wise_a and_o subtle_a atheist_n of_o they_o all_o to_o prove_v from_o any_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o most_o beautiful_a and_o regular_a house_n that_o ever_o he_o see_v which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v build_v for_o that_o be_v a_o proof_n from_o sense_n not_o from_o reason_n be_v build_v by_o man_n and_o be_v a_o work_n of_o art_n and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o either_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n nor_o be_v make_v by_o the_o accidental_a meeting_n of_o the_o several_a material_n which_o without_o knowledge_n art_n or_o design_n fall_v into_o a_o regular_a and_o uniform_a building_n have_v these_o man_n never_o see_v a_o house_n build_v i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v how_o they_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o art_n build_v by_o a_o skilful_a workman_n and_o not_o make_v by_o chance_n and_o by_o what_o medium_n soever_o they_o will_v prove_v this_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v he_o make_v it_o but_o the_o present_a enquiry_n be_v only_o this_o whether_o this_o be_v human_a reason_n the_o natural_a reason_n of_o human_a mind_n if_o it_o be_v than_o man_n who_o will_v be_v content_v to_o reason_n like_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v and_o assent_v to_o this_o argument_n from_o effect_n to_o cause_n which_o unavoidable_o prove_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o those_o who_o will_v follow_v the_o notice_n and_o principle_n of_o human_a reason_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reason_v beyond_o human_a reason_n those_o who_o do_v may_v please_v themselves_o with_o it_o those_o who_o have_v find_v out_o a_o reason_n which_o contradict_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o reason_n must_v reason_n by_o themselves_o for_o mankind_n can_v reason_v with_o they_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o atheist_n reason_n when_o they_o have_v lay_v aside_o this_o principle_n of_o reason_n from_o effect_n to_o cause_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o most_o artificial_a world_n may_v be_v make_v without_o art_n or_o any_o wise_a maker_n by_o blind_a chance_n without_o any_o design_v efficient_a cause_n that_o life_n and_o sense_n and_o reason_n may_v result_v from_o dead_a stupid_a senseless_a atom_n well!_o we_o hear_v this_o and_o bear_v it_o as_o patient_o as_o we_o can_v but_o how_o do_v they_o prove_v this_o why_o they_o say_v it_o may_v be_v and_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o but_o how_o do_v they_o know_v this_o may_v be_v have_v they_o any_o such_o notion_n in_o their_o mind_n have_v they_o any_o natural_a sensation_n that_o answer_v these_o word_n do_v nature_n teach_v they_o that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n adequate_a to_o the_o effect_n that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v wise_o make_v without_o a_o wise_a cause_n that_o one_o contrary_n can_v produce_v the_o other_o that_o senseless_a stupid_a matter_n can_v produce_v life_n sensation_n and_o understanding_n can_v they_o then_o tell_v i_o what_o it_o be_v that_o can_v be_v i_o desire_v to_o know_v by_o what_o rule_n they_o judge_v what_o may_v be_v and_o what_o can_v be_v and_o if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contradictious_a than_o their_o may_v be_v i_o will_v renounce_v sense_n and_o reason_n for_o ever_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n according_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n this_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o their_o may_v be_v his_o can_n signify_v be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n deceive_v we_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a principle_n of_o reason_n tell_v we_o can_v be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o glorious_a triumph_n of_o atheistical_a reason_n it_o can_v get_v no_o far_o than_o a_o may_v be_v and_o such_o a_o may_v be_v as_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v true_a set_a aside_o the_o relation_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n from_o cause_n to_o effect_n and_o from_o effect_n to_o cause_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o knowledge_n and_o set_v aside_o all_o those_o first_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o reason_n which_o all_o man_n assent_v to_o at_o the_o first_o proposal_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o reason_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n without_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o some_o first_o principle_n which_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o clear_a distinct_a and_o vigorous_a perception_n of_o and_o if_o man_n will_v distrust_v their_o own_o mind_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v a_o easy_a natural_a perception_n of_o and_o prefer_v some_o arbitrary_a notion_n which_o seem_v absurd_a contradiction_n and_o impossible_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n of_o beyond_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n they_o may_v be_v atheist_n if_o they_o please_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v they_o may_v be_v atheist_n if_o they_o will_v not_o judge_v and_o reason_n like_o man_n but_o if_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n as_o we_o be_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n we_o have_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o chap._n ii_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o particular_o concern_v a_o preserve_v providence_n have_v prove_v as_o large_o as_o my_o present_a design_n require_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o providence_n the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n be_v god_n care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n he_o have_v make_v which_o must_v consist_v in_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v their_o being_n and_o nature_n and_o in_o such_o act_n of_o government_n as_o the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n require_v which_o divide_v providence_n into_o preservation_n and_o government_n which_o must_v be_v careful_o distinguish_v in_o order_n to_o answer_v some_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n i_o
two_o distinct_a and_o different_a act_n of_o power_n to_o make_v and_o to_o preserve_v for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n know_v this_o who_o neither_o know_v how_o god_n create_v nor_o how_o he_o preserve_v thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o create_v be_v to_o give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o before_o to_o preserve_v be_v to_o continue_v that_o in_o be_v which_o be_v make_v before_o and_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v once_o create_v it_o can_v never_o be_v new_o create_v till_o it_o fall_v into_o nothing_o again_o for_o to_o create_v be_v to_o make_v out_o of_o nothing_o not_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n which_o already_o be_v but_o by_o what_o act_v of_o power_n either_o of_o these_o be_v do_v we_o can_v tell_v nor_o be_v we_o concern_v to_o know_v for_o what_o way_n soever_o this_o be_v do_v we_o equal_o depend_v on_o god_n we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o he_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o act_n of_o preservation_n which_o consist_v 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from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o nature_n but_o if_o these_o natural_a power_n while_o they_o be_v preserve_v in_o their_o full_a force_n and_o vigour_n by_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o themselves_o without_o a_o new_a extrinsic_a determine_v motion_n from_o god_n than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o natural_a power_n for_o they_o can_v act_v by_o nature_n if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o fire_n do_v burn_v by_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n preserve_v its_o nature_n it_o can_v burn_v without_o some_o new_a cooperate_a power_n which_o be_v not_o in_o its_o nature_n a_o man_n dont_fw-fr reason_n and_o judge_n choose_v and_o refuse_v by_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n preserve_v his_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n yet_o he_o can_v neither_o understand_v nor_o will_n unless_o he_o be_v move_v act_v determine_v by_o god_n this_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n a_o mere_a apparition_n and_o empty_a scene_n which_o have_v nothing_o real_a whatever_o we_o see_v do_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o do_v by_o creature_n who_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o act_v like_o machine_n not_o from_o the_o internal_a principle_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o external_n motion_n but_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n himself_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n even_o all_o the_o contradiction_n and_o contrariety_n we_o see_v in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difficulty_n which_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o creature_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v that_o they_o ever_o act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o god_n co-operate_v only_o to_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o action_n that_o be_v that_o he_o only_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n without_o change_v influence_a determine_v their_o nature_n otherwise_o than_o these_o natural_a power_n will_v natural_o act_v for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o action_n when_o god_n have_v create_v the_o natural_a power_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o co-operation_n that_o can_v belong_v to_o god_n as_o the_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n whatever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o as_o i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o that_o god_n do_v it_o belong_v to_o a_o govern_n not_o to_o a_o preserve_v providence_n god_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o mere_o cooperate_v with_o our_o natural_a power_n to_o perform_v natural_a action_n but_o this_o he_o do_v as_o a_o governor_n not_o mere_o as_o a_o preserver_n the_o not_o distinguish_v of_o which_o have_v occasion_v great_a mistake_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o god_n have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o such_o natural_a power_n and_o virtue_n as_o may_v answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v he_o have_v make_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v to_o enlighten_v and_o refresh_v the_o world_n the_o fire_n to_o burn_v the_o earth_n to_o bring_v forth_o all_o sort_n of_o herb_n and_o grass_n and_o corn_n and_o fruit_n the_o vapour_n to_o ascend_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n to_o purge_v and_o fan_v the_o air_n with_o wind_n and_o to_o fall_v down_o again_o in_o fruitful_a shower_n every_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o tree_n have_v its_o peculiar_a seed_n to_o propagate_v its_o kind_a as_o all_o live_a creature_n have_v now_o as_o it_o have_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n for_o god_n to_o have_v make_v a_o world_n without_o uphold_v it_o in_o be_v for_o creature_n can_v no_o more_o preserve_v than_o they_o can_v make_v themselves_o so_o it_o have_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o such_o virtue_n and_o power_n as_o belong_v to_o their_o several_a nature_n without_o such_o a_o natural_a co-operation_n whatever_o that_o be_v as_o shall_v enable_v their_o natural_a power_n to_o act_n and_o to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o god_n establish_v this_o natural_a concourse_n and_o co-operation_n to_o actuate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n by_o a_o perpetual_a law_n which_o be_v that_o blessing_n god_n bestow_v upon_o all_o creature_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o though_o this_o blessing_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v and_o to_o replenish_v the_o sea_n and_o air_n and_o earth_n which_o preserve_v and_o invigorate_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v express_v only_o of_o live_a creature_n the_o fish_n and_o fowl_n and_o beast_n and_o man_n yet_o it_o equal_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a creation_n as_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v and_o make_v nature_n regular_a and_o constant_a in_o all_o its_o motion_n and_o production_n but_o there_o be_v other_o act_n belong_v to_o god_n government_n even_o of_o the_o material_a world_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o more_o hereafter_o as_o to_o direct_v the_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o suspend_v and_o restrain_v they_o to_o make_v the_o earth_n fruitful_a or_o barren_a the_o air_n wholesome_a or_o pestilential_a to_o withhold_v the_o dew_n and_o shower_n of_o heaven_n or_o to_o give_v the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n in_o its_o season_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o rain_v upon_o one_o city_n and_o not_o upon_o another_o and_o so_o to_o temper_v the_o influence_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o punish_v the_o wickedness_n or_o to_o reward_v the_o obedience_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v act_n of_o government_n and_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a kind_n from_o actuate_a the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o to_o do_v what_o they_o be_v make_v for_o thus_o to_o consider_v the_o rational_a world_n god_n have_v endow_v man_n
man_n sin_n the_o charge_n lie_v equal_o against_o a_o create_a and_o cooperate_a power_n if_o it_o do_v not_o god_n be_v no_o more_o chargeable_a with_o sin_n for_o cooperate_a with_o man_n natural_a power_n in_o every_o action_n than_o he_o will_v be_v for_o create_v such_o natural_a power_n as_o can_v act_v of_o themselves_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v without_o deny_v they_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o action_n and_o therefore_o while_o he_o co-operate_v with_o creature_n only_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n this_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o this_o government_n nor_o contribute_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o the_o sin_n of_o creature_n than_o preserve_v their_o nature_n which_o as_o much_o become_v god_n as_o it_o do_v to_o make_v they_o thus_o some_o think_v it_o a_o great_a blemish_n to_o providence_n that_o adulterous_a mixture_n prove_v fruitful_a when_o increase_n and_o multiply_v be_v a_o establish_a decree_n from_o the_o first_o creation_n and_o the_o settle_a course_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v not_o be_v reverse_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n they_o may_v as_o well_o object_n against_o providence_n that_o a_o man_n who_o steal_v his_o neighbour_n grain_n and_o sow_v it_o in_o his_o own_o land_n shall_v have_v a_o plentiful_a crop_n the_o next_o year_n from_o his_o steal_a seed_n and_o whatever_o opinion_n man_n have_v concern_v the_o origination_n of_o the_o soul_n whether_o it_o be_v propagate_v ex_fw-la traduce_v or_o do_v praeexi_v or_o be_v immediate_o create_v by_o god_n and_o infuse_v into_o prepare_a matter_n it_o make_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o case_n for_o when_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v settle_v and_o the_o blessing_n pronounce_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o divine_a decree_n it_o do_v not_o unbecome_v god_n to_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o want_v not_o wise_a reason_n in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o restrain_v some_o man_n lust_n and_o to_o shame_n and_o punish_v other_o nay_o i_o believe_v whoever_o consider_v this_o matter_n well_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o answer_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o all_o viz._n the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n the_o objection_n be_v not_o against_o god_n punish_v wicked_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n for_o no_o body_n pretend_v that_o this_o be_v unjust_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a whether_o in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o next_o nor_o be_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o punishment_n for_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o distinct_o know_v what_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o we_o know_v what_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v those_o description_n our_o saviour_n give_v of_o they_o of_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstome_n blackness_n of_o darkness_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o go_v out_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v very_o great_a because_o these_o description_n be_v intend_v to_o present_v to_o we_o very_o frightful_a and_o terrible_a image_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o complaint_n neither_o for_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o wicked_a man_n deserve_v to_o be_v very_o miserable_a but_o the_o objection_n be_v against_o that_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n how_o it_o be_v reconcilable_a with_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o punish_v temporal_a sin_n with_o eternal_a misery_n that_o when_o man_n can_v sin_v but_o for_o a_o very_a few_o year_n they_o must_v suffer_v for_o it_o for_o ever_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o seem_v in_o part_n to_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o mistate_v the_o case_n there_o be_v no_o proportion_n indeed_o between_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o it_o be_v therefore_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v that_o every_o momentary_a sin_n shall_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n deserve_v eternal_a punishment_n but_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n to_o conceive_v that_o a_o immortal_a sinner_n may_v by_o some_o short_a and_o momentary_a sin_n sink_v himself_o into_o a_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o misery_n and_o then_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a as_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v to_o be_v and_o if_o he_o can_v never_o die_v he_o must_v be_v always_o miserable_a and_o may_v be_v so_o without_o any_o injustice_n in_o god_n we_o do_v not_o here_o consider_v the_o proportion_n between_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n between_o a_o short_a transient_a act_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n but_o the_o sinner_n that_o be_v punish_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o ask_v how_o long_a punishment_n a_o short_a sin_n deserve_v but_o how_o long_o the_o sinner_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o the_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v easy_a as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o a_o immortal_a sinner_n who_o can_v never_o die_v and_o will_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v wicked_a which_o be_v the_o hopeless_a and_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n must_v always_o be_v miserable_a and_o it_o be_v just_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o if_o it_o be_v just_a to_o punish_v sinner_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n for_o as_o to_o the_o eternity_n of_o punishment_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o annihilate_v immortal_a spirit_n when_o they_o be_v become_v incurable_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v only_o concern_v to_o punish_v sinner_n that_o their_o punishent_n be_v eternal_a be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o their_o immortality_n and_o this_o can_v be_v charge_v on_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o make_v immortal_a creature_n and_o to_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v immortal_a creature_n in_o be_v or_o to_o punish_v sinner_n while_o they_o deserve_v punishment_n that_o be_v while_o they_o be_v sinner_n it_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o this_o matter_n to_o remove_v the_o scene_n into_o this_o world_n we_o see_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o world_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o time_n of_o commit_v it_o but_o to_o the_o last_a effect_n of_o the_o sin_n one_o short_a single_a act_n of_o lust_n may_v not_o only_o leave_v a_o last_a reproach_n on_o man_n name_n but_o destroy_v the_o health_n and_o ease_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o life_n for_o their_o ever_o in_o this_o world_n and_o have_v man_n continue_v immortal_a after_o the_o fall_n these_o miserable_a effect_n must_v have_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o then_o there_o have_v be_v a_o visible_a eternal_a punishment_n for_o a_o very_a short_a transient_a sin_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n will_v have_v blame_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o it_o which_o show_v that_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v quick_o commit_v may_v be_v eternal_o punish_v and_o that_o very_o just_o too_o when_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v incurable_a and_o the_o person_n immortal_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o a_o great_a many_o other_o case_n in_o this_o world_n where_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n last_o as_o long_o as_o the_o man_n last_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o of_o the_o misery_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a as_o we_o certain_o know_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n it_o be_v that_o their_o punishment_n be_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o their_o sin_n there_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o eternity_n of_o their_o punishment_n but_o that_o god_n do_v not_o annihilate_v they_o and_o how_o hard_o soever_o any_o man_n may_v think_v it_o to_o be_v that_o a_o sinner_n shall_v be_v eternal_o miserable_a i_o believe_v no_o man_n will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n ought_v in_o justice_n to_o annihilate_v creature_n who_o he_o have_v make_v immortal_a when_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n they_o must_v be_v eternal_o miserable_a if_o they_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v creature_n in_o be_v be_v in_o itself_o consider_v what_o become_v the_o wise_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o annihilate_v sinner_n to_o prevent_v their_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o what_o will_v much_o more_o prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v withdraw_v his_o natural_a concourse_n from_o his_o creature_n or_o to_o have_v annihilate_v they_o to_o prevent_v their_o sin_v or_o which_o be_v the_o last_o result_n of_o all_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o the_o only_a fault_n if_o there_o be_v one_o that_o he_o ought_v
not_o to_o have_v make_v a_o immortal_a creature_n who_o can_v sin_v and_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o whole_a argument_n with_o some_o few_o inference_n 1._o if_o creature_n must_v be_v preserve_v as_o well_o as_o make_v by_o god_n than_o the_o present_a continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o visible_a argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n some_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n because_o they_o do_v not_o see_v he_o make_v it_o but_o they_o see_v a_o world_n preserve_v when_o there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n more_o able_a to_o preserve_v than_o to_o make_v itself_o and_o who_o then_o be_v it_o that_o preserve_v this_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o this_o must_v be_v a_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o power_n and_o the_o only_a reasonable_a creature_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n be_v man_n and_o man_n can_v preserve_v himself_o and_o know_v that_o he_o can_v preserve_v nothing_o else_o and_o therefore_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o invisible_a cause_n who_o we_o call_v god._n 2._o if_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v in_o god_n we_o be_v entire_o he_o and_o owe_v all_o homage_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o make_v we_o but_o we_o have_v our_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o he_o have_v he_o only_o make_v we_o at_o first_o that_o have_v give_v he_o a_o title_n to_o we_o for_o ever_o but_o can_v we_o have_v live_v without_o he_o when_o he_o have_v make_v we_o though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o less_o fault_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v less_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a to_o have_v live_v without_o any_o notice_n or_o regard_n of_o he_o as_o some_o ungrateful_a person_n deal_v by_o their_o friend_n and_o patron_n when_o they_o have_v set_v they_o up_o in_o the_o world_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v by_o themselves_o but_o to_o forget_v that_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v who_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v we_o in_o be_v every_o moment_n be_v to_o affront_v a_o present_a benefactor_n if_o we_o value_v be_v and_o though_o we_o can_v tempt_v god_n by_o this_o to_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o nothing_o yet_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o just_a for_o he_o to_o punish_v we_o to_o preserve_v we_o in_o be_v to_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n which_o be_v infinite_o worse_a for_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v 3._o for_o if_o he_o not_o only_o make_v but_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v we_o in_o be_v he_o must_v be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o governor_n for_o no_o other_o have_v any_o original_a and_o absolute_a interest_n in_o we_o we_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o none_o can_v take_v we_o out_o of_o they_o nor_o touch_v we_o but_o by_o his_o order_n to_o give_v be_v and_o to_o preserve_v it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o government_n no_o other_o be_v have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v no_o other_o power_n can_v govern_v he_o alone_o can_v give_v law_n can_v reward_v or_o punish_v can_v govern_v nature_n can_v direct_v over-rule_v control_v all_o other_o power_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v they_o all_o 4._o and_o this_o may_v convince_v we_o how_o irresistible_a the_o divine_a power_n be_v for_o all_o the_o power_n of_o creature_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o light_n do_v on_o the_o sun_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v have_v no_o power_n against_o he_o and_o what_o distraction_n then_o be_v it_o to_o provoke_v that_o almighty_a god_n who_o we_o can_v resist_v humble_a thyself_o sinner_n before_o thy_o maker_n thy_o preserver_n and_o thy_o judge_n obey_v his_o will_n to_o who_o power_n thou_o must_v submit_v let_v he_o be_v thy_o fear_n and_o thy_o dread_a thy_o only_a fear_n for_o thou_o need_v fear_v none_o else_o all_o power_n be_v he_o none_o can_v resist_v he_o none_o can_v act_v without_o he_o he_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o people_n thou_o be_v safe_a in_o his_o hand_n safe_a in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n but_o thou_o can_v never_o escape_v he_o never_o fly_v from_o he_o never_o defend_v thyself_o against_o he_o for_o thou_o live_v in_o he_o 5._o this_o also_o prove_v that_o god_n must_v see_v and_o know_v all_o our_o action_n for_o we_o live_v and_o move_v in_o he_o he_o be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o privy_a to_o our_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o counsel_n observe_v all_o our_o wander_n see_v we_o in_o all_o our_o retirement_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n can_v hide_v themselves_o this_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n teach_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v it_o for_o if_o we_o can_v think_v nor_o move_v nor_o subsist_v without_o god_n he_o must_v be_v always_o intimate_o present_a with_o we_o which_o shall_v possess_v we_o with_o a_o constant_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o pure_a and_o all_o see_a eye_n chap._n iii_o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n next_o to_o preservation_n as_o that_o signify_v god_n uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v and_o preserve_v and_o actuate_a their_o natural_a power_n we_o must_v consider_v god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n who_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v in_o his_o hand_n or_o else_o something_o may_v be_v do_v which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v this_o all_o man_n grant_v in_o general_a word_n who_o own_o a_o providence_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o particular_n there_o be_v so_o many_o except_a case_n which_o they_o will_v hardly_o allow_v god_n to_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v little_o more_o by_o god_n government_n than_o a_o general_a inspection_n of_o human_a affair_n his_o look_v on_o to_o see_v the_o world_n govern_v itself_o for_o three_o part_n of_o four_o of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n they_o resolve_v into_o bare_a permission_n as_o distinguish_v from_o a_o order_v and_o dispose_v providence_n and_o than_o it_o can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o god_n do_v not_o hinder_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n in_o such_o case_n no_o more_o than_o man_n do_v the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o god_n can_v hinder_v when_o he_o do_v it_o but_o man_n do_v hinder_v because_o they_o can_v but_o still_o mere_o not_o to_o hinder_v do_v not_o signify_v to_o govern_v but_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o and_o because_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o act_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n i_o shall_v distinct_o inquire_v into_o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o his_o government_n of_o event_n 1._o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v three_o sort_n of_o cause_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o each_o 1._o natural_a cause_n 2_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n and_o fortune_n 3_o moral_a cause_n and_o free_a agent_n or_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n 1._o natural_a cause_n or_o god_n government_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o air_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o move_v and_o act_n by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n not_o by_o choice_n now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o attribute_v to_o god_n all_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o belong_v to_o creation_n and_o to_o a_o preserve_v providence_n but_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o all_o their_o natural_a influence_n to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v a_o mind_n shall_v be_v do_v god_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n govern_v the_o moral_a by_o the_o natural_a world_n he_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n by_o a_o wholesome_a or_o pestilential_a air_n by_o fruitful_a or_o barren_a season_n he_o hinder_v or_o promote_v their_o design_n by_o wind_n and_o weather_n by_o a_o forward_a or_o a_o backward_a spring_n and_o make_v nature_n give_v law_n to_o man_n and_o set_v bound_n to_o their_o passion_n and_o intrigue_n to_o overthrow_v the_o most_o powerful_a fleet_n and_o army_n to_o defeat_v the_o wise_a counsel_n
and_o to_o arbitrate_v the_o difference_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o fate_n of_o man_n and_o kingdom_n and_o if_o god_n govern_v man_n by_o nature_n he_o must_v govern_v nature_n too_o for_o necessary_a cause_n can_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o free_a agent_n without_o the_o direction_n and_o management_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n which_o guide_v exert_n or_o suspend_v the_o influence_n of_o nature_n with_o as_o great_a freedom_n as_o man_n act_n man_n do_v not_o always_o deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o and_o if_o the_o kind_n or_o malign_a influence_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v temper_v to_o man_n desert_n to_o punish_v they_o when_o they_o do_v ill_a and_o to_o reward_v they_o when_o they_o do_v well_o natural_a cause_n which_o of_o themselves_o act_v necessary_o without_o wisdom_n or_o counsel_n must_v be_v guide_v by_o a_o wise_a hand_n thus_o reason_n tell_v we_o it_o must_v be_v if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o god_n challenge_v to_o himself_o this_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a empire_n over_o nature_n god_n have_v bestow_v different_a virtue_n and_o power_n on_o natural_a cause_n and_o in_o ordinary_a case_n make_v use_v of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o neither_o act_n without_o they_o nor_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o make_v some_o unthinking_a man_n resolve_v all_o into_o nature_n without_o a_o god_n or_o a_o providence_n because_o except_v the_o case_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v they_o see_v every_o thing_n else_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n have_v make_v a_o world_n and_o make_v nature_n to_o no_o purpose_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n himself_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n without_o make_v use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o ordinary_a government_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o signify_v to_o act_v without_o it_o or_o to_o over-rule_v its_o power_n but_o to_o steer_v and_o guide_v its_o motion_n to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n for_o as_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o act_v without_o nature_n nor_o against_o its_o law_n so_o neither_o do_v nature_n act_n by_o steady_a and_o uniform_a motion_n without_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n but_o while_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o material_a world_n act_v necessary_o and_o exert_v its_o natural_a power_n god_n can_v temper_v suspend_v direct_v its_o influence_n without_o reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n fire_n and_o water_n wind_n and_o rain_n thunder_n and_o lightning_n have_v their_o natutral_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o natural_a cause_n and_o god_n produce_v such_o effect_n as_o they_o be_v make_v to_o produce_v by_o their_o natural_a power_n he_o warm_v we_o with_o fire_n invigorate_v the_o earth_n by_o the_o benign_a influence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o other_o star_n and_o planet_n refresh_v and_o moisten_v it_o with_o spring_n and_o fountain_n and_o rain_n from_o heaven_n fan_n the_o air_n with_o wind_n and_o purge_v it_o with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o like_a but_o then_o when_o and_o where_o the_o rain_n shall_v fall_v and_o the_o wind_n shall_v blow_v in_o what_o measure_n and_o proportion_n time_n and_o season_n natural_a cause_n shall_v give_v or_o withhold_v their_o influence_n this_o god_n keep_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o can_v govern_v without_o alter_v the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v his_o government_n of_o natural_a cause_n in_o order_n to_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n as_o they_o shall_v deserve_v thus_o god_n reason_n with_o job_n concern_v his_o power_n and_o providence_n 38._o job_n 31_o 32_o etc._n etc._n can_v thou_o bind_v the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o the_o pleyade_n or_o loose_v the_o band_n of_o orion_n can_v thou_o bring_v forth_o mazzaroth_n in_o his_o season_n or_o can_v thou_o guide_v arcturus_n with_o his_o son_n know_v thou_o the_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n or_o can_v thou_o set_v the_o dominion_n thereof_o in_o the_o earth_n can_v thou_o lift_v up_o thy_o voice_n to_o the_o cloud_n that_o abundance_n of_o water_n may_v cover_v thou_o can_v thou_o send_v lightning_n that_o they_o may_v go_v and_o say_v unto_o thou_o here_o we_o be_v this_o be_v above_o human_a power_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o government_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n fire_n and_o hail_n snow_n and_o vapour_n and_o stormy_a wind_n fulfil_v his_o word_n 148._o psal._n 8._o sometime_o god_n restrain_v the_o influence_n of_o nature_n shut_v up_o heaven_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o rain_v 2_o chr._n 7._o 13._o at_o other_o time_n he_o call_v to_o the_o cloud_n that_o abundance_n of_o water_n may_v cover_v the_o earth_n he_o give_v the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a rain_n in_o its_o season_n and_o preserve_v to_o we_o the_o appoint_a week_n of_o harvest_n 5._o jer._n 24_o as_o he_o promise_v to_o israel_n 11_o deut_n 14_o 15._o i_o will_v give_v you_o the_o rain_n of_o your_o land_n in_o his_o due_a season_n the_o first_o rain_n and_o the_o latter_a rain_n that_o thou_o may_v gather_v in_o thy_o corn_n and_o thy_o wine_n and_o thy_o oil_n and_o i_o will_v send_v grass_n in_o thy_o field_n for_o thy_o cattle_n that_o thou_o may_v eat_v and_o be_v full_a he_o prescribe_v in_o what_o proportion_n it_o shall_v rain_v 2._o joel_n 23_o 24._o be_v glad_a you_o child_n of_o zion_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n for_o he_o have_v give_v you_o the_o former_a rain_n moderate_o and_o he_o will_v cause_v to_o come_v down_o for_o you_o the_o former_a rain_n and_o the_o latter_a rain_n in_o the_o first_o month_n nay_o god_n appoint_v on_o what_o place_n it_o shall_v rain_v 34._o ezek._n 26._o and_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o and_o the_o place_n round_o about_o my_o hill_n a_o blessing_n and_o i_o will_v cause_v the_o shower_n to_o come_v down_o in_o his_o season_n there_o shall_v be_v shower_n of_o blessing_n 4._o amos_n 7_o 8._o and_o also_o i_o have_v withhold_v 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of_o natural_a cause_n that_o if_o god_n take_v care_n of_o mankind_n he_o must_v govern_v nature_n and_o when_o he_o promise_v health_n and_o plenty_n or_o threaten_v pestilence_n and_o famine_n how_o can_v he_o make_v good_a either_o if_o he_o have_v not_o reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_a power_n over_o nature_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o all_o natural_a cause_n be_v under_o the_o immediate_a and_o absolute_a government_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n keep_v the_o spring_n of_o nature_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o turn_v they_o as_o he_o please_v for_o mere_a matter_n though_o it_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n which_o necessary_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o its_o own_o can_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n without_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o wise_a hand_n and_o we_o see_v in_o a_o thousand_o instance_n what_o a_o empire_n human_a art_n have_v over_o nature_n not_o by_o 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most_o acquaint_v with_o without_o any_o certain_a and_o periodical_a return_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o mechanism_n for_o mechanical_a motion_n be_v fix_v and_o certain_a and_o either_o always_o the_o same_o or_o regular_a or_o uniform_a in_o their_o change_n it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o to_o understand_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o god_n and_o what_o we_o must_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o ordinary_a case_n that_o god_n shall_v reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o we_o that_o if_o we_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n it_o shall_v not_o burn_v we_o or_o into_o the_o water_n it_o shall_v not_o drown_v we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o preserve_v we_o when_o we_o destroy_v ourselves_o by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_v miracle_n to_o deliver_v man_n from_o the_o evil_a effect_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n but_o all_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o heaven_n which_o supply_n our_o want_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n be_v owe_v to_o that_o good_a providence_n which_o command_v nature_n to_o yield_v she_o increase_v and_o those_o disorder_n of_o nature_n which_o afflict_v the_o world_n with_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o earthquake_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n and_o be_v order_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n we_o must_v all_o believe_v this_o or_o confess_v that_o we_o mock_v god_n when_o we_o bless_v he_o for_o a_o healthful_a air_n and_o fruitful_a season_n or_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n when_o we_o see_v the_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n for_o do_v not_o god_n immediate_o interpose_v in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o beg_v his_o favour_n or_o to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n upon_o these_o account_n 2_o let_v we_o consider_v god_n government_n of_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n which_o have_v a_o large_a empire_n over_o human_a affair_n not_o that_o chance_n and_o accident_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n proper_o speak_v for_o whatever_o be_v do_v have_v some_o proper_a and_o natural_a cause_n which_o do_v it_o but_o what_o we_o call_v accidental_a cause_n be_v rather_o such_o a_o accidental_a concurrence_n of_o different_a cause_n as_o produce_v unexpected_a and_o undesign_v effect_n as_o when_o one_o man_n by_o accident_n lose_v a_o purse_n of_o gold_n and_o another_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o field_n without_o any_o such_o expectation_n by_o as_o great_a a_o accident_n find_v it_o and_o how_o much_o of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v owe_v to_o such_o undesign_v surprise_v accidental_a event_n every_o man_n must_v know_v who_o have_v make_v any_o observation_n on_o his_o own_o or_o other_o man_n life_n and_o fortune_n the_o wise_a man_n observe_v this_o long_a since_o 9_o eccl._n 11._o i_o return_v and_o see_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a neither_o yet_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o yet_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o yet_o favour_n to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o some_o unusual_a and_o casual_a event_n change_v the_o fortune_n of_o man_n and_o disappoint_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a mean_n of_o success_n what_o shall_v conquer_v in_o a_o race_n but_o swiftness_n or_o win_v the_o battle_n but_o strength_n what_o shall_v supply_v man_n want_n and_o increase_v riches_n but_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o human_a affair_n what_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n than_o a_o dextrous_a and_o skilful_a application_n and_o address_n and_o yet_o the_o preacher_n observe_v in_o his_o day_n and_o the_o observation_n hold_v good_a still_o that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o time_n and_o chance_n some_o favourable_a juncture_n and_o unseen_a accident_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o all_o human_a strength_n or_o art_n or_o skill_n now_o what_o a_o ill_a state_n be_v mankind_n in_o do_v not_o a_o wise_a and_o merciful_a hand_n govern_v what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n how_o can_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n or_o dispose_v of_o man_n life_n and_o fortune_n without_o govern_v chance_n all_o unseen_a unknown_a and_o surprise_v event_n which_o disappoint_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o in_o a_o moment_n unavoidable_o change_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o human_a affair_n upon_o what_o little_a unexpected_a thing_n do_v the_o fortune_n of_o man_n of_o family_n of_o whole_a kingdom_n turn_v and_o unless_o these_o little_a unexpected_a thing_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n some_o of_o the_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n be_v exempt_v from_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n he_o govern_v chance_n and_o fortune_n that_o the_o most_o unexpected_a event_n how_o casual_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v foresee_v and_o order_v by_o god_n such_o event_n as_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o god_n care_n and_o government_n because_o they_o be_v very_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n many_o time_n the_o great_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o superior_a wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o these_o mean_v god_n disappoint_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o mighty_a frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o liar_n and_o make_v diviner_n mad_a turn_v wise_a man_n backward_o and_o make_v their_o knowledge_n foolish_a 44._o isai._n 25._o do_v strength_n and_o wisdom_n always_o prevail_v as_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n they_o will_v be_v it_o not_o for_o such_o unseen_a disappointment_n mankind_n will_v take_v less_o notice_n of_o providence_n and_o will_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o since_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o absolute_a master_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n a_o powerful_a combination_n of_o sinner_n manage_v by_o some_o crafty_a politician_n will_v govern_v the_o world_n but_o the_o uncertain_a turn_n and_o change_n of_o fortune_n keep_v mankind_n in_o awe_n make_v the_o most_o prosperous_a and_o powerful_a sinner_n fear_v a_o unseen_a vengeance_n and_o give_v security_n to_o good_a man_n against_o unseen_a evil_n which_o can_v befall_v they_o without_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o accidental_a and_o casual_a event_n which_o happen_v to_o we_o all_o and_o which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o our_o life_n all_o man_n see_v and_o feel_v that_o we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o from_o such_o unseen_a event_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o till_o we_o feel_v they_o be_v as_o manifest_v as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o event_n and_o what_o so_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a care_n as_o that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o can_v take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o heathen_n make_v fortune_n a_o goddess_n and_o attribute_v the_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o she_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o they_o only_o signify_v the_o government_n of_o providence_n in_o all_o casual_a and_o fortuitous_a event_n and_o if_o providence_n govern_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v govern_v chance_n which_o govern_v almost_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v govern_v as_o far_o as_o human_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n reach_v god_n expect_v we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o he_o suffer_v we_o to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o folly_n but_o when_o we_o can_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v and_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o in_o other_o case_n human_a prudence_n and_o industry_n must_v concur_v with_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o matter_n of_o chance_n and_o accident_n providence_n must_v act_v alone_o and_o do_v all_o itself_o for_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o providence_n do_v most_o strong_o conclude_v for_o god_n government_n of_o all_o casual_a event_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v as_o express_o attribute_v all_o such_o event_n to_o god_n as_o any_o other_o act_n of_o providence_n and_o government_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o a_o man_n kill_v his_o neighbour_n by_o accident_n god_n be_v say_v to_o deliver_v he_o into_o his_o hand_n 21._o exod._n 12_o 13._o he_o that_o smite_v a_o man_n so_o that_o he_o die_v shall_v
and_o in_o annex_v such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o observation_n or_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n as_o may_v reasonable_o invite_v he_o to_o obedience_n and_o deter_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o as_o this_o degenerate_a state_n require_v in_o lay_v such_o external_a restraint_n on_o he_o and_o afford_v he_o such_o internal_a assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v proportion_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v it_o become_v god_n to_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o reward_v or_o punish_v he_o as_o he_o deserve_v for_o a_o force_a virtue_n deserve_v no_o reward_n and_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v will_v reasonable_o excuse_v from_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n represent_v it_o as_o very_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o deserve_v reward_n or_o punishment_n as_o far_o as_o he_o himself_o be_v only_o concern_v in_o it_o but_o when_o we_o consider_v man_n in_o society_n the_o case_n be_v alter_v for_o when_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o their_o action_n extend_v beyond_o themselves_o to_o do_v good_a or_o hurt_n to_o other_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n become_v concern_v either_o to_o hinder_v or_o to_o permit_v and_o order_v it_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o government_n as_o those_o other_o man_n who_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o better_a or_o the_o worse_a for_o it_o have_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o of_o god_n though_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o free_a agent_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o he_o have_v make_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o he_o himself_o can_v govern_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o that_o god_n can_v when_o he_o please_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n turn_v man_n heart_n and_o chain_v up_o their_o passion_n and_o alter_v their_o counsel_n the_o only_a question_n be_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o do_v this_o and_o no_o man_n can_v question_v the_o fitness_n of_o it_o when_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o god_n make_v no_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a virtuous_a or_o vicious_a by_o a_o perpetual_a and_o irresistible_a force_n for_o this_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o require_v a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o choice_n but_o god_n may_v by_o a_o secret_a and_o irresistible_a influence_n upon_o man_n mind_n even_o force_v they_o to_o do_v that_o good_a which_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o do_v and_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v that_o evil_a which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v which_o do_v not_o make_v they_o good_a man_n but_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v good_a to_o man_n and_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o creature_n may_v when_o he_o see_v fit_a press_v those_o man_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v to_o his_o service_n who_o will_v not_o do_v good_a upon_o choice_n this_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o government_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n the_o first_o have_v relation_n to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n to_o make_v man_n good_a to_o change_v their_o nature_n and_o sinful_a inclination_n into_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o admit_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n respect_v the_o external_a happiness_n or_o misery_n reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o man_n or_o nation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n god_n may_v use_v what_o instrument_n he_o please_v and_o exercise_v such_o authority_n over_o nature_n or_o man_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n of_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v this_o distinction_n because_o the_o confound_a these_o two_o have_v occasion_v great_a difficulty_n and_o mistake_n both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n let_v we_o then_o now_o more_o particular_o consider_v how_o god_n govern_v mankind_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a and_o we_o must_v not_o expectful_o to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n government_n but_o something_o we_o may_v know_v of_o this_o enough_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o reverence_n god_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o to_o vindicate_v his_o providence_n from_o the_o cavil_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v useful_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o two_o general_a head_n 1._o the_o government_n of_o man_n mind_n of_o their_o will_n their_o passion_n and_o counsel_n 2._o the_o government_n of_o their_o action_n 1._o god_n government_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n their_o will_n and_o passion_n and_o counsel_n for_o these_o be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o as_o free_v a_o principle_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v it_o be_v not_o ungovernable_a it_o may_v be_v govern_v and_o that_o without_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n against_o its_o own_o bias_n and_o without_o change_v its_o inclination_n and_o what_o may_v be_v do_v certain_o god_n can_v do_v and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o providence_n we_o may_v conclude_v he_o will_v do_v it_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o bend_v upon_o any_o project_n yet_o hope_v or_o fear_n some_o present_a great_a advantage_n or_o great_a inconvenience_n the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o friend_n a_o sudden_a change_n of_o circumstance_n the_o improbability_n of_o success_n the_o irreparable_a mischief_n of_o a_o defeat_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o consideration_n will_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o god_n to_o imprint_v such_o thought_n upon_o man_n mind_n with_o a_o irresistible_a vigour_n and_o brightness_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o than_o to_o resist_v all_o the_o charm_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n than_o to_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o to_o choose_v misery_n and_o ruin_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o 21._o prov._n 1_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n he_o turn_v it_o whither_o soever_o he_o will_v and_o if_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o he_o have_v all_o other_o man_n heart_n in_o his_o hand_n also_o and_o can_v turn_v and_o change_v they_o as_o he_o please_v thus_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o a_o man_n heart_n devise_v his_o way_n but_o the_o lord_n direct_v his_o step_n 16._o prov._n 9_o man_n consult_v and_o advise_v what_o to_o do_v but_o after_o all_o god_n steer_v and_o direct_v they_o which_o way_n he_o please_v for_o though_o there_o be_v many_o device_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n nevertheless_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v 19_o prov._n 21._o which_o make_v the_o wise_a man_n conclude_v man_n go_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n how_o then_o shall_v a_o man_n understand_v his_o own_o way_n 20._o prov._n 24._o that_o be_v god_n have_v such_o a_o absolute_a government_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o action_n of_o man_n when_o his_o providence_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o event_n that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o know_v what_o he_o himself_o shall_v choose_v and_o do_v for_o god_n can_v in_o a_o instant_n alter_v his_o mind_n and_o make_v he_o steer_v a_o very_a different_a course_n from_o what_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n assure_v we_o i_o know_v that_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n 10._o jer_n 23._o and_o solomon_n tell_v we_o something_o more_o strange_a than_o this_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o man_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n 16._o prov._n 1._o or_o as_o the_o hebrew_n seem_v to_o signify_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o man_n a_o man_n premeditate_v and_o resolve_v what_o he_o will_v say_v but_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v he_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n please_v which_o say_n must_v not_o be_v expound_v to_o a_o universal_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v always_o thus_o but_o that_o
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
beget_v the_o drop_n of_o the_o dew_n out_o of_o who_o womb_n come_v the_o ice_n and_o the_o hoary_a frost_n of_o heaven_n who_o have_v gendr_v it_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a question_n express_v in_o unimitable_a word_n god_n convince_v job_n how_o ignorant_a he_o be_v of_o the_o most_o common_a and_o familiar_a work_n of_o nature_n which_o make_v it_o great_a presumption_n in_o so_o ignorant_a a_o creature_n to_o censure_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o very_a work_n of_o nature_n convince_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o we_o be_v and_o can_v do_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n which_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o never_o ought_v to_o censure_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n do_v because_o he_o be_v so_o much_o wise_a than_o we_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o he_o do_v which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o teach_v we_o the_o most_o profound_a reverence_n and_o the_o most_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n but_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n reach_v far_a that_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v both_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o great_a ignorance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n for_o no_o be_v can_v know_v how_o to_o govern_v a_o world_n who_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o make_v it_o and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n himself_o be_v a_o very_a unfit_a judge_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n for_o he_o can_v never_o know_v when_o the_o world_n be_v well_o and_o wise_o govern_v because_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o wise_a government_n of_o all_o creature_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o without_o understand_v the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n the_o spring_n of_o motion_n the_o mutual_a dependence_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n what_o end_n thing_n be_v make_v for_o and_o what_o use_v they_o serve_v we_o can_v never_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v nor_o what_o can_v be_v do_v or_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o then_o can_v never_o tell_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o rule_n nor_o what_o the_o end_v of_o god_n government_n be_v which_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n without_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v as_o wild_a conjecture_n about_o providence_n as_o a_o blind_a man_n do_v of_o light_n and_o colour_n as_o for_o instance_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o talk_v a_o wise_a word_n about_o god_n government_n of_o mankind_n in_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o turn_v their_o heart_n direct_v and_o influence_n their_o counsel_n suggest_v thought_n to_o they_o and_o 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against_o providence_n be_v that_o good_a man_n be_v not_o always_o reward_v nor_o bad_a man_n punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n that_o many_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o some_o good_a man_n great_a sufferer_n that_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 9_o eccl._n 2._o this_o make_v the_o event_n of_o providence_n very_o sudden_a mysterious_a and_o unaccountable_a that_o no_o man_n know_v what_o course_n to_o take_v to_o make_v his_o life_n easy_a and_o prosperous_a for_o whether_o he_o be_v good_a or_o wicked_a he_o may_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a as_o it_o happen_v as_o for_o the_o objection_n itself_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o more_o hereafter_o but_o at_o present_a i_o will_v only_o ask_v these_o objector_n whether_o to_o remove_v these_o difficulty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o providence_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o event_n they_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_a desire_n that_o god_n will_v reduce_v this_o matter_n to_o a_o certainty_n by_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n and_o reward_v all_o good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n if_o they_o do_v i_o must_v tell_v they_o as_o christ_n tell_v the_o two_o brethren_n who_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v sit_v one_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n you_o ask_v you_o know_v not_o what_o they_o ask_v the_o most_o dangerous_a thing_n that_o can_v possible_o befall_v mankind_n and_o what_o they_o ask_v will_v be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n a_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n than_o what_o they_o complain_v of_o shall_v every_o sinner_n be_v punish_v in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o his_o desert_n what_o man_n be_v there_o so_o just_a and_o innocent_a as_o to_o escape_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n if_o thou_o lord_n shall_v mark_v iniquity_n o_o lord_n who_o shall_v stand_v 130._o psal._n 3_o be_v every_o sinner_n punish_v as_o he_o deserve_v i_o doubt_v there_o will_v be_v no_o good_a man_n leave_v to_o be_v reward_v for_o where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o do_v good_a and_o sin_v not_o what_o room_n do_v this_o leave_n for_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n for_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n for_o god_n pardoning-grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o what_o a_o terrible_a providence_n be_v this_o how_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o kind_n and_o gracious_a government_n of_o his_o creature_n i_o grant_v god_n may_v exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n he_o may_v forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o true_a penitent_n and_o yet_o punish_v 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ever_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n than_o to_o have_v such_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o providence_n as_o this_o let_v i_o desire_v these_o unthinking_a caviller_n at_o providence_n to_o review_v their_o objection_n over_o again_o and_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o every_o word_n in_o it_o and_o how_o upon_o second_o thought_n they_o like_v it_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o plain_a and_o certain_a reason_n of_o god_n judgement_n they_o desire_v that_o no_o man_n may_v suffer_v any_o external_a calamity_n but_o only_o for_o sin_n and_o that_o every_o sinner_n may_v be_v punish_v in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o his_o desert_n and_o then_o they_o will_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o world_n that_o they_o shall_v continue_v infidel_n than_o be_v thus_o convince_v well_o then_o who_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v these_o sinner_n who_o they_o will_v have_v punish_v do_v they_o mean_v every_o one_o who_o do_v a_o wicked_a action_n or_o every_o impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n if_o every_o one_o who_o at_o any_o time_n do_v any_o wicked_a action_n must_v be_v punish_v for_o it_o than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v escape_v then_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n or_o forgiveness_n but_o a_o speedy_a vengeance_n must_v pursue_v the_o sinner_n and_o god_n know_v we_o be_v all_o sinner_n and_o must_v all_o be_v punish_v and_o if_o this_o remove_v one_o objection_n against_o providence_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v very_o much_o increase_v another_o from_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o will_v be_v many_o more_o and_o much_o great_a if_o every_o sin_n must_v receive_v its_o just_a punishment_n if_o they_o mean_v only_o that_o impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n
must_v be_v punish_v than_o they_o must_v allow_v that_o god_n may_v spare_v a_o sinner_n a_o great_a while_n and_o then_o very_a great_a sinner_n may_v be_v prosperous_a a_o great_a while_n and_o if_o they_o repent_v at_o last_o may_v final_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o then_o the_o prosperity_n of_o sinner_n can_v never_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o providence_n unless_o they_o can_v prescribe_v to_o god_n just_o how_o long_o and_o no_o long_o he_o may_v just_o spare_v sinner_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o complain_v of_o any_o thing_n and_o to_o start_v difficulty_n and_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o reduce_v providence_n to_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o these_o man_n desire_v though_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n by_o never_o such_o fix_a and_o steady_a law_n we_o can_v never_o see_v it_o in_o external_a event_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o assign_v a_o reason_n of_o all_o that_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o 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and_o reasonable_a expectation_n of_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n hereafter_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a thing_n and_o the_o peculiar_a mark_n of_o god_n favour_n do_v none_o but_o good_a man_n share_v in_o they_o and_o be_v they_o the_o portion_n of_o all_o good_a man_n we_o shall_v grow_v very_o fond_a of_o this_o world_n and_o little_o think_v of_o another_o or_o of_o exercise_v such_o divine_a virtue_n as_o be_v fit_v to_o that_o state_n nay_o we_o shall_v want_v the_o best_a moral_a argument_n for_o another_o life_n that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n which_o give_v a_o reasonable_a expectation_n of_o another_o life_n but_o when_o we_o see_v bad_a man_n prosperous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a and_o good_a man_n suffer_v as_o hard_a thing_n as_o any_o bad_a man_n do_v this_o convince_v we_o that_o neither_o the_o 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fruit_n be_v in_o the_o vine_n the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n shall_v fail_v and_o the_o field_n shall_v yield_v no_o meat_n the_o flock_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o fold_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o herd_n in_o the_o stall_n yet_o i_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v joy_v in_o the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o know_v in_o all_o case_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o providence_n and_o what_o the_o end_n and_o conclusion_n of_o they_o will_v be_v they_o will_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o submission_n to_o god_n the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o job_n be_v wonderful_a but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o all_o he_o suffer_v be_v that_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o understand_v what_o god_n mean_v and_o intend_v in_o bring_v all_o those_o calamity_n on_o he_o but_o have_v he_o know_v that_o this_o be_v only_o a_o trial_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v these_o suffering_n 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he_o beget_v a_o wicked_a son_n his_o son_n shall_v sure_o die_v and_o if_o this_o wicked_a son_n beget_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a son_n he_o shall_v live_v 20._o the_o son_n shall_v not_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n neither_o shall_v the_o father_n bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o son_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v upon_o he_o that_o if_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n he_o shall_v live_v and_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v from_o his_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v die_v and_o appeal_v to_o they_o to_o judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o equal_a yet_o you_o say_v 29._o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o equal_a hear_v now_o o_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a this_o plain_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n be_v very_o just_a and_o equal_a and_o that_o to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o contradict_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v a_o very_a great_a reproach_n to_o he_o and_o be_v think_v so_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n complain_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n as_o a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n he_o lay_v this_o down_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o a_o unshaken_a principle_n that_o god_n be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n when_o i_o plead_v with_o thou_o yet_o let_v i_o talk_v with_o thou_o of_o thy_o judgement_n wherefore_o do_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v wherefore_o be_v all_o they_o happy_a that_o deal_n very_o treacherous_o 12._o jer._n 1._o this_o very_a complaint_n that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o all_o mankind_n expect_v from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v govern_v the_o world_n with_o great_a justice_n and_o equity_n for_o otherwise_o though_o such_o a_o providence_n itself_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n if_o god_n be_v not_o by_o the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n what_o can_v the_o unaccountable_a difficulty_n of_o providence_n be_v be_v it_o that_o we_o observe_v such_o event_n as_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reconcile_v with_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o what_o then_o this_o be_v no_o difficulty_n nor_o unaccountable_a if_o god_n observe_v no_o rule_n of_o justice_n in_o his_o government_n if_o he_o act_v by_o such_o a_o unaccountable_a will_n as_o have_v no_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o such_o a_o will_v as_o regard_v not_o what_o we_o call_v right_a and_o just_a but_o make_v every_o thing_n just_o it_o will_v the_o difficulty_n and_o unsearchableness_n of_o providence_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o providence_n but_o in_o the_o event_n not_o in_o reconcile_n the_o rule_n of_o providence_n to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n but_o in_o reconcile_n some_o event_n to_o the_o acknowledge_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n government_n this_o be_v the_o atheist_n objection_n against_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n because_o they_o think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o and_o wise_o govern_v and_o though_o we_o can_v vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o a_o great_a many_o difficult_a and_o unaccountable_a event_n which_o the_o atheist_n object_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n against_o unjust_a and_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o government_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n conclude_v to_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o unjust_a as_o for_o instance_n though_o we_o see_v good_a man_n afflict_v and_o wicked_a man_n prosperous_a and_o it_o may_v be_v can_v give_v no_o particular_a account_n why_o this_o good_a man_n be_v afflict_v and_o such_o a_o wicked_a man_n prosperous_a yet_o we_o can_v vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o it_o but_o shall_v any_o man_n turn_v this_o into_o a_o rule_n of_o providence_n that_o by_o the_o sovereign_n and_o unaccountable_a will_n of_o god_n some_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o miserable_a and_o some_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o happy_a this_o we_o can_v never_o vindicate_v because_o it_o contradict_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o though_o we_o can_v always_o judge_v of_o the_o righteousness_n and_o justice_n of_o a_o particular_a event_n yet_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o rule_n and_o abstract_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n thus_o god_n have_v often_o threaten_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o will_v visit_v on_o they_o not_o only_o their_o own_o sin_n but_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n which_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v very_o wise_a and_o just_a of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o but_o when_o by_o a_o ignorant_a or_o spiteful_a mistake_n they_o turn_v this_o into_o a_o unjust_a proverb_n which_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v unjust_a god_n declare_v his_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o what_o mean_v you_o that_o you_o use_v this_o proverb_n concern_v the_o land_n of_o israel_n 2._o say_v the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n as_o if_o child_n who_o have_v never_o eat_v sour_a grape_n themselves_o shall_v have_v their_o tooth_n set_v on_o edge_n by_o their_o father_n eat_v they_o that_o be_v that_o those_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o own_o sin_n shall_v yet_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o father_n sin_n this_o appear_v manifest_o unjust_a and_o god_n himself_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o reproach_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o how_o difficult_a soever_o some_o passage_n of_o providence_n may_v be_v we_o must_v own_v no_o rule_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v manifest_o unjust_a thus_o it_o be_v too_o certain_a that_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n will_v be_v final_o miserable_a and_o this_o be_v very_o reconcilable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n if_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o wicked_a and_o deserve_v to_o be_v miserable_a but_o to_o say_v that_o god_n create_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n nay_o that_o he_o create_v any_o one_o man_n under_o the_o absolute_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n that_o he_o make_v they_o to_o make_v they_o miserable_a can_v never_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o unaccountable_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v notorious_o unjust_a if_o 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justice_n of_o now_o this_o make_v infinite_a wisdom_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n notwithstanding_o such_o event_n as_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o but_o a_o unaccountable_a will_n which_o act_v by_o no_o rule_n of_o justice_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v what_o justice_n mean_v can_v give_v no_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n to_o any_o man_n for_o it_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o providence_n that_o god_n do_v such_o thing_n by_o a_o sovereign_n and_o arbitrary_a will_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n condemn_v as_o unjust_a for_o this_o do_v not_o answer_v our_o complaint_n but_o justify_v they_o this_o be_v all_o the_o atheist_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v and_o all_o that_o he_o desire_n shall_v be_v grant_v he_o to_o confute_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n that_o god_n do_v such_o thing_n
reason_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o what_o god_n do_v when_o we_o know_v that_o he_o execute_v judgement_n and_o restrain_v and_o punish_v wickedness_n and_o govern_v bad_a man_n with_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n 3_o that_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o difficulty_n which_o concern_v such_o matter_n as_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o great_a many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o i_o need_v not_o repeat_v and_o indeed_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a ignorant_a man_n who_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o he_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v discover_v and_o which_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o say_v that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v above_o our_o knowledge_n and_o to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o we_o can_v know_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o only_a remedy_n that_o be_v leave_v we_o and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o rid_v our_o mind_n of_o such_o perplex_v difficulty_n as_o be_v owe_v to_o our_o own_o unavoidable_a ignorance_n of_o thing_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n not_o only_o as_o our_o absolute_a lord_n but_o as_o the_o infinite_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v and_o must_v be_v unaccountable_a and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a answer_n to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o all_o be_v not_o to_o strive_v with_o god_n not_o to_o quarrel_v at_o his_o providence_n but_o to_o reverence_v his_o unsearchable_a judgement_n to_o bear_v whatever_o he_o lay_v on_o we_o with_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o to_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o firm_a trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o in_o the_o most_o cross_a and_o threaten_a event_n it_o be_v think_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o wit_n to_o be_v able_a to_o start_v some_o new_a objection_n against_o providence_n and_o to_o find_v a_o great_a many_o fault_n in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o the_o great_a irreverence_n to_o god_n do_v such_o man_n believe_v a_o god_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o most_o despicable_a ignorance_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o not_o to_o know_v they_o be_v ignorant_a for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o judge_n and_o censure_v infinite_a wisdom_n chap._n v._n the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n he_o must_v govern_v it_o righteous_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o formidable_a objection_n against_o providence_n that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v with_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o can_v this_o be_v evident_o and_o convince_o prove_v i_o will_v allow_v the_o conclusion_n that_o then_o god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v what_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n government_n be_v to_o charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o any_o one_o plain_a and_o notorious_a act_n of_o injustice_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o these_o objection_n be_v a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n government_n and_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o when_o this_o be_v true_o state_v all_o such_o objection_n will_v need_v no_o answer_n justice_n be_v common_o divide_v into_o commutative_a and_o distributive_a justice_n the_o first_o respect_v mens_fw-la right_n and_o property_n the_o second_o their_o desert_n the_o first_o consist_v in_o give_v every_o man_n what_o be_v his_o own_o by_o some_o natural_a or_o acquire_v right_n the_o second_o consist_v in_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n as_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o their_o action_n deserve_v and_o upon_o both_o these_o account_v some_o man_n impeach_v the_o divine_a providence_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o injustice_n do_v in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o great_a many_o man_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n and_o property_n by_o fraud_n injustice_n or_o open_a violence_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o and_o righteous_o govern_v which_o they_o think_v in_o the_o last_o issue_n must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n if_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o that_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o just_o and_o equal_o distribute_v that_o some_o bad_a man_n be_v great_o reward_v and_o some_o good_a man_n great_o punish_v which_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o distributive_a justice_n of_o providenc_n now_o the_o plain_a and_o short_a way_n of_o answer_v these_o and_o all_o such_o like_a objection_n be_v to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v and_o what_o justice_n require_v of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o low_a world_n for_o if_o god_n may_v govern_v the_o world_n very_o righteous_o without_o do_v what_o some_o man_n think_v justice_n require_v he_o to_o do_v and_o without_o hinder_v what_o they_o think_v justice_n require_v he_o to_o hinder_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n whatever_o other_o objection_n they_o may_v make_v against_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v state_n this_o as_o plain_o and_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v 1._o first_o then_o i_o suppose_v i_o may_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o hinder_v all_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o violence_n there_o may_v be_v great_a violence_n and_o injustice_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o god_n may_v govern_v the_o world_n with_o great_a righteousness_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o say_v that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a and_o yet_o god_n be_v very_o just._n as_o for_o god_n permit_v so_o much_o evil_a to_o be_v commit_v that_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n than_o against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o shall_v be_v particular_o consider_v under_o that_o head_n but_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o hinder_v man_n from_o sin_v but_o in_o punish_v they_o when_o they_o do_v be_v it_o unjust_a in_o god_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o do_v any_o injustice_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a kind_n of_o justice_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o it_o for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o justice_n of_o punish_v sin_n will_v be_v found_v in_o the_o injustice_n of_o permit_v it_o and_o god_n must_v be_v first_o unjust_a in_o permit_v injustice_n before_o he_o can_v be_v just_o in_o punish_v it_o which_o show_v how_o absurd_a it_o will_v be_v to_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o injustice_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o unjust_a man_n who_o do_v many_o unjust_a thing_n 2._o for_o god_n may_v do_v that_o very_o just_o which_o man_n can_v do_v without_o great_a injustice_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v be_v very_o unjust_a and_o god_n very_o just_a as_o for_o instance_n god_n may_v very_o just_o take_v away_o any_o man_n estate_n when_o no_o man_n can_v do_v it_o without_o injustce_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o respect_n to_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o life_n itself_o for_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o proprietor_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v all_o his_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v be_v he_o we_o may_v have_v a_o right_n to_o our_o life_n and_o liberty_n estate_n honour_n and_o power_n against_o all_o human_a claim_n but_o we_o have_v no_o right_n against_o god_n he_o may_v give_v riches_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n to_o who_o he_o please_v and_o take_v they_o away_o again_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a without_o be_v chargeable_a with_o any_o injustice_n for_o what_o he_o give_v and_o what_o he_o take_v away_o be_v his_o own_o and_o may_v not_o he_o do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o there_o can_v be_v no_o commutative_a justice_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n where_o there_o be_v no_o right_o but_o on_o one_o side_n for_o he_o who_o have_v no_o right_a can_v suffer_v no_o wrong_n and_o he_o in_o who_o the_o whole_a right_n be_v can_v do_v no_o wrong_n in_o give_v or_o take_v away_o what_o be_v his_o own_o and_o therefore_o legal_a right_n and_o property_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o commutative_a justice_n can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o
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
complain_v against_o providence_n too_o when_o good_a man_n suffer_v and_o the_o wicked_a be_v prosperous_a but_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o the_o service_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n both_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o if_o he_o can_v serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n or_o by_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o when_o he_o have_v no_o far_a use_n of_o their_o service_n reward_n or_o punish_v they_o according_a as_o they_o deserve_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v the_o present_a suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o their_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v vindicate_v his_o justice_n 2_o but_o for_o a_o full_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n government_n of_o this_o low_a world_n and_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v the_o justice_n of_o government_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o government_n for_o all_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v not_o proper_a at_o all_o time_n and_o it_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n if_o god_n do_v not_o exercise_v such_o act_n of_o justice_n as_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n for_o justice_n be_v rectitude_n and_o what_o be_v not_o right_a and_o fit_a in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o just_a the_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o bad_a man_n punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o world_n where_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o all_o wicked_a man_n punish_v for_o if_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o reward_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o work_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n though_o every_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o every_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n if_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o such_o a_o strict_a and_o exact_a justice_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n at_o present_a of_o what_o be_v common_o say_v upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o what_o i_o have_v former_o discourse_v more_o large_o that_o this_o world_n be_v not_o the_o place_n of_o judgement_n but_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n probation_n and_o discipline_n where_o good_a man_n many_o time_n suffer_v not_o so_o much_o in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o to_o exercise_v their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o brighten_v their_o virtue_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o great_a reward_n and_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperon_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n or_o to_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o chastise_v the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o man_n or_o the_o more_o remarkable_a example_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n in_o their_o final_a ruin_n i_o say_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n now_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o justice_n of_o government_n which_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o final_a judgement_n now_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n do_v not_o signify_v to_o destroy_v it_o but_o to_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v it_o and_o to_o continue_v a_o succession_n of_o man_n in_o it_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o as_o good_a order_n as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v that_o provident_a care_n which_o he_o take_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n while_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o preserve_v this_o present_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o destroy_v the_o world_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o providence_n but_o of_o judgement_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n require_v god_n to_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n he_o must_v destroy_v far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o every_o age._n this_o earth_n will_v soon_o be_v little_a better_o than_o a_o desolate_a wilderness_n if_o none_o but_o good_a man_n be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o it_o but_o this_o kind_n of_o justice_n god_n have_v renounce_v ever_o since_o the_o universal_a deluge_n he_o then_o indeed_o exercise_v such_o a_o terrible_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n as_o some_o man_n think_v can_v be_v the_o only_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n he_o destroy_v the_o whole_a world_n by_o water_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n who_o he_o preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n but_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v never_o do_v so_o again_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a wickedness_n of_o mankind_n the_o lord_n say_v in_o his_o heart_n i_o will_v not_o again_o curse_v the_o ground_n any_o more_o for_o man_n sake_n for_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v evil_a from_o his_o youth_n neither_o will_v i_o again_o smite_v any_o more_o every_o live_a thing_n as_o i_o have_v do_v while_o the_o earth_n remain_v seedtime_n and_o harvest_n and_o cold_a and_o heat_n and_o summer_n and_o winter_n and_o day_n and_o night_n shall_v not_o cease_v 8._o gen._n 21_o 22._o so_o that_o god_n will_v no_o more_o destroy_v the_o world_n nor_o all_o the_o wicked_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o wicked_a man_n can_v be_v punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o this_o world_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o root_a all_o bad_a man_n out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o make_v they_o all_o miserable_a in_o it_o or_o in_o reward_v all_o good_a man_n with_o temporal_a felicity_n which_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v do_v without_o constant_a miracle_n and_o the_o visible_a interposition_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n for_o when_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a number_n they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o govern_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o protect_v the_o good_a to_o restrain_v and_o govern_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o executioner_n of_o his_o just_a vengeance_n on_o one_o another_o and_o to_o make_v some_o of_o they_o in_o every_o age_n notorious_a example_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o awaken_v in_o they_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v in_o this_o not_o that_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o all_o bad_a man_n miserable_a but_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o world_n be_v keep_v in_o tolerable_a order_n and_o be_v a_o tolerable_a place_n to_o live_v in_o and_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v as_o often_o punish_v and_o good_a man_n as_o often_o reward_v as_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v that_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o deserve_v and_o what_o god_n see_v good_a for_o he_o if_o he_o will_v make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o it_o and_o that_o how_o prosperous_a soever_o bad_a man_n be_v there_o be_v few_o of_o they_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n without_o some_o mark_n and_o token_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n though_o not_o always_o so_o remarkable_a as_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o world_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o god_n be_v very_o just_a in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o require_v the_o same_o act_n of_o justice_n that_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o mankind_n do_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n which_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o final_a judgement_n that_o be_v between_o god_n govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n we_o shall_v easy_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o true_a account_n of_o the_o
justice_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o agree_v very_o exact_o with_o the_o actual_a administration_n of_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o wicked_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o a_o righteous_a cause_n be_v sometime_o oppress_v and_o that_o oppression_n and_o injustice_n be_v very_o often_o prosperous_a which_o must_v needs_o appear_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o those_o who_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o man_n who_o think_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o defend_v all_o man_n right_n and_o property_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v this_o make_v they_o quarrel_n against_o providence_n when_o they_o be_v hardly_o and_o unjust_o use_v by_o man_n and_o so_o blind_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o see_v not_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o god_n afflict_v they_o and_o neither_o reverence_n his_o judgement_n nor_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o seem_v very_o plain_a the_o only_a question_n be_v how_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n by_o love_a righteousness_n and_o favour_v a_o righteous_a cause_n thus_o 11._o psalm_n 7._o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a and_o the_o psalmist_n very_o often_o encourage_v himself_o to_o expect_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o protection_n from_o his_o own_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o cause_n 35._o psal._n 19_o let_v not_o they_o that_o be_v my_o enemy_n wrongful_o rejoice_v over_o i_o neither_o let_v they_o wink_v with_o the_o eye_n that_o hate_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n stir_v up_o thyself_o and_o awake_v to_o my_o judgement_n even_o to_o my_o cause_n my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n judge_v i_o o_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o let_v they_o not_o rejoice_v over_o i_o let_v they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o bring_v to_o confusion_n together_o that_o rejoice_v at_o my_o hurt_n let_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o shame_n and_o dishonour_n that_o magnify_v themselves_o against_o i_o let_v they_o shout_n for_o joy_n and_o be_v glad_a that_o favour_n my_o righteous_a cause_n yea_o let_v they_o say_v continual_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v magnify_v which_o have_v pleasure_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o servant_n 23_o 24_o 26_o 27._o v_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v the_o people_n judge_v i_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o my_o righteousness_n and_o according_a to_o my_o integrity_n that_o be_v in_o i_o oh_o let_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v to_o a_o end_n but_o establish_v the_o just_a for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n try_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o god_n judge_v the_o righteous_a and_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n if_o he_o turn_v not_o he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n he_o have_v bend_v his_o bow_n and_o make_v it_o ready_a and_o conclude_v i_o will_v praise_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o righteousness_n and_o will_v sing_v praise_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a 7._o psal._n 8_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o which_o the_o psalmist_n praise_v he_o be_v his_o judge_a and_o defend_v a_o righteous_a cause_n thus_o in_o 9_o psalm_n 8_o 9_o 10._o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v minister_v judgement_n to_o the_o people_n in_o uprightness_n the_o lord_n also_o will_v be_v a_o refuge_n to_o the_o oppress_a a_o refuge_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o for_o thou_o lord_n have_v not_o forsake_v they_o that_o seek_v thou_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o multiply_v text_n to_o this_o purpose_n where_o god_n be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o injustice_n and_o violence_n the_o protector_n of_o the_o widow_n the_o fatherless_a and_o oppress_v and_o of_o all_o just_a and_o righteon_n man_n but_o those_o conclude_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o who_o will_v prove_v from_o such_o text_n as_o these_o that_o no_o righteous_a man_n nor_o righteous_a cause_n shall_v ever_o be_v oppress_v that_o good_a man_n shall_v always_o be_v prosperous_a and_o the_o wicked_a always_o miserable_a for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n when_o these_o psalm_n be_v pen_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o how_o many_o complaint_n do_v the_o psalmist_n make_v against_o his_o enemy_n those_o who_o be_v wrongful_o his_o enemy_n 69._o psalm_n 4._o that_o his_o enemy_n be_v lively_a and_o strong_a and_o they_o that_o hate_v he_o wrongful_o be_v multiply_v 38._o psalm_n 19_o how_o passionate_o do_v he_o pray_v for_o protection_n against_o his_o enemy_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v i_o o_o lord_n for_o ever_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o take_v counsel_n in_o my_o soul_n have_v sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n daily_o how_o long_o shall_v my_o enemy_n be_v exalt_v over_o i_o 13._o psalm_n 1_o 2._o the_o 37th_o psalm_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v very_o prosperous_a in_o those_o day_n though_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o final_a destruction_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o 73d_o psalm_n give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o the_o prosperity_n and_o pride_n of_o bad_a man_n many_o of_o who_o spend_v their_o life_n and_o end_v their_o day_n prosperous_o i_o be_v envious_a at_o the_o foolish_a when_o i_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n but_o their_o strength_n be_v firm_a they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n as_o other_o man_n neither_o be_v they_o plague_v as_o other_o man_n behold_v these_o be_v the_o ungodly_a who_o prosper_v in_o the_o world_n they_o increase_v in_o riches_n the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o good_a be_v in_o those_o day_n a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n and_o be_v so_o to_o the_o psalmist_n himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o whatever_o he_o say_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o care_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o injustice_n can_v signify_v that_o god_n will_v always_o defend_v man_n in_o their_o just_a right_n that_o he_o will_v always_o prosper_v a_o righteous_a cause_n and_o righteous_a man_n for_o this_o be_v against_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o psalmist_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o as_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n to_o compalin_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v always_o punish_v unjust_a oppressor_n and_o protect_v the_o innocent_a nay_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o unjust_a oppressor_n if_o no_o body_n can_v be_v oppress_v in_o their_o just_a right_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o divine_a providence_n do_v at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n suffer_v some_o man_n to_o be_v very_o prosperous_a in_o their_o oppression_n and_o do_v not_o always_o defend_v a_o just_a and_o innocent_a cause_n for_o if_o he_o do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o innocent_a oppress_a man_n to_o be_v relieve_v nor_o any_o oppressor_n to_o be_v punish_v and_o if_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n to_o permit_v such_o thing_n for_o some_o time_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o providence_n how_o long_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v oppress_v and_o the_o oppressor_n go_v unpunished_a the_o plain_a account_n then_o of_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o as_o god_n be_v infinite_o just_a and_o righteous_a himself_o so_o he_o love_v justice_n and_o righteousness_n among_o man_n he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o righteous_a man_n and_o hate_v all_o injustice_n violence_n and_o injury_n for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n must_v love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v superior_a to_o all_o human_a right_n and_o his_o authority_n absolute_a and_o sovereign_a to_o dispose_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o of_o all_o they_o have_v as_o his_o own_o wisdom_n direct_v yet_o man_n can_v invade_v each_o other_o right_n without_o injustice_n and_o when_o right_n and_o property_n be_v settle_v by_o human_a law_n it_o be_v
they_o in_o their_o own_o land_n or_o carry_v they_o captive_a into_o strange_a country_n this_o destroy_v all_o their_o right_n and_o property_n at_o once_o and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o philistine_n or_o moabite_n or_o aramite_n have_v any_o right_a to_o invade_v canaan_n and_o to_o bring_v israel_n under_o their_o yoke_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n have_v no_o better_a right_n than_o they_o when_o he_o destroy_v the_o temple_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o carry_v the_o jew_n captive_a to_o babylon_n but_o god_n be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a in_o this_o though_o he_o do_v not_o defend_v they_o in_o their_o just_a right_n because_o they_o have_v deserve_v such_o punishment_n and_o thus_o throughout_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n the_o protection_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o good_a and_o righteous_a man_n to_o those_o who_o love_n god_n who_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o worship_n and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o that_o if_o man_n be_v not_o thus_o qualify_v whatever_o their_o cause_n be_v they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o protection_n of_o providence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n not_o to_o secure_v human_a right_n but_o to_o protect_v and_o defend_v good_a man_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a three_o we_o may_v observe_v also_o in_o scripture_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o god_n love_n to_o righteousness_n and_o to_o righteous_a man_n he_o still_o by_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v good_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n by_o their_o suffering_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o justice_n which_o have_v very_o different_a end_n and_o measure_n as_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o child_n differ_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o a_o malefactor_n for_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v he_o correct_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n 7._o heb._n 7_o 8_o 9_o very_o good_a man_n may_v fall_v into_o such_o great_a sin_n as_o may_v deserve_v a_o severe_a correction_n not_o only_o to_o give_v they_o a_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o more_o watchful_a for_o the_o future_a but_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n repentance_n itself_o though_o it_o will_v obtain_v their_o pardon_n will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o temporal_a punishment_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o david_n when_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n upon_o his_o repentance_n god_n declare_v his_o pardon_n by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n but_o will_v not_o remit_v his_o punishment_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n as_o of_o necessary_a discipline_n and_o these_o be_v general_o the_o many_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a out_o of_o which_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o god_n will_v at_o last_o deliver_v they_o whereas_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a when_o god_n after_o a_o long_a patience_n awake_v to_o judgement_n be_v usual_o for_o their_o final_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n thus_o good_a man_n may_v have_v many_o secret_a fail_n and_o miscarriage_n know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o which_o may_v deserve_v severe_a correction_n which_o sometime_o be_v make_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n when_o the_o correction_n be_v visible_a but_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o be_v correct_v unknown_a other_o good_a man_n suffer_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o of_o gold_n which_o perish_v and_o be_v train_v up_o by_o great_a severity_n to_o heroical_a degree_n of_o virtue_n all_o this_o be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o god_n love_n of_o righteousness_n and_o righteous_a man_n for_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o love_n and_o thus_o good_a man_n for_o a_o time_n may_v visible_o suffer_v as_o much_o as_o the_o wicked_a which_o occasion_n such_o complaint_n that_o all_o thing_n fall_v alike_o to_o all_o but_o such_o correction_n as_o these_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o discipline_n not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o good_a man_n as_o to_o make_v they_o better_o not_o the_o effect_n of_o anger_n but_o of_o love_n four_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o scripture_n also_o that_o god_n exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o exercise_v his_o judgement_n upon_o wicked_a man_n he_o do_v not_o always_o punish_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o deserve_v punishment_n but_o sometime_o wait_v patient_o for_o their_o return_n sometime_o use_v they_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o punish_v other_o bad_a man_n or_o to_o correct_v the_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n and_o when_o he_o have_v finish_v what_o he_o have_v to_o do_v by_o they_o reserve_v they_o for_o a_o more_o public_a and_o glorious_a execution_n to_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o his_o just_a vengeance_n and_o stand_v example_n to_o the_o world_n which_o we_o know_v be_v the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n of_o antiochus_n and_o some_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o wherein_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o the_o end_n of_o god_n government_n in_o this_o world_n and_o from_o the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o which_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n i_o shall_v observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o discourse_n that_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n by_o external_a and_o visible_a success_n much_o less_o make_v the_o oppression_n of_o a_o just_a cause_n any_o argument_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n for_o justice_n do_v not_o oblige_v god_n always_o to_o favour_v a_o just_a cause_n when_o those_o who_o have_v a_o just_a cause_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v god_n may_v just_o punish_v bad_a man_n by_o unjust_a oppressor_n for_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v dispose_v of_o his_o creature_n as_o his_o own_o absolute_a authority_n and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n shall_v direct_v chap._n vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a be_v as_o holiness_n be_v oppose_v to_o all_o impurity_n and_o wickedness_n and_o such_o as_o god_n nature_n be_v such_o his_o government_n must_v be_v and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n 145._o psalm_n 17._o assure_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n which_o signify_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o but_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o more_o at_o large_a 5._o psal._n 4_o 5_o 6_o for_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n thou_o hate_v all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n thou_o shall_v destroy_v they_o that_o speak_v lease_v the_o lord_n will_v abhor_v the_o bloody_a and_o deceitful_a man_n and_o yet_o there_o want_v not_o objection_n and_o such_o as_o some_o man_n think_v inexplicable_a difficulty_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o set_v this_o in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v inquire_v 1._o what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n require_v of_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o what_o it_o do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o and_o 3._o what_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n as_o his_o essential_a holiness_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v govern_v it_o if_o what_o man_n ignorant_o object_n against_o providence_n be_v no_o just_a impeachment_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o if_o nothing_o be_v just_o chargeable_a on_o providence_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o suppose_v i_o need_v then_o add_v no_o more_o to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n 1._o now_o as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o case_n seem_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o governor_n in_o the_o government_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n can_v require_v no_o more_o of_o he_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
heart_n he_o who_o intend_v and_o resolve_v it_o and_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o opportunity_n to_o commit_v adultery_n be_v a_o adulterer_n if_o god_n then_o must_v not_o permit_v sin_n he_o must_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o will_n and_o to_o choose_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a for_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n herein_o the_o immorality_n of_o the_o act_n consist_v consider_v then_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v that_o god_n must_v not_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n but_o must_v always_o over-rule_v their_o mind_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o refuse_v the_o evil_n but_o will_v any_o one_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o govern_v man_n like_o man_n be_v this_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o free_a agent_n to_o take_v away_o their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o choice_n do_v government_n signify_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v do_v this_o become_v god_n to_o make_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o to_o govern_v he_o by_o necessity_n and_o force_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o keep_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o thrust_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n too_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o choice_n there_o can_v be_v neither_o moral_a good_a nor_o evil_a and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o more_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o it_o banish_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n i_o grant_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o external_a action_n direct_v and_o influence_n their_o counsel_n suggest_v wise_a thought_n to_o they_o excite_v good_a man_n to_o great_a and_o virtuous_a action_n and_o lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n turn_v their_o heart_n change_v their_o counsel_n and_o divert_v they_o from_o ill-laid_a design_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v no_o external_a restraint_n on_o they_o and_o the_o pursue_v such_o counsel_n will_v be_v very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o such_o case_n god_n may_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o influence_n govern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o to_o make_v they_o good_a but_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v such_o good_a as_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o do_v and_o to_o chain_v up_o their_o passion_n that_o they_o may_v not_o do_v that_o hurt_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a above_o and_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o this_o 3._o which_o unbecome_v the_o wise_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n sometime_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n to_o govern_v the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v able_a to_o will_n and_o choose_v than_o they_o be_v to_o do_v what_o they_o themselves_o please_v for_o though_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n he_o have_v not_o whole_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n but_o that_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a he_o can_v lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o he_o or_o clap_v a_o counter_a bias_n upon_o his_o mind_n which_o shall_v lead_v he_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o lust_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a world_n though_o god_n have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o natural_a virtue_n and_o quality_n and_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n suffer_v they_o to_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n yet_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n to_o reverse_v its_o law_n or_o suspend_v its_o influence_n by_o a_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o do_v this_o in_o the_o moral_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a world_n when_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o but_o though_o god_n may_v thus_o sometime_o by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o chain_v up_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o free_a agent_n and_o it_o will_v no_o more_o become_v god_n always_o to_o over-rule_v man_n will_n in_o this_o manner_n than_o it_o will_v always_o to_o overpower_v nature_n and_o to_o govern_v the_o natural_a world_n not_o by_o its_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n but_o by_o constant_a miracle_n and_o if_o the_o ordinary_a and_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o reasonable_a and_o free_a agent_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n permit_v man_n to_o choose_v wicked_o that_o he_o do_v not_o always_o by_o a_o irresistible_a and_o sovereign_a power_n hinder_v the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n give_v man_n all_o those_o internal_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o lay_v all_o those_o internal_a restraint_n upon_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n though_o we_o know_v not_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o this_o we_o know_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o he_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v he_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o and_o bad_a man_n themselves_o if_o they_o will_v but_o confess_v what_o they_o feel_v must_v tell_v you_o what_o struggle_n they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n before_o they_o can_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n how_o in_o some_o case_n especial_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n natural_a modesty_n in_o other_o natural_a pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o other_o a_o natural_a greatness_n and_o generosity_n of_o mind_n give_v check_v to_o they_o how_o at_o first_o they_o blush_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o wickedness_n and_o be_v reproach_v by_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o it_o how_o they_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n or_o some_o present_a vengeance_n to_o overtake_v they_o and_o can_v never_o sin_v secure_o till_o they_o have_v laugh_v away_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o of_o another_o world_n such_o care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o make_v sin_n uneasy_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o after_o all_o they_o will_v be_v wicked_a as_o free_a agent_n may_v be_v if_o they_o will_v this_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n of_o providence_n to_o leave_v free_a agent_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n two_o as_o for_o the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o god_n permit_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v such_o as_o theft_n murder_n adultery_n perjury_n and_o the_o like_a now_o this_o require_v a_o different_a consideration_n for_o in_o human_a government_n this_o be_v think_v a_o great_a miscarriage_n to_o suffer_v any_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v which_o we_o can_v hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o no_o man_n will_v be_v think_v innocent_a much_o less_o a_o prince_n who_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n murder_v a_o virgin_n deflower_v a_o robbery_n or_o any_o other_o villainy_n commit_v without_o interpose_v to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n which_o see_v and_o observe_v and_o can_v easy_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n as_o it_o daily_o permit_v now_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v 1._o that_o god_n can_v always_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n without_o a_o perpetual_a violation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o a_o ordinary_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o when_o jeroboam_fw-la in_o great_a anger_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o prophet_n
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 goodness_n be_v incline_v to_o spare_v and_o wisdom_n judge_n when_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o punish_v or_o to_o spare_v a_o incurable_a sinner_n be_v the_o object_n of_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a justice_n a_o corrigible_a sinner_n be_v the_o object_n both_o of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n his_o sin_n deserve_v correction_n and_o punishment_n but_o that_o he_o be_v corrigible_a make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o patience_n and_o discipline_n and_o this_o we_o must_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o apostate_n angel_n and_o of_o fallen_n man_n and_o therefore_o justice_n immediate_o seize_v on_o those_o apostate_n spirit_n but_o god_n in_o infinite_a goodness_n promise_v a_o saviour_n to_o mankind_n this_o make_v the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n to_o reclaim_v and_o
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 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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
their_o suffering_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o forerunner_n of_o future_a vengeance_n except_o they_o repent_v and_o when_o we_o know_v this_o it_o make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o prosperity_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o because_o this_o be_v not_o always_o visible_a in_o external_a event_n god_n have_v take_v care_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o but_o god_n have_v make_v this_o very_a visible_a in_o most_o of_o the_o ordinary_a calamity_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o sin_n of_o intemperance_n luxury_n lust_n pride_n passion_n covetousness_n idleness_n and_o prodigality_n most_o of_o those_o evil_n which_o bad_a man_n suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o such_o vice_n and_o all_o these_o good_a man_n escape_v and_o sometime_o their_o virtue_n advance_v they_o to_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o when_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o make_v they_o content_v and_o please_v but_o when_o wickedness_n make_v man_n great_a it_o common_o make_v they_o a_o mark_n for_o envy_n and_o advance_v they_o to_o tumble_v they_o down_o nay_o though_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o always_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o to_o their_o external_a fortune_n yet_o sometime_o god_n make_v a_o very_a remarkable_a difference_n between_o they_o give_v such_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o his_o anger_n against_o bad_a man_n and_o of_o his_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o good_a that_o it_o force_v man_n to_o acknowledge_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n 58._o psal._n 11._o and_o a_o few_o such_o example_n as_o these_o though_o both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a story_n furnish_v we_o with_o very_a many_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v as_o visible_a a_o distinction_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n require_v 4._o but_o 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he_o please_v either_o by_o make_v they_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o execute_v such_o a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o the_o world_n as_o none_o but_o such_o harden_a sinner_n will_v execute_v or_o by_o make_v they_o the_o last_a monument_n of_o his_o own_o vengeance_n as_o he_o do_v a_o harden_a and_o incorrigible_a pharaoh_n for_o this_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v such_o example_n and_o such_o sinner_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v example_n of_o and_o all_o such_o severity_n as_o these_o be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 5._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n not_o only_o allow_v but_o require_v great_a patience_n long-suffering_a and_o goodness_n to_o sinner_n for_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o reclaim_v sinner_n to_o give_v they_o time_n for_o repentance_n and_o to_o invite_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_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 some_o age_n of_o health_n and_o plenty_n and_o the_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n of_o war_n be_v recompense_v and_o forget_v by_o a_o more_o last_a and_o flourish_a peace_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n move_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o uniform_a round_n visit_v all_o part_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o sun_n do_v with_o its_o light_n and_o heat_n that_o consider_v how_o little_a mankind_n deserve_v of_o god_n in_o this_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n how_o high_o they_o provoke_v he_o every_o day_n and_o how_o constant_o and_o universal_o he_o do_v good_a to_o they_o instead_o of_o complain_v of_o the_o many_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o admire_v the_o patience_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n goodness_n as_o it_o respect_v a_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o the_o government_n 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
this_o world_n that_o they_o never_o care_v to_o think_v of_o another_o and_o that_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n have_v many_o time_n a_o quite_o contrary_a effect_n to_o make_v man_n serious_a and_o considerate_a to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n to_o correct_v and_o reform_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o good_a both_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o this_o be_v what_o god_n design_n in_o those_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n he_o bring_v on_o mankind_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o assure_v we_o and_o the_o natural_a conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o affliction_n be_v not_o evil_a nor_o any_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n if_o they_o prove_v evil_a to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n for_o god_n design_n they_o for_o good_a as_o the_o apostle_n express_o tell_v we_o 28._o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v if_o you_o endure_v chasten_v god_n deal_v with_o you_o as_o with_o son_n for_o what_o son_n be_v he_o who_o the_o father_n chasten_v not_o but_o if_o you_o be_v without_o chastisement_n whereof_o all_o be_v partaker_n then_o be_v you_o bastard_n and_o not_o son_n 21._o hebr._n 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o than_o must_v be_v our_o great_a care_n to_o rectify_v our_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o withdraw_v our_o mind_n from_o sense_n and_o not_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n good_a that_o be_v pleasant_a nor_o every_o thing_n evil_a that_o be_v afflict_v this_o distinction_n the_o heathen_a poet_n long_o since_o observe_v and_o give_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n and_o a_o very_a wise_a and_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v why_o we_o shall_v entire_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o choose_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o nam_fw-la pro_fw-la jucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la dabunt_fw-la dii_fw-la that_o though_o god_n will_v not_o always_o give_v we_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o pleasant_a he_o will_v give_v we_o what_o be_v most_o profitable_a for_o we_o and_o if_o we_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a not_o by_o sense_n nor_o by_o external_a appearance_n but_o by_o that_o spiritual_a good_a they_o do_v or_o be_v intend_v to_o do_v we_o in_o make_v we_o good_a man_n here_o and_o happy_a hereafter_o man_n may_v if_o they_o so_o please_v as_o reasonable_o quarrel_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o prosperity_n which_o so_o many_o enjoy_v as_o with_o the_o affliction_n which_o other_o suffer_v for_o prosperity_n do_v often_o corrupt_v man_n manner_n and_o betray_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o folly_n than_o affliction_n do_v good_a man_n themselves_o can_v hardly_o bear_v a_o prosperous_a state_n nor_o resist_v the_o temptation_n and_o flattery_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n whereas_o affliction_n many_o time_n reform_v bad_a man_n and_o make_v good_a man_n better_a as_o the_o psalmist_n himself_o own_v it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v for_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o since_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o keep_v thy_o law_n and_o if_o both_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n may_v be_v either_o for_o our_o good_a or_o hurt_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o we_o can_v always_o tell_v we_o must_v leave_v this_o to_o god_n and_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o care_n and_o discipline_n who_o know_v we_o better_o than_o we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o but_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o start_v a_o new_a and_o more_o difficult_a objection_n that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o external_a and_o sensible_a event_n we_o can_v have_v no_o sensible_a proof_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v object_v the_o external_a evil_n and_o calamity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o prove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o those_o external_a and_o sensible_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o mankind_n so_o that_o religion_n gain_v nothing_o by_o this_o it_o silence_n indeed_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n but_o it_o also_o destroy_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o good_a and_o just_a providence_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n will_v give_v we_o a_o true_a notion_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o though_o we_o can_v know_v love_n or_o hatred_n mere_o by_o external_a event_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n nor_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v good_a or_o in_o send_v his_o plague_n and_o judgement_n on_o the_o world_n natural_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v the_o instrument_n and_o method_n of_o discipline_n good_a man_n be_v encourage_v and_o reward_v in_o this_o world_n by_o some_o external_a and_o natural_a blessing_n and_o bad_a man_n be_v restrain_v and_o govern_v by_o some_o natural_a evil_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o do_v good_a and_o in_o punish_v make_v these_o external_a blessing_n and_o punishment_n the_o method_n of_o discipline_n which_o can_v have_v no_o efficacy_n in_o they_o either_o to_o encourage_v good_a man_n or_o to_o reform_v the_o wicked_a but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o visible_a signification_n of_o god_n favour_n or_o displeasure_n and_o therefore_o such_o external_a blessing_n and_o punishment_n be_v evident_a proof_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v the_o method_n of_o discipline_n nor_o have_v any_o moral_a efficacy_n upon_o mankind_n but_o yet_o when_o these_o act_n of_o goodness_n or_o justice_n be_v make_v the_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o not_o intend_v as_o the_o proper_a reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n they_o be_v not_o always_o confine_v to_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o certain_a and_o visible_a mark_n of_o god_n love_n or_o hatred_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a to_o the_o good_a it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o a_o incitement_n to_o a_o more_o perfect_a virtue_n to_o the_o evil_a a_o expression_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o a_o invitation_n to_o repentance_n but_o when_o he_o be_v good_a both_o to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a the_o mere_a external_a event_n can_v make_v no_o difference_n the_o external_a good_a may_v be_v the_o same_o and_o god_n be_v good_a to_o both_o and_o intend_v good_a to_o both_o but_o yet_o have_v not_o equal_a favour_n to_o both_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o god_n to_o punish_v and_o to_o correct_v sin_n and_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n many_o time_n feel_v the_o same_o severity_n to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v the_o folly_n and_o to_o quicken_v and_o inflame_v the_o devotion_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o over-awe_n and_o terrify_v bad_a man_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n this_o be_v to_o be_v just_a and_o to_o be_v good_a to_o both_o as_o great_a goodness_n and_o justice_n as_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o make_v good_a man_n better_a though_o the_o external_a event_n of_o providence_n in_o such_o case_n make_v little_a distinction_n between_o they_o we_o see_v in_o all_o these_o instance_n manifest_a proof_n both_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n though_o prosperity_n be_v not_o always_o a_o blessing_n nor_o affliction_n always_o evil_a they_o be_v always_o indeed_o in_o themselves_o natural_a good_n and_o evil_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o a_o natural_a goodness_n and_o justice_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o moral_a end_n to_o that_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o our_o life_n what_o be_v natural_o good_a may_v prove_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v natural_o evil_a may_v do_v we_o the_o great_a good_a and_o then_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n must_v not_o be_v measure_v mere_o by_o the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_n of_o external_a event_n but_o by_o such_o a_o mixture_n and_o temperament_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o be_v best_a fit_v to_o govern_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o 3_o there_o be_v another_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o what_o goodness_n be_v require_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n now_o the_o universal_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n
of_o particular_a creature_n but_o of_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o in_o some_o case_n may_v make_v the_o great_a and_o most_o terrible_a act_n of_o severity_n such_o as_o be_v enough_o to_o affright_v and_o astonish_v the_o world_n act_n of_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n too_o which_o will_v vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n when_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o severe_a and_o to_o have_v forget_v all_o goodness_n and_o compassion_n as_o to_o explain_v this_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v the_o defence_n and_o protection_n of_o mankind_n from_o violent_a and_o unjust_a oppression_n and_o the_o most_o exemplary_a vengeance_n execute_v upon_o such_o private_a or_o public_a oppressor_n be_v a_o great_a act_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o great_a deliverance_n to_o the_o oppress_a 136._o psalm_n the_o psalmist_n exhort_v we_o to_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o among_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n he_o mention_n the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o deliverance_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o overthrow_n of_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o red-sea_n to_o he_o that_o smite_v egypt_n in_o their_o first-born_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o bring_v out_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o with_o a_o stretched-out_a arm_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o to_o he_o which_o divide_v the_o red-sea_n into_o part_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v israel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o but_o overthrow_v pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red-sea_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n to_o he_o who_o smite_v great_a king_n and_o slay_v famous_a king_n sihon_n king_n of_o the_o amorites_n and_o og_n the_o king_n of_o bashan_n and_o give_v their_o land_n for_o a_o heritage_n even_o for_o a_o heritage_n to_o israel_n his_o servant_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v before_o we_o object_v the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v bad_a man_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o there_o be_v few_o bad_a man_n who_o suffer_v any_o remarkable_a vengeance_n but_o that_o their_o suffering_n be_v a_o great_a kindness_n and_o deliverance_n to_o other_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o public_a in_o break_v their_o power_n or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o psalmist_n have_v teach_v we_o a_o very_a proper_a hymn_n i_o will_v sing_v of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n will_v i_o sing_v 101._o psal._n 1_o thus_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v some_o great_a and_o last_a example_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o vengeance_n against_o sin_n and_o as_o terrible_a as_o such_o example_n be_v they_o be_v a_o great_a public_a good_a to_o the_o world_n some_o few_o such_o example_n as_o these_o will_v serve_v to_o warn_v a_o age_n nay_o many_o succeed_a age_n and_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o prevent_v the_o more_o frequent_a execution_n of_o vengeance_n and_o justify_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o sinner_n if_o such_o example_n in_o any_o measure_n reform_v the_o world_n as_o god_n intend_v they_o shall_v it_o make_v this_o world_n a_o much_o happy_a place_n for_o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o less_o hurt_n and_o the_o more_o good_a they_o will_v do_v and_o the_o less_o evil_a there_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n the_o less_o mankind_n will_v suffer_v and_o the_o great_a blessing_n god_n will_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n after_o such_o terrible_a warning_n as_o these_o god_n may_v exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o sinner_n without_o the_o least_o blemish_n to_o his_o holiness_n or_o justice_n for_o such_o frightful_a execution_n convince_v the_o world_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o when_o god_n have_v public_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o may_v try_v gentle_a method_n and_o glorify_v his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n and_o thus_o god_n punish_v that_o he_o may_v spare_v be_v sometime_o very_o terrible_a in_o his_o judgement_n to_o prevent_v the_o necessity_n of_o strike_v often_o that_o sinner_n may_v have_v sufficient_a warning_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v good_a to_o sinner_n without_o encourage_v they_o in_o sin_n thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n when_o they_o be_v past_o be_v reform_v be_v a_o warn_n to_o all_o sinner_n as_o long_o as_o this_o world_n last_v and_o be_v a_o public_a and_o stand_a confutation_n of_o atheism_n of_o such_o scoffer_n as_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o constant_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n without_o any_o supernatural_a change_n and_o revolution_n tempt_v man_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o change_v time_n and_o season_n but_o this_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o be_v visible_o confute_v by_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n for_o this_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o earth_n stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o in_o the_o water_n whereby_o the_o world_n that_o then_o be_v be_v overflow_v with_o water_n perish_v and_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o fear_v and_o expect_v what_o god_n have_v threaten_v that_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v burn_v by_o fire_n but_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n reserve_v unto_o fire_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o perdition_n of_o ungodly_a man_n 2_o peter_n 3._o 5_o 6_o 7._o such_o destruction_n as_o these_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o natural_a cause_n but_o the_o same_o word_n which_o make_v the_o world_n destroy_v the_o old_a world_n by_o water_n and_o will_v destroy_v this_o by_o fire_n which_o make_v it_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o only_o a_o general_n warn_v to_o sinner_n but_o a_o example_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o unnatural_a lusts._n as_o st._n jude_n tell_v we_o even_o as_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n give_v themselves_o over_o to_o fornication_n and_o go_v after_o strange_a flesh_n be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o example_n suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n v_o 7._o thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o most_o terrible_a circumstance_n that_o we_o ever_o meet_v with_o in_o story_n be_v a_o last_a confutation_n of_o infidelity_n and_o a_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o terrible_a example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n how_o terrible_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o those_o who_o suffer_v be_v act_n of_o great_a goodness_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o belong_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o government_n by_o some_o severe_a execution_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v the_o innocent_a and_o reclaim_v other_o offender_n without_o the_o necessity_n of_o terrify_v the_o world_n in_o every_o age_n with_o such_o repeat_v severity_n nay_o we_o may_v observe_v far_o that_o when_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a and_o such_o sinner_n if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o will_v certain_o propagate_v their_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o lewdness_n to_o all_o posterity_n it_o be_v great_a goodness_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n to_o cleanse_v the_o world_n of_o its_o impure_a inhabitant_n by_o some_o great_a destruction_n by_o sword_n or_o plague_n or_o famine_n to_o lessen_v the_o number_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o possess_v those_o who_o escape_n with_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n judgement_n nay_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o many_o time_n these_o terrible_a shake_v and_o convulsion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o open_v some_o new_a and_o more_o glorious_a scene_n of_o providence_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o four_o empire_n which_o prey_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o be_v at_o last_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o roman_a power_n though_o they_o make_v great_a destruction_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o carry_v learn_v and_o civility_n into_o
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 goodness_n of_o providence_n must_v bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o nature_n quality_n and_o desert_n of_o creature_n and_o since_o man_n who_o be_v create_v innocent_a and_o happy_a forfeit_v his_o original_a happiness_n by_o sin_n we_o must_v now_o consider_v not_o what_o absolute_a unconfined_a goodness_n will_v do_v but_o what_o become_v a_o state_n of_o discipline_n what_o be_v good_a for_o sinner_n and_o for_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a world_n and_o this_o will_v abundant_o justify_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v some_o man_n for_o their_o great_a quarrel_n be_v that_o god_n make_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o can_v sin_v and_o be_v miserable_a that_o be_v that_o god_n create_v angel_n and_o man_n that_o he_o endow_v they_o with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o a_o liberty_n of_o choice_n for_o such_o creature_n as_o can_v choose_v may_v 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 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their_o idea_n and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o happiness_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o nature_n if_o he_o do_v not_o this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o their_o creation_n if_o he_o do_v create_v goodness_n have_v do_v all_o that_o belong_v to_o it_o to_o do_v but_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v whence_o they_o have_v this_o notion_n of_o create_a goodness_n that_o it_o must_v make_v no_o creature_n which_o can_v make_v itself_o miserable_a justice_n be_v as_o essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n as_o goodness_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o justice_n shall_v belong_v to_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o make_v such_o creature_n who_o may_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o for_o justice_n respect_v merit_n and_o consist_v in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o make_v a_o creature_n which_o shall_v deserve_v either_o to_o be_v 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themselves_o miserable_a what_o be_v it_o they_o intend_v by_o it_o will_v they_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o make_v the_o world_n because_o he_o make_v angel_n and_o man_n some_o of_o who_o have_v make_v themselves_o devil_n those_o who_o be_v saint_n and_o angel_n still_o shall_v answer_v this_o objection_n when_o any_o man_n have_v confidence_n enough_o serious_o to_o make_v it_o or_o will_v they_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n with_o goodness_n and_o justice_n because_o he_o have_v make_v such_o creature_n as_o by_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a use_n of_o their_o liberty_n make_v themselves_o the_o subject_n of_o both_o there_o be_v no_o other_o answer_v necessary_a to_o that_o but_o only_o to_o ask_v what_o place_n there_o can_v be_v for_o a_o govern_v providence_n be_v there_o no_o creature_n who_o can_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o but_o
be_v in_o the_o world_n either_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n by_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v unseasonable_a wether_n earthquake_n excessive_a heat_n or_o cold_a great_a drought_n or_o immoderate_a rain_n thunder_n lightning_n storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o occasion_n famine_n and_o plague_n great_a sickness_n or_o a_o great_a mortality_n these_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o more_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o direct_v and_o govern_v nature_n but_o beside_o that_o in_o such_o case_n the_o visible_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n justify_v such_o severity_n how_o rare_o do_v these_o happen_v and_o how_o few_o suffer_v by_o they_o in_o comparison_n with_o those_o many_o and_o constant_a evil_n which_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n every_o day_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o most_o of_o the_o other_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n be_v visible_o owe_v to_o man_n sin_n bodily_a sickness_n sharp_a and_o painful_a distemper_n which_o shorten_v man_n life_n or_o make_v they_o miserable_a be_v the_o common_a effect_n of_o intemperance_n luxury_n or_o wantonness_n child_n inherit_v the_o disease_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n only_o to_o cry_v and_o die_v or_o to_o struggle_v some_o few_o year_n in_o the_o very_a kingdom_n and_o territory_n of_o death_n and_o to_o languish_v under_o those_o mortal_a wound_n which_o they_o receive_v with_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o life_n another_o great_a evil_n be_v poverty_n which_o many_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o idleness_n or_o prodigality_n and_o some_o expensive_a vice_n it_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n by_o the_o great_a prudence_n and_o industry_n to_o make_v himself_o rich_a for_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o but_o in_o ordinary_a case_n prudence_n and_o industry_n join_v with_o a_o religious_a regard_n for_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n will_v preserve_v a_o man_n from_o the_o press_a want_n and_o necessity_n of_o poverty_n other_o who_o do_v not_o make_v themselves_o poor_a by_o their_o own_o sin_n be_v many_o time_n reduce_v to_o great_a poverty_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n by_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o violence_n by_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o war_n which_o bring_v a_o thousand_o evil_n with_o it_o which_o make_v many_o helpless_a widow_n and_o orphan_n deprive_v man_n of_o their_o patron_n and_o benefactor_n drive_v other_o from_o their_o plentiful_a fortune_n to_o seek_v their_o bread_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n plunder_v poor_a and_o rich_a lay_v a_o flourish_a country_n desolate_a put_v a_o stop_n to_o trade_n make_v provision_n dear_a and_o leave_v no_o work_n for_o the_o poor_a some_o other_o be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n more_o immediate_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n without_o their_o own_o fault_n those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o support_n but_o their_o daily_a labour_n be_v quick_o pinch_v by_o a_o long_a and_o expensive_a sickness_n or_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o age_n or_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o eye_n or_o hand_n or_o leg_n other_o be_v undo_v by_o fire_n or_o shipwreck_n or_o the_o various_a accident_n of_o trade_n which_o the_o most_o wary_a and_o cautious_a man_n can_v escape_v but_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v few_o of_o these_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o throng_n and_o crowd_n of_o idle_a prodigal_a self-made_a poor_a god_n have_v make_v provision_n for_o all_o such_o case_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v suffer_v extreme_a want_n by_o command_v the_o rich_a especial_o to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o such_o poor_a who_o be_v proper_o god_n poor_a or_o the_o poor_a of_o god_n make_v and_o command_v this_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o own_o estate_n if_o they_o prove_v unjust_a and_o unfaithful_a steward_n so_o that_o though_o god_n make_v some_o man_n poor_a it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n if_o they_o suffer_v want_v the_o poverty_n they_o suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o want_n and_o misery_n they_o suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o sin_n to_o the_o uncharitableness_n of_o man_n for_o though_o the_o world_n be_v unequal_o divide_v of_o which_o more_o present_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n shall_v want_v necessary_n that_o one_o man_n plenty_n and_o abundance_n shall_v cause_v another_o man_n to_o starve_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o misery_n of_o life_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o mankind_n which_o make_v they_o miserable_a which_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o one_o who_o will_v consider_v it_o that_o i_o need_v not_o expatiate_v on_o every_o particular_a i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v confess_v that_o be_v all_o man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a this_o world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a happy_a place_n and_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_n and_o sociable_a virtue_n will_v make_v mankind_n happy_a it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o guess_v what_o it_o be_v that_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o reproach_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o those_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o mankind_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o most_o man_n make_v themselves_o miserable_a it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o defend_v and_o justify_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o these_o evil_n which_o man_n complain_v of_o be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o providence_n and_o therefore_o be_v un_o unreasonable_a objection_n against_o providence_n god_n do_v not_o bring_v these_o evil_n upon_o mankind_n but_o man_n bring_v they_o upon_o themselves_o suppose_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o be_v what_o they_o now_o be_v and_o that_o man_n live_v just_a as_o they_o now_o do_v there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o now_o be_v though_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n though_o god_n do_v not_o interpose_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o intemperance_n luxury_n and_o lust_n will_v destroy_v man_n health_n sloth_n and_o prodigality_n and_o expensive_a vice_n will_v make_v man_n poor_a pride_n ambition_n and_o revenge_n will_v make_v quarrel_n raise_v war_n and_o bring_v all_o the_o calamity_n of_o war_n upon_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n thus_o it_o must_v be_v for_o excessive_a eat_n and_o drink_v will_v oppress_v nature_n and_o those_o who_o will_v take_v no_o honest_a pain_n to_o get_v money_n or_o will_v spend_v what_o they_o have_v upon_o their_o lust_n must_v be_v poor_a and_o those_o who_o will_v quarrel_v and_o fight_v must_v take_v what_o follow_v these_o evil_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o providence_n because_o providence_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o no_o more_o than_o providence_n make_v man_n wicked_a man_n make_v themselves_o wicked_a and_o wickedness_n make_v they_o miserable_a and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o with_o those_o misery_n which_o their_o own_o wickedness_n bring_v upon_o they_o now_o since_o most_o of_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o providence_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o those_o very_a evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v for_o 1._o god_n have_v in_o ordinary_a case_n put_v it_o into_o every_o man_n power_n to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o most_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o misery_n of_o life_n even_o from_o all_o those_o which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o than_o this_o for_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o make_v it_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o his_o own_o power_n whether_o he_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a god_n have_v not_o only_o in_o his_o law_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n set_v before_o we_o life_n and_o death_n happiness_n and_o misery_n all_o man_n see_v what_o the_o visible_a and_o natural_a punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v and_o have_v a_o natural_a aversion_n to_o those_o evil_n and_o may_v avoid_v they_o if_o they_o will_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o in_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o those_o natural_a evil_n which_o attend_v it_o but_o also_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o show_v man_n a_o plain_a and_o natural_a method_n how_o to_o avoid_v the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o easy_a and_o
can_v subsist_v without_o it_o 2_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o their_o fortune_n do_v that_o a_o prince_n be_v as_o much_o happy_a as_o he_o be_v great_a than_o his_o subject_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o happiness_n be_v not_o entail_v on_o riches_n and_o power_n and_o secular_a honour_n as_o they_o have_v their_o advantage_n so_o they_o have_v very_o troublesome_a and_o sour_a allay_v and_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o a_o true_a estimate_n of_o thing_n as_o different_a a_o show_n and_o appearance_n as_o man_n make_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v pretty_a equal_a as_o to_o true_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v very_o little_a difference_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v while_o we_o have_v wherewithal_o to_o satisfy_v nature_n for_o appetite_n make_v every_o thing_n delicious_a and_o the_o hard_a labour_n of_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v much_o more_o tolerable_a than_o gout_n and_o stone_n and_o those_o sharp_a or_o languish_a disease_n which_o so_o common_o attend_v the_o softness_n and_o luxury_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o as_o for_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n itself_o which_o create_v the_o great_a difference_n every_o rank_n of_o man_n make_v a_o scene_n among_o themselves_o and_o every_o man_n find_v something_o to_o value_v himself_o upon_o that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v so_o equal_a as_o in_o self-love_n and_o self-flattery_n and_o a_o value_n for_o themselves_o that_o though_o there_o be_v many_o man_n who_o will_v change_v fortune_n with_o other_o there_o be_v few_o that_o will_v change_v themselves_o and_o the_o difference_n of_o fortune_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a while_o every_o man_n be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o himself_o 3_o this_o inequality_n of_o fortune_n be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o serve_v a_o great_a many_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n it_o make_v some_o man_n industrious_a to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o family_n it_o inspire_v other_o with_o emulation_n to_o raise_v their_o fortune_n it_o give_v life_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o world_n and_o make_v it_o a_o busy_a scene_n of_o action_n to_o keep_v what_o they_o have_v and_o to_o make_v new_a acquisition_n to_o excel_v their_o equal_n and_o rival_n those_o above_o they_o and_o though_o through_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n this_o occasion_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n yet_o the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a dull_a place_n without_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o encouragement_n no_o reward_n for_o virtue_n providence_n itself_o will_v have_v very_o little_a to_o do_v for_o the_o visible_a reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n be_v in_o the_o change_n of_o man_n fortune_n when_o industry_n prudence_n and_o virtue_n advance_v man_n of_o a_o low_a condition_n to_o the_o great_a place_n of_o trust_n and_o honour_n or_o at_o least_o to_o a_o plentiful_a and_o splendid_a station_n and_o prodigality_n luxury_n and_o impiety_n bring_v misery_n poverty_n and_o contempt_n upon_o rich_a and_o noble_a family_n such_o revolution_n as_o these_o be_v great_a example_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o the_o inequality_n of_o man_n fortune_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n that_o there_o can_v be_v little_o visible_a exercise_n either_o of_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o providence_n without_o it_o i_o can_v without_o some_o indignation_n reflect_v upon_o the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o mankind_n who_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v in_o god_n who_o know_v how_o little_o they_o deserve_v of_o he_o and_o feel_v every_o day_n how_o many_o blessing_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o yet_o seem_v never_o better_o please_v than_o when_o they_o can_v find_v or_o ignorant_o invent_v some_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o reproach_v his_o goodness_n the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n confute_v such_o objection_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v think_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o answer_v they_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o contemplate_v the_o divine_a goodness_n even_o on_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o providence_n which_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o patient_a and_o thankful_a submission_n to_o god_n under_o all_o our_o suffering_n enable_v we_o to_o bear_v they_o and_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v they_o and_o give_v we_o a_o more_o transport_v admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n when_o we_o see_v it_o like_o the_o sun_n break_v through_o the_o black_a cloud_n if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n conquer_v the_o sin_n the_o perverseness_n of_o mankind_n and_o shine_v through_o all_o those_o misery_n which_o foolish_a sinner_n every_o day_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o how_o good_a be_v god_n when_o his_o goodness_n flow_v with_o a_o undisturbed_a uninterrupted_a current_n chap._n viii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o i_o observe_v above_o 4._o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o judge_v or_o censure_v such_o mysterious_a passage_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v comprehend_v but_o yet_o it_o become_v we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o to_o admire_v that_o wonderful_a wisdom_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n we_o can_v by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n it_o be_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n 11._o job_n 7_o 8_o 9_o but_o though_o we_o can_v discover_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creation_n yet_o we_o may_v discover_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v as_o well_o as_o make_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n when_o we_o contemplate_v god_n it_o be_v like_o lose_v ourselves_o in_o a_o boundless_a prospect_n where_o we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o glory_n and_o beauty_n but_o can_v see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o we_o may_v discover_v admirable_a and_o surprise_v wisdom_n in_o that_o little_a we_o see_v of_o providence_n as_o i_o have_v already_o brief_o observe_v upon_o several_a occasion_n but_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o what_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v do_v and_o what_o end_v it_o serve_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o have_v as_o imperfect_a a_o view_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o whoever_o diligent_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o providence_n will_v see_v reason_n to_o admire_v a_o great_a many_o event_n which_o careless_a observer_n make_v objection_n against_o providence_n which_o will_v be_v of_o such_o great_a use_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o i_o shall_v venture_v to_o make_v some_o little_a essay_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o though_o i_o be_o sensible_a must_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_a yet_o will_v suggest_v some_o very_a useful_a thought_n and_o show_v we_o the_o most_o delightful_a and_o profitable_a way_n of_o study_v history_n and_o providence_n and_o to_o do_v this_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n i_o can_v i_o shall_v 1._o consider_v some_o great_a event_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v as_o it_o it_o be_v the_o hinge_n of_o providence_n whereon_o the_o various_a scene_n of_o providence_n turn_v 2._o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o some_o other_o visible_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o more_o common_a event_n of_o providence_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v make_v objection_n against_o providence_n 1._o some_o great_a event_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o give_v a_o new_a face_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o open_v new_a scene_n of_o providence_n the_o state_n of_o innocence_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n there_o be_v no_o death_n no_o sickness_n no_o labour_n or_o sorrow_n but_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n make_v a_o very_a great_a change_n in_o this_o visible_a creation_n man_n himself_o become_v mortal_a and_o be_v condemn_v to_o a_o industrious_a and_o laborious_a life_n according_a to_o that_o sentence_n curse_v be_v the_o ground_n for_o thy_o sake_n in_o sorrow_n shall_v thou_o eat_v of_o it_o all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n thorn_n also_o and_o thistle_n shall_v it_o bring_v forth_o to_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v eat_v the_o herb_n of_o the_o field_n in_o
the_o sweat_n of_o thy_o face_n shall_v thou_o eat_v bread_n till_o thou_o return_v unto_o the_o ground_n for_o out_o of_o it_o waste_v thou_o take_v for_o dust_n thou_o be_v and_o unto_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v 3._o gen._n 17_o 18_o 19_o this_o be_v a_o very_a severe_a sentence_n which_o deprive_v man_n of_o immortality_n and_o of_o the_o easy_a and_o happy_a life_n of_o paradise_n condemn_v he_o to_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n while_o he_o live_v and_o then_o to_o return_v unto_o dust_n and_o yet_o the_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v 1._o he_o shall_v be_v immortal_a in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o industrious_a and_o laborious_a life_n be_v the_o best_a and_o happy_a state_n for_o fall_v man_n 8._o as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v at_o large_a we_o know_v little_o more_o than_o this_o of_o the_o antediluvian_n world_n till_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o earth_n be_v fill_v with_o violence_n for_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o earth_n insomuch_o that_o it_o repent_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v make_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o grieve_v he_o at_o his_o heart_n 6._o gen._n this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o corruption_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o three_o son_n and_o therefore_o god_n resolve_v to_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o with_o a_o universal_a deluge_n except_v that_o one_o righteous_a family_n who_o he_o preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n which_o he_o appoint_v noah_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o justice_n of_o this_o no_o man_n can_v dispute_v for_o if_o all_o flesh_n corrupt_v its_o way_n god_n may_v as_o just_o destroy_v a_o whole_a world_n of_o sinner_n as_o he_o can_v punish_v or_o cut_v off_o any_o one_o single_a sinner_n but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v for_o be_v to_o show_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n and_o what_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o now_o though_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v yet_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o this_o world_n nor_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o to_o raise_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n from_o a_o righteous_a seed_n and_o to_o make_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n a_o stand_a warn_v and_o a_o visible_a lesson_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o new_a and_o a_o few_o observation_n will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o wise_o design_v for_o this_o purpose_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n without_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v too_o soon_o to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o world_n which_o he_o have_v so_o late_o make_v without_o reproach_v his_o own_o wisdom_n in_o make_v it_o there_o have_v be_v very_o little_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n yet_o see_v but_o one_o act_n and_o that_o conclude_v in_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o have_v god_n leave_v off_o here_o and_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o very_a ill_a spectacle_n to_o the_o angelical_a world_n to_o see_v a_o whole_a species_n of_o reasonable_a being_n so_n soon_o destroy_v the_o old_a serpent_n who_o deceive_v our_o first_o parent_n will_v have_v glory_v in_o his_o voctory_n that_o he_o have_v utter_o spoil_v and_o ruin_v the_o best_a part_n of_o this_o visible_a creation_n and_o even_o force_v god_n to_o destroy_v the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n he_o have_v make_v on_o earth_n but_o god_n have_v threaten_v the_o serpent_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v his_o head_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a posterity_n of_o eve_n must_v not_o be_v destroy_v but_o a_o righteous_a seed_n must_v be_v preserve_v to_o new-people_n the_o world_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n be_v intend_v as_o a_o warn_n to_o the_o new_a it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o live_a witness_n both_o of_o the_o destruction_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o world_n to_o assure_v their_o posterity_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o to_o all_o generation_n of_o which_o more_o present_o 2_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o delay_v so_o terrible_a a_o execution_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o destroy_v a_o world_n carry_v great_a horror_n with_o it_o and_o make_v a_o frightful_a representation_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o all_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o soften_a circumstance_n and_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v justify_v providence_n in_o it_o except_v the_o last_o judgement_n when_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o this_o world_n but_o the_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o some_o new_a method_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o god_n delay_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n till_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v which_o must_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v too_o by_o the_o universal_a wickedness_n of_o the_o age._n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o though_o noah_n may_v have_v preserve_v his_o own_o integrity_n and_o have_v teach_v his_o own_o family_n that_o fear_v and_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o can_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n but_o his_o sermon_n have_v no_o effect_n it_o be_v general_o conclude_v by_o the_o ancient_n that_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n in_o build_v the_o ark_n and_o all_o this_o while_n he_o give_v visible_a warning_n to_o they_o of_o the_o approach_a deluge_n now_o when_o it_o be_v impossible_a by_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n what_o remain_v but_o to_o destroy_v that_o corrupt_a and_o incurable_a generation_n and_o to_o preserve_v righteous_a noah_n and_o his_o son_n to_o propagate_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v he_o delay_v a_o little_a long_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v have_v be_v corrupt_a without_o one_o righteous_a man_n in_o it_o and_o then_o he_o must_v either_o have_v maintain_v or_o preserve_v a_o world_n of_o atheist_n and_o profligate_v sinner_n or_o must_v have_v destroy_v they_o all_o but_o it_o more_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n when_o religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o one_o family_n to_o defer_v vengeance_n no_o long_o while_o he_o have_v one_o righteous_a family_n to_o save_v to_o preserve_v the_o race_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o restore_v lose_v piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o world_n 3_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o one_a for_o first_o it_o be_v a_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a cause_n in_o nature_n to_o do_v this_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o nature_n some_o man_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o disparage_v the_o moysaicall_a account_n of_o the_o deluge_n if_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o it_o and_o other_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o story_n think_v themselves_o much_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o it_o without_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n and_o a_o supernatural_a power_n which_o they_o say_v unbecome_v philosopher_n but_o if_o it_o unbecome_v philosopher_n to_o believe_v miracle_n i_o doubt_v they_o will_v think_v it_o very_o much_o below_o they_o to_o be_v christian_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v who_o do_v not_o believe_v miracle_n and_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o miracle_n in_o any_o case_n methinks_v they_o shall_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o attribute_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a power_n the_o comfort_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v drown_v because_o we_o can_v tell_v by_o what_o natural_a cause_n it_o may_v be_v drown_v but_o
because_o moses_n have_v record_v it_o in_o his_o write_n who_o we_o know_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o we_o know_v also_o that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o satisfactory_a account_n give_v yet_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n how_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v be_v drown_v at_o lest_o none_o that_o will_v agree_v with_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n either_o of_o the_o creation_n or_o of_o the_o deluge_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v no_o account_n than_o such_o a_o account_n as_o confute_v moses_n can_v any_o such_o be_v give_v for_o this_o confute_v or_o at_o least_o discredit_v the_o story_n itself_o for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o authentic_a authority_n when_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n be_v lose_v but_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o service_n to_o religion_n to_o seek_v after_o natural_a cause_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o resolve_v the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n into_o natural_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v great_a good_a nature_n in_o man_n to_o own_o a_o god_n if_o they_o can_v make_v and_o destroy_v a_o world_n without_o he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o natural_a cause_n till_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o every_o thing_n endow_v with_o its_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o unite_v into_o a_o regular_a frame_n with_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o connexion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o make_v the_o world_n by_o natural_a cause_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o natural_a cause_n till_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o nature_n must_v move_v unnatural_o and_o be_v put_v into_o a_o universal_a disorder_n before_o the_o world_n can_v be_v destroy_v for_o while_o natural_a cause_n keep_v their_o natural_a course_n they_o will_v preserve_v not_o destroy_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o natural_a 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it_o yet_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o wonderful_a improvement_n in_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n which_o our_o modern_a atheist_n have_v make_v they_o will_v think_v scorn_n to_o attribute_v plague_n or_o famine_n or_o such_o like_a evil_a accident_n to_o god_n though_o all_o mankind_n be_v destroy_v by_o they_o but_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o a_o world_n drown_v and_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v water_n to_o drown_v it_o without_o a_o miraculous_a dissolution_n of_o nature_n they_o must_v either_o laugh_v at_o the_o story_n which_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n can_v well_o do_v or_o they_o must_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n but_o whatever_o shift_n the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n may_v make_v to_o disbelieve_v the_o universal_a deluge_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a wise_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o convince_v that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n while_o the_o uncorrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o 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and_o reform_v the_o world_n but_o fire_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o it_o whereas_o have_v this_o order_n be_v invert_v as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v have_v it_o be_v mere_a chance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o earth_n can_v neither_o have_v be_v preserve_v from_o fire_n nor_o utter_o destroy_v by_o water_n without_o a_o perpetual_a deluge_n a_o deluge_n of_o water_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o earth_n nor_o make_v it_o uninhabitable_a after_o the_o deluge_n cease_v but_o fire_n destroy_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o melt_v all_o into_o one_o confuse_a mass_n there_o be_v some_o defence_n against_o a_o deluge_n noah_n and_o his_o son_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n to_o people_n the_o new_a world_n but_o there_o be_v no_o defence_n against_o flame_n the_o whole_a earth_n and_o all_o the_o wicked_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o must_v burn_v together_o and_o this_o be_v one_o wise_a reason_n why_o god_n choose_v to_o drown_v the_o world_n not_o to_o burn_v it_o because_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v 3_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o ark_n from_o perish_v by_o water_n for_o first_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o race_n of_o mankind_n to_o new-people_n the_o world_n which_o much_o more_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o to_o have_v create_v man_n anew_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n it_o become_v god_n to_o try_v new_a method_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n for_o this_o open_v new_a and_o surprise_v scene_n of_o providence_n and_o display_v such_o a_o multifarious_a wisdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n as_o be_v much_o more_o wonderful_a
than_o the_o creation_n of_o a_o new_a world_n will_v be_v but_o have_v god_n destroy_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n and_o create_v a_o new_a man_n to_o inhabit_v the_o new_a world_n this_o will_v have_v argue_v some_o defect_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o destroy_a man_n to_o make_v he_o again_o but_o a_o design_n to_o make_v he_o better_o to_o correct_v that_o in_o a_o second_o trial_n which_o experience_n have_v discover_v to_o be_v faulty_a in_o the_o first_o but_o though_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n will_v admit_v of_o various_a trial_n and_o experiment_n the_o wisdom_n of_o creation_n wont_a the_o government_n of_o free_a agent_n must_v be_v accommodate_v to_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n not_o only_o to_o what_o god_n make_v they_o but_o to_o what_o they_o make_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o method_n of_o government_n must_v change_v as_o man_n change_v themselves_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n 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creation_n of_o the_o world_n because_o the_o world_n must_v be_v make_v before_o man_n be_v make_v to_o live_v in_o it_o but_o though_o no_o man_n see_v the_o world_n make_v there_o be_v some_o who_o see_v the_o destruction_n which_o the_o deluge_n make_v which_o be_v as_o visible_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o a_o much_o great_a proof_n of_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a providence_n no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o god_n destroy_v the_o old_a world_n with_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n can_v doubt_v whether_o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o govern_v it_o and_o for_o this_o the_o new_a world_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o eye-witness_n which_o be_v as_o sensible_a a_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v possible_o have_v 3_o the_o preservation_n of_o noah_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o this_o deluge_n be_v send_v by_o god_n god_n forewarn_v noah_n of_o it_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o it_o come_v and_o command_v he_o to_o prepare_v a_o ark_n and_o give_v he_o direction_n how_o to_o make_v it_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o noah_n do_v know_v of_o it_o beforehand_o and_o prepare_v a_o ark_n which_o remain_v as_o a_o visible_a testimony_n of_o the_o flood_n to_o future_a generation_n now_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a cause_n of_o the_o flood_n there_o can_v be_v no_o natural_a prognostic_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n himself_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o symptom_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n till_o noah_n enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o therefore_o noah_n have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o know_v this_o but_o by_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v so_o incredible_a a_o thing_n in_o itself_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n will_v not_o believe_v he_o though_o he_o warn_v they_o of_o it_o and_o they_o see_v that_o he_o believe_v it_o himself_o by_o his_o prepare_v a_o ark_n for_o his_o own_o safety_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o account_n that_o moses_n give_v of_o it_o that_o some_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o live_a creature_n both_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n be_v preserve_v with_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n as_o we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o universal_a deluge_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n new-made_a all_o live_a creature_n after_o the_o flood_n what_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o this_o that_o some_o of_o all_o sort_n in_o such_o number_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o have_v prepare_v reception_n for_o shall_v come_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n to_o noah_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o ark_n have_v they_o not_o be_v lead_v thither_o by_o a_o divine_a hand_n 4thly_a the_o preservation_n of_o noah_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o ark_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v that_o the_o deluge_n be_v send_v by_o god_n but_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n for_o what_o reason_n god_n send_v such_o a_o terrible_a judgement_n viz._n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o new-people_n the_o world_n with_o a_o righteous_a seed_n this_o reason_n god_n give_v to_o noah_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v it_o for_o when_o all_o the_o wicked_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n be_v destroy_v and_o not_o one_o escape_v the_o deluge_n but_o only_o that_o one_o righteous_a family_n which_o have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n too_o and_o that_o preserve_v by_o the_o peculiar_a order_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o visible_a judgement_n upon_o all_o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v a_o visible_a distinction_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n when_o such_o evil_n and_o calamity_n befall_v the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a or_o moral_a cause_n as_o plague_n and_o famine_n and_o war_n fire_n and_o earthquake_n and_o it_o may_v be_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n share_v pretty_a equal_o in_o the_o public_a misfortune_n atheist_n and_o infidel_n will_v not_o allow_v these_o evil_n to_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n much_o less_o to_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n when_o they_o make_v no_o visible_a distinction_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a but_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v both_o a_o supernatural_a and_o a_o distinguish_a judgement_n none_o but_o god_n can_v thus_o destroy_v the_o earth_n and_o none_o but_o the_o wicked_a be_v destroy_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o undiable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o hate_v wickedness_n and_o will_v punish_v wicked_a man_n there_o be_v some_o other_o mark_v of_o excellent_a wisdom_n in_o the_o universal_a deluge_n which_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v because_o though_o they_o be_v worth_a observe_v yet_o they_o be_v of_o less_o moment_n as_o to_o my_o present_a design_n as_o the_o deluge_n be_v to_o be_v a_o last_a proof_n of_o a_o just_a providence_n to_o the_o new_a world_n and_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v upon_o all_o account_n admirable_o fit_v to_o that_o purpose_n so_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o when_o it_o come_v it_o convince_v that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n which_o it_o give_v they_o some_o time_n for_o and_o though_o it_o can_v not_o save_v they_o in_o this_o world_n who_o know_v but_o that_o a_o sudden_a repentance_n upon_o such_o a_o sudden_a conviction_n may_v obtain_v mercy_n for_o they_o in_o the_o next_o noah_n be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n he_o have_v often_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o a_o deluge_n but_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o though_o they_o see_v he_o prepare_v the_o ark_n but_o when_o they_o see_v the_o flood_n come_v they_o know_v then_o the_o
mankind_n by_o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n which_o divide_v they_o into_o distinct_a society_n kingdom_n and_o commonweal_n open_v a_o new_a scene_n of_o providence_n with_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o judgement_n itself_o be_v miraculous_a and_o as_o plain_a a_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n as_o the_o deluge_n itself_o for_o to_o new_a form_n a_o mind_n to_o erace_v all_o its_o old_a idea_n of_o word_n and_o sound_n and_o to_o imprint_v new_a one_o on_o it_o in_o a_o instant_n show_v such_o a_o superior_a power_n over_o nature_n as_o none_o but_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v and_o they_o must_v have_v be_v very_o stupid_a if_o this_o do_v not_o renew_v and_o fix_v the_o impression_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n but_o the_o dispersion_n which_o this_o confusion_n of_o language_n occasion_v and_o the_o division_n of_o mankind_n into_o distinct_a society_n make_v the_o exercise_n of_o many_o 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least_o in_o israel_n from_o whence_o in_o time_n it_o may_v be_v restore_v again_o when_o lose_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n it_o have_v i_o confess_v a_o very_a strange_a appearance_n at_o first_o that_o god_n shall_v reject_v or_o at_o least_o neglect_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o choose_v but_o one_o family_n out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n to_o place_v his_o name_n among_o they_o be_v god_n the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o be_v he_o not_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n 3._o rom._n 29._o this_o the_o vainglorious_a jew_n imagine_v who_o despise_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o reprobate_v by_o god_n but_o the_o apostle_n abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o yes_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o and_o st._n peter_n be_v at_o length_n convince_v by_o a_o vision_n that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o 10._o act_n 34_o 35._o thus_o it_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n though_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o think_v so_o and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o at_o first_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o how_o can_v any_o man_n entertain_v honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n who_o can_v conceive_v he_o so_o partial_a in_o his_o favour_n as_o to_o confine_v the_o peculiar_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n to_o one_o nation_n without_o any_o appear_a concernment_n what_o become_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o if_o this_o be_v and_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o cure_v idolatry_n and_o to_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n it_o give_v we_o a_o new_a and_o more_o glorious_a prospect_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o represent_v this_o as_o advantageous_o as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v first_o give_v you_o a_o general_a view_n of_o this_o admirable_a design_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o will_v enable_v we_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v and_o to_o give_v a_o more_o intelligible_a and_o sensible_a account_n of_o the_o various_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o israel_n now_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n as_o overrun_v with_o idolatry_n as_o we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v when_o abraham_n be_v family_n be_v charge_v with_o it_o as_o joshua_n tell_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o shechem_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n your_o father_n dwell_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n in_o old_a time_n even_o terah_n the_o father_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o father_n of_o nachor_n and_o they_o serve_v other_o god_n 24._o joshua_n 2._o now_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v that_o it_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o restore_v and_o preserve_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o alive_a in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o may_v in_o time_n though_o by_o slow_a degree_n prevail_v over_o idolatry_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o their_o natural_a obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o since_o experience_n have_v prove_v that_o neither_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o universal_a deluge_n nor_o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n can_v preserve_v the_o belief_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n the_o maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o new_a world_n be_v as_o universal_o overrun_v with_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n as_o the_o old_a world_n be_v with_o violence_n and_o that_o the_o very_a dispersion_n of_o mankind_n and_o their_o division_n into_o distinct_a kingdom_n and_o society_n which_o be_v a_o good_a remedy_n against_o some_o other_o immorality_n have_v probable_o occasion_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n while_o every_o nation_n desire_v a_o god_n as_o well_o as_o a_o king_n of_o their_o own_o to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o i_o say_v this_o show_v what_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n shall_v find_v out_o some_o more_o effectual_a and_o last_a mean_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n what_o other_o effectual_a mean_n god_n may_v have_v choose_v for_o this_o purpose_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o to_o inquire_v but_o it_o become_v we_o very_o much_o to_o contemplate_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o hat_n method_n which_o he_o do_v take_v to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n now_o the_o way_n god_n take_v be_v this_o he_o choose_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n who_o he_o govern_v in_o as_o visible_a a_o manner_n as_o any_o temporal_a prince_n govern_v his_o subject_n he_o forbid_v they_o to_o own_o any_o other_o god_n beside_o himself_o and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o peculiar_a law_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o idolatrous_a practice_n of_o their_o neighbour_n he_o make_v himself_o know_v and_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o all_o other_o country_n god_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n not_o that_o he_o be_v only_o the_o god_n of_o that_o nation_n as_o other_o nation_n have_v their_o peculiar_a god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n though_o he_o be_v know_v and_o worship_v only_o in_o israel_n and_o by_o this_o name_n he_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o wrought_v such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o may_v have_v convince_v all_o man_n if_o they_o will_v have_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n none_o like_o he_o none_o that_o can_v be_v compare_v to_o he_o consider_v then_o what_o more_o sensible_a proof_n the_o world_n can_v possible_o have_v of_o one_o
supreme_a god_n and_o of_o a_o sovereign_a providence_n than_o to_o see_v a_o whole_a nation_n worship_v this_o one_o supreme_a god_n which_o at_o least_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o such_o a_o be_v but_o be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o examine_v their_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o several_a go_n especial_o when_o they_o see_v this_o nation_n plant_v in_o a_o particular_a country_n allot_v they_o by_o their_o god_n and_o the_o old_a wicked_a inhabitant_n destroy_v and_o drive_v out_o from_o before_o they_o by_o such_o a_o series_n of_o miracle_n as_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n as_o all_o the_o god_n of_o these_o country_n be_v not_o able_a to_o oppose_v and_o that_o this_o nation_n receive_v their_o law_n both_o for_o worship_n and_o polity_n and_o conversation_n immediate_o from_o god_n be_v govern_v by_o man_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o direct_v in_o all_o great_a affair_n by_o divine_a oracle_n and_o prophet_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n of_o event_n as_o never_o fail_v that_o while_o they_o adhere_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o this_o one_o supreme_a god_n they_o be_v always_o prosperous_a as_o he_o promise_v they_o shall_v be_v but_o when_o they_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n and_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o the_o country_n round_o about_o they_o than_o they_o be_v either_o oppress_v by_o their_o enemy_n at_o home_n or_o carry_v captive_a into_o foreign_a country_n this_o be_v a_o visible_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o israel_n and_o such_o a_o god_n as_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o god_n nor_o allow_v they_o to_o worship_v any_o other_o but_o punish_v they_o severe_o whenever_o they_o do_v and_o all_o their_o other_o god_n can_v not_o help_v they_o nor_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n this_o give_v sufficient_a notice_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n israel_n but_o some_o will_v still_o be_v apt_a to_o ask_v why_o god_n do_v not_o as_o sensible_o manifest_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o do_v to_o israel_n why_o he_o have_v not_o his_o oracle_n and_o prophet_n in_o other_o nation_n and_o they_o may_v if_o they_o please_v as_o reasonable_o ask_v why_o he_o do_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v every_o particular_a man_n with_o a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n and_o force_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n upon_o their_o mind_n or_o why_o he_o do_v not_o by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n convert_v the_o old_a wicked_a world_n but_o destroy_v they_o all_o and_o preserve_v only_o that_o one_o righteous_a family_n which_o have_v escape_v the_o general_a corruption_n for_o much_o like_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o mankind_n with_o respect_n to_o idolatry_n when_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n there_o be_v not_o one_o nation_n leave_v that_o worship_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o he_o only_o nay_o not_o one_o family_n 2._o for_o terah_n abraham_n father_n be_v a_o idolater_n and_o probable_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o family_n except_v abraham_n for_o though_o he_o be_v not_o express_o except_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o neither_o be_v he_o necessary_o include_v and_o god_n command_v he_o to_o leave_v his_o country_n gen._n and_o his_o kindred_n and_o his_o father_n house_n and_o his_o ready_a compliance_n with_o this_o command_n be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o family_n who_o have_v preserve_v himself_o from_o all_o idolatrous_a worship_n however_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o easy_o curable_a if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o idolater_n that_o god_n think_v he_o the_o fit_a person_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o and_o to_o begin_v a_o new_a reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n god_n destroy_v all_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o flood_n and_o only_o preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n to_o new_a people_n the_o earth_n and_o to_o instil_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n into_o their_o posterity_n so_o the_o new_a world_n be_v now_o universal_o corrupt_v by_o idolatry_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v noah_n never_o again_o to_o destroy_v every_o live_a thing_n as_o he_o have_v do_v he_o take_v another_o course_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n create_v a_o new_a people_n to_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o in_o they_o to_o make_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o power_n know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o choose_v abraham_n a_o man_n of_o admirable_a faith_n and_o piety_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o this_o new_a people_n which_o shall_v descend_v from_o his_o loin_n in_o his_o old_a age_n not_o by_o the_o mere_a power_n of_o nature_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n 11._o heb._n 11_o 12._o the_o plain_a state_n then_o of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o when_o that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n have_v universal_o corrupt_v themselves_o with_o idolatry_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mean_v god_n have_v use_v to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o last_a sense_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o wilful_a blindness_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n who_o they_o have_v make_v their_o god_n till_o he_o can_v recover_v they_o from_o this_o apostasy_n by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o do_v this_o be_v to_o establish_v his_o worship_n in_o some_o one_o nation_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o visible_a proof_n both_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o nation_n then_o in_o the_o world_n he_o make_v a_o nation_n on_o purpose_n and_o allot_v they_o a_o country_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o signalise_v they_o by_o extraordinary_a providence_n as_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o new_a beginning_n of_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o idolatrous_a world_n as_o noah_n flood_n put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o wicked_a generation_n but_o yet_o do_v propagate_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n in_o it_o who_o shall_v in_o time_n put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o universal_a idolatry_n and_o make_v a_o new_a world_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o new_a advance_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n make_v towards_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n when_o adam_n have_v sin_v he_o and_o his_o whole_a posterity_n become_v mortal_a and_o be_v condemn_v to_o a_o laborious_a life_n that_o in_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n they_o shall_v eat_v their_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o ease_n and_o sloth_n and_o luxury_n when_o notwithstanding_o this_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n god_n destroy_v that_o wicked_a generation_n with_o a_o universal_a deluge_n and_o thereby_o give_v a_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n to_o the_o new_a world_n when_o this_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n grow_v corrupt_a god_n confound_v their_o language_n and_o disperse_v they_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o form_v they_o into_o distinct_a body_n and_o society_n which_o prevent_v a_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n teach_v they_o civil_a justice_n and_o many_o moral_a virtue_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n and_o defence_n of_o human_a society_n but_o when_o they_o all_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n which_o will_v endanger_v a_o new_a and_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n by_o those_o impure_a ceremony_n with_o which_o wicked_a spirit_n will_v choose_v to_o be_v worship_v some_o new_a and_o more_o effectual_a mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v to_o cure_v this_o evil_n the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n have_v so_o abundant_o convince_v they_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o creature_n as_o a_o atheist_n know_v among_o they_o till_o their_o ridiculous_a idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o mean_a creature_n and_o vile_a man_n with_o ludicrous_a or_o abominable_a rite_n tempt_v some_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o thought_n rather_o to_o own_v no_o god_n than_o such_o god_n as_o the_o heathen_n worship_v but_o though_o these_o extraordinary_a event_n be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n yet_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o think_v so_o express_v and_o direct_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n at_o least_o not_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o the_o worship_n of_o inferior_a deity_n
that_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n shall_v be_v preserve_v entire_a among_o they_o or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v decline_v to_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v be_v visible_o punish_v for_o it_o 4._o that_o the_o fame_n of_o this_o people_n and_o of_o their_o god_n shall_v by_o degree_n be_v know_v over_o all_o the_o earth_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o mystical_a reason_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o israel_n which_o be_v a_o very_a large_a and_o nice_a argument_n and_o not_o so_o proper_a to_o my_o present_a design_n if_o most_o of_o the_o remarkable_a providence_n wherewith_o they_o be_v exercise_v do_v manifest_o serve_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o end_n we_o have_v a_o visible_a reason_n of_o they_o not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v providence_n but_o to_o give_v we_o a_o ravish_a prospect_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o removal_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n into_o egypt_n the_o occasion_n of_o which_o be_v well_o know_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o consider_v for_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o when_o god_n have_v promise_v abraham_n to_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n on_o his_o posterity_n for_o a_o inheritance_n he_o shall_v remove_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o egypt_n there_o to_o continue_v many_o year_n under_o grievous_a oppression_n before_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o deliver_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_v land_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o wise_a design_n of_o this_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v to_o give_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o their_o inheritance_n and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o this_o design_n that_o they_o shall_v increase_v insensible_o in_o canaan_n and_o by_o degree_n dispossess_v the_o old_a inhabitant_n for_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o singular_a and_o remarkable_a in_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a nation_n before_o god_n so_o public_o and_o visible_o own_v they_o for_o his_o people_n and_o visible_o bestow_v a_o inheritance_n on_o they_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v have_v some_o place_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v in_o till_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o transplant_v they_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n for_o this_o purpose_n god_n choose_v the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o send_v joseph_n beforehand_o thither_o and_o advance_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n throne_n to_o prepare_v a_o reception_n for_o they_o and_o a_o very_a quiet_a and_o easy_a retreat_n they_o find_v there_o for_o many_o year_n till_o joseph_n be_v dead_a and_o all_o the_o good_a office_n he_o have_v do_v both_o for_o king_n and_o people_n forget_v and_o the_o prodigious_a increase_n of_o israel_n make_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n jealous_a of_o their_o number_n and_o power_n and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o oppress_v that_o people_n with_o hard_a labour_n and_o cruel_a bondage_n till_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o their_o deliverance_n be_v come_v this_o oppression_n of_o israel_n may_v seem_v a_o very_a severe_a providence_n but_o there_o be_v some_o very_a wise_a end_n it_o serve_v 1._o to_o make_v the_o people_n willing_a to_o leave_v egypt_n where_o they_o suffer_v such_o hard_a bondage_n for_o whoever_o observe_v how_o ready_a they_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o talk_v of_o return_v into_o egypt_n how_o they_o long_v after_o the_o onion_n and_o garlic_n and_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hardship_n they_o suffer_v there_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o have_v they_o enjoy_v ease_n and_o prosperity_n all_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v will_v no_o more_o have_v persuade_v israel_n to_o have_v leave_v egypt_n than_o they_o can_v persuade_v pharaoh_n to_o let_v they_o go_v 2_o the_o advantage_n pharaoh_n make_v of_o the_o service_n of_o israel_n make_v he_o obstinate_o resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o and_o his_o cruel_a oppression_n make_v it_o very_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v he_o and_o all_o egypt_n with_o he_o and_o this_o occasion_v all_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n whereby_o he_o visible_o own_a israel_n for_o his_o people_n and_o make_v his_o own_o power_n and_o glory_n know_v 3_o the_o great_a proneness_n of_o israel_n to_o idolatry_n even_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v too_o plain_a a_o proof_n that_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o egyptian_a idolatry_n while_o they_o live_v there_o the_o golden_a calf_n be_v as_o some_o learned_a man_n not_o without_o reason_n conclude_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o egyptian_a apis_n and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v their_o egyptian_a idolatry_n with_o a_o egyptian_a bondage_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o give_v check_n to_o their_o idolatry_n and_o to_o make_v they_o hate_v the_o egyptian_a god_n like_o their_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n and_o to_o remember_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o covenant_n to_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n on_o they_o 4thly_a the_o oppression_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o keep_v they_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a people_n this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o god_n have_v choose_v they_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o incorporate_n with_o any_o other_o people_n and_o this_o god_n take_v early_a care_n of_o by_o place_v they_o by_o themselves_o in_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n where_o they_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o egypt_n which_o make_v pharaoh_n so_o jealous_a of_o they_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o multiply_v 10._o and_o that_o make_v he_o oppress_v they_o and_o that_o oppression_n preserve_v the_o distinction_n which_o a_o kind_n and_o friendly_a usage_n may_v in_o time_n have_v destroy_v for_o it_o be_v rare_o see_v that_o two_o people_n can_v live_v amicable_o together_o in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o under_o the_o same_o prince_n without_o mingle_v and_o incorporate_n with_o each_o other_o till_o they_o forget_v all_o distinction_n between_o nation_n and_o family_n these_o be_v wise_a reason_n why_o god_n suffer_v the_o hard_a bondage_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n and_o those_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n both_o to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n of_o god_n peculiar_a care_n of_o they_o and_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o israel_n be_v god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n this_o account_n god_n himself_o give_v of_o it_o 6._o exod._n 6_o 7_o 8._o wherefore_o say_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o out_o from_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o i_o will_v take_v you_o to_o i_o for_o a_o people_n and_o i_o will_v be_v to_o you_o a_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o bring_v you_o out_o from_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o as_o for_o the_o egyptian_n god_n tell_v moses_n i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o multiply_v my_o sign_n and_o my_o wonder_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o pharaoh_n shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o you_o that_o i_o may_v lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v forth_o my_o army_n and_o my_o people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n by_o great_a judgement_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n when_o i_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v out_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o 7._o exod._n 3_o 4_o 5._o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n we_o read_v of_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o these_o and_o probable_o they_o be_v the_o first_o miracle_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o ever_o be_v wrought_v and_o it_o become_v we_o to_o contemplate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o it_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o surprise_n and_o wonder_n of_o they_o be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n miracle_n offer_v violence_n to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o will_v be_v no_o commendation_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n shall_v we_o consider_v they_o as_o cause_n not_o as_o sign_n it_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o god_n wrought_v all_o those_o miracle_n in_o egypt_n because_o he_o can_v not_o have_v punish_v the_o egyptian_n nor_o
submission_n be_v due_a to_o god_n in_o the_o change_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o condition_n and_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o low_a to_o high_a or_o from_o high_a to_o low_a as_o for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v few_o man_n who_o find_v any_o difficulty_n in_o submit_v to_o providence_n when_o it_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o high_a station_n but_o some_o few_o such_o there_o be_v who_o love_v their_o ease_n and_o retirement_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o the_o security_n of_o a_o private_a life_n before_o noisy_a greatness_n and_o the_o endless_a fatigue_n of_o public_a ministry_n who_o have_v rather_o enjoy_v themselves_o and_o be_v master_n of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o thought_n and_o action_n than_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o flatter_v slave_n to_o be_v envy_v by_o some_o to_o be_v court_v by_o other_o to_o be_v servant_n to_o all_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o censorious_a tongue_n to_o the_o frown_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o emulation_n of_o their_o equal_n and_o to_o all_o the_o change_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o fortune_n it_o be_v not_o often_o that_o man_n of_o this_o temper_n be_v in_o any_o great_a danger_n of_o such_o troublesome_a honour_n there_o be_v enough_o that_o snatch_v at_o they_o before_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o secure_v those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o have_v they_o but_o sometime_o this_o do_v happen_v and_o then_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n and_o conscience_n for_o man_n to_o sacrifice_v their_o own_o ease_n and_o private_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o country_n and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o great_a a_o fault_n obstinate_o to_o decline_v such_o service_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n call_v they_o to_o as_o it_o be_v vanity_n and_o ambition_n to_o affect_v they_o for_o god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o service_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o may_v employ_v they_o in_o what_o station_n he_o please_v then_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o providence_n 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bring_v he_o low_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o to_o say_v be_v only_o this_o that_o when_o man_n be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n submission_n to_o providence_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v submit_v to_o their_o condition_n imitate_v the_o humility_n and_o modesty_n frugality_n and_o industry_n of_o poor_a man_n and_o not_o expect_v to_o live_v still_o as_o rich_a man_n do_v for_o charity_n be_v never_o intend_v for_o the_o rich_a nor_o to_o excuse_v the_o industry_n of_o the_o poor_a there_o be_v indeed_o great_a regard_n to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o man_n birth_n and_o character_n those_o who_o have_v any_o humanity_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o tender_o and_o compassionate_o affect_v to_o see_v man_n of_o great_a honour_n reduce_v to_o want_v or_o force_v to_o mean_a and_o servile_a employment_n to_o supply_v their_o want_n and_o we_o owe_v so_o much_o to_o the_o modesty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o honour_n to_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o defend_v 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very_o plain_a we_o must_v submit_v as_o far_o as_o the_o condition_n providence_n put_v we_o into_o require_v our_o submission_n providence_n create_v no_o new_a duty_n but_o by_o put_v we_o into_o new_a circumstance_n and_o what_o the_o circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o make_v our_o duty_n that_o be_v our_o submission_n to_o providence_n and_o we_o owe_v no_o other_o submission_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o thief_n break_v open_v my_o house_n or_o rob_v i_o upon_o the_o road_n submission_n to_o providence_n do_v not_o hinder_v i_o from_o pursue_v and_o take_v he_o and_o recover_v my_o own_o of_o he_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o punishment_n if_o i_o can_v for_o my_o be_v rob_v lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o i_o patient_o to_o lose_v what_o be_v unjust_o take_v away_o if_o i_o have_v any_o honest_a way_n leave_v of_o recover_v it_o nor_o of_o suffer_v such_o a_o criminal_a to_o escape_v if_o i_o can_v bring_v he_o to_o punishment_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o injury_n we_o receive_v from_o man_n though_o we_o must_v own_v the_o divine_a providence_n in_o whatever_o we_o suffer_v yet_o submission_n to_o providence_n require_v no_o more_o of_o we_o than_o what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n require_v in_o such_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o allow_v we_o to_o right_v ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o man_n if_o they_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a will_v allow_v we_o but_o if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n shall_v put_v we_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o contract_v with_o they_o for_o our_o life_n and_o liberty_n we_o must_v humble_o submit_v to_o providence_n which_o bring_v we_o into_o this_o necessity_n and_o religious_o observe_v our_o contract_n how_o disadvantageous_a soever_o they_o be_v because_o providence_n have_v now_o alter_v our_o condition_n and_o bring_v we_o under_o new_a obligation_n this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n whereby_o god_n bring_v about_o the_o great_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o world_n by_o such_o power_n as_o force_n a_o compliance_n and_o translate_v kingdom_n and_o empire_n and_o though_o nothing_o be_v more_o grievous_a than_o unjust_a force_n yet_o nature_n teach_v man_n to_o submit_v when_o they_o can_v resist_v and_o power_n will_v absolve_v we_o from_o all_o former_a obligation_n unless_o in_o such_o case_n as_o we_o be_v express_o command_v by_o god_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o power_n though_o we_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n for_o it_o and_o i_o know_v no_o such_o case_n but_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ._n we_o may_v defend_v ourselves_o against_o private_a injury_n as_o far_o as_o law_n and_o justice_n will_v defend_v we_o we_o may_v resist_v unjust_a and_o
reason_n iacob_n name_n be_v change_v into_o israel_n when_o he_o wrestle_v all_o night_n with_o the_o angel_n and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o have_v bless_v he_o thy_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v no_o more_o jacob_n but_o israel_n for_o as_o a_o prince_n have_v thou_o power_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o have_v prevail_v 32._o gen._n 28._o one_o will_v think_v that_o this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v all_o man_n of_o the_o duty_n necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n for_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v his_o blessing_n and_o protection_n only_o in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n if_o he_o himself_o make_v prayer_n the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o receive_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v the_o philosophy_n of_o it_o for_o we_o must_v ask_v if_o we_o will_v receive_v we_o can_v receive_v of_o none_o but_o god_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o ask_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v receive_v many_o good_a thing_n without_o ask_v as_o god_n do_v good_a both_o to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a yet_o we_o can_v never_o be_v secure_a that_o we_o shall_v receive_v and_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o do_v receive_v without_o ask_v seldom_o prove_v blessing_n to_o we_o and_o as_o seldom_o last_a but_o to_o satisfy_v these_o man_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v their_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o they_o can_v conceive_v how_o our_o prayer_n shall_v signify_v any_o thing_n with_o god_n or_o obtain_v any_o blessing_n for_o we_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v bestow_v on_o we_o without_o our_o ask_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a they_o will_v allow_v be_v necessary_a to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o providence_n and_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v do_v good_a to_o good_a man_n whether_o they_o ask_v or_o not_o but_o they_o can_v see_v for_o what_o wise_a end_n prayer_n serve_v or_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v any_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o give_v do_v not_o god_n know_v our_o want_n before_o we_o ask_v or_o do_v he_o need_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o our_o prayer_n what_o we_o will_v have_v he_o do_v for_o we_o be_v not_o our_o want_n and_o his_o own_o essential_a goodness_n a_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o do_v he_o want_v to_o be_v entreat_v and_o importune_v which_o will_v argue_v a_o want_n of_o goodness_n in_o short_a can_v god_n be_v move_v and_o change_v by_o our_o prayer_n to_o alter_v his_o counsel_n to_o do_v that_o good_a for_o we_o which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v or_o to_o divert_v those_o evil_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o have_v bring_v on_o we_o which_o represent_v god_n as_o changeable_a as_o man_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o counsel_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o these_o objection_n do_v not_o prove_v too_o much_o that_o be_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o equal_o destroy_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o make_v any_o prayer_n or_o petition_n to_o man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n indeed_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o good_a man_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o want_n and_o may_v need_v to_o be_v inform_v but_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o ask_v to_o inform_v man_n of_o our_o want_n do_v any_o good_a man_n think_v himself_o bind_v though_o he_o know_v our_o want_n to_o supply_v they_o without_o our_o ask_n do_v we_o think_v it_o any_o diminution_n to_o any_o man_n goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v unless_o he_o be_v ask_v good_a man_n indeed_o do_v a_o great_a many_o good_a office_n without_o be_v ask_v and_o so_o do_v a_o good_a god_n but_o in_o most_o case_n they_o think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o be_v ask_v and_o that_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o stomach_n not_o to_o ask_v and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o not_o to_o give_v it_o do_v not_o become_v some_o man_n to_o ask_v when_o it_o may_v become_v other_o to_o give_v for_o it_o require_v some_o interest_n and_o some_o pretence_n to_o favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o have_v a_o right_a to_o ask_v but_o all_o man_n expect_v that_o those_o who_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o know_v that_o they_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v shall_v ask_v for_o what_o they_o want_v parent_n expect_v this_o from_o their_o child_n and_o a_o prince_n from_o his_o subject_n and_o will_v see_v their_o want_n and_o let_v they_o want_v on_o till_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o ask_v and_o if_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n expect_v this_o from_o their_o dependent_n a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v this_o from_o his_o creature_n who_o have_v their_o whole_a dependence_n on_o he_o for_o let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o the_o difference_n if_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v ask_v why_o may_v not_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n expect_v this_o as_o well_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n thus_o as_o changeable_a as_o man_n be_v in_o their_o will_n and_o counsel_n and_o passion_n do_v we_o use_v to_o charge_v any_o man_n with_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n only_o because_o he_o give_v when_o he_o be_v ask_v and_o will_v not_o give_v when_o he_o be_v not_o ask_v that_o be_v do_v it_o prove_v any_o man_n to_o be_v mutable_a to_o change_v only_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o immutable_a rule_n require_v he_o to_o change_v such_o uniform_a and_o regular_a change_n as_o these_o prove_v a_o immutability_n of_o counsel_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o providence_n it_o argue_v no_o more_o change_n in_o god_n to_o give_v when_o we_o ask_v and_o not_o to_o give_v when_o we_o do_v not_o ask_v than_o it_o be_v to_o punish_v a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v wicked_a and_o to_o reward_v he_o when_o he_o be_v good_a the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o human_a nature_n be_v the_o most_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a thing_n and_o when_o they_o move_v mechanical_o by_o external_a and_o sensible_a impression_n either_o against_o reason_n or_o at_o least_o without_o it_o they_o betray_v man_n to_o that_o uneveness_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o their_o action_n as_o disparage_v both_o their_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o when_o they_o do_v good_a by_o such_o blind_a impulse_n and_o strong_a and_o heady_a passion_n they_o do_v good_a by_o chance_n and_o another_o torrent_n of_o different_a passion_n may_v do_v as_o much_o hurt_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o immutability_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o be_v move_v by_o passion_n when_o reason_n and_o not_o mere_a sense_n move_v they_o for_o reason_n be_v a_o even_a and_o steady_a mover_n to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n passion_n and_o affection_n be_v move_v by_o reason_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o have_v do_v without_o that_o reason_n do_v not_o unbecome_v the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o say_v that_o a_o good_a man_n be_v move_v by_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n and_o complaint_n to_o pity_v and_o compassion_n and_o to_o do_v good_a contrary_a to_o his_o former_a intention_n and_o inclination_n be_v no_o reproach_n to_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o any_o reproach_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v move_v by_o our_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n to_o do_v that_o for_o we_o which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v for_o it_o neither_o unbecome_v god_n nor_o man_n to_o be_v move_v by_o reason_n we_o live_v in_o a_o critical_a age_n which_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o speak_v intelligible_o of_o god_n because_o we_o want_v word_n sufficient_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o motion_n and_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o creature_n our_o conception_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o so_o must_v our_o word_n necessary_o be_v and_o therefore_o unless_o you_o will_v venture_v the_o censure_n of_o some_o man_n who_o conceal_v their_o atheism_n under_o a_o religious_a silence_n and_o veneration_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v say_v or_o think_v of_o god_n for_o fear_v of_o think_v and_o speak_v dishonourable_o of_o he_o you_o must_v not_o say_v that_o god_n hear_v or_o see_v because_o he_o have_v no_o bodily_a ear_n or_o eye_n or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o affection_n in_o god_n as_o love_n or_o hatred_n joy_n
though_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o often_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n do_v not_o prove_v life_n to_o be_v a_o contemptible_a state_n or_o worse_o than_o not_o be_v yet_o they_o do_v prove_v life_n to_o be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a state_n that_o the_o mere_a sensible_a pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o life_n together_o with_o these_o great_a allay_v be_v but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n wise_a man_n see_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o expect_v it_o for_o how_o can_v this_o world_n make_v we_o happy_a which_o though_o it_o have_v its_o pleasure_n have_v its_o trouble_n and_o care_n and_o disappointment_n too_o be_v a_o insecure_a and_o mutable_a state_n expose_v to_o chance_n and_o accident_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v always_o chequer_a with_o prosperous_a and_o adverse_a event_n have_v always_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o many_o time_n the_o evil_n be_v the_o prevail_a ingredient_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o natural_a love_n of_o life_n and_o the_o many_o sweet_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o reconcile_v very_o miserable_a people_n to_o live_v yet_o a_o wise_a man_n see_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o state_n much_o less_o to_o dream_v of_o perfect_a and_o last_a happiness_n in_o it_o 2_o the_o many_o trouble_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n to_o be_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a brag_n of_o the_o stoic_n that_o virtue_n alone_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a that_o their_o wiseman_n can_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o phalaris_n bull_n for_o virtue_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o clothes_n can_v cure_v bodily_a pain_n and_o sickness_n nor_o satisfy_v the_o appetite_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n and_o while_o a_o wise_a man_n live_v in_o a_o mortal_a body_n he_o must_v feel_v the_o want_n and_o pain_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o pain_n be_v not_o happiness_n but_o yet_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o when_o we_o must_v encounter_v with_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o life_n nothing_o can_v give_v we_o any_o degree_n of_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o such_o trouble_n as_o will_v sour_a all_o our_o other_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o bear_v up_o our_o spirit_n which_o sink_v under_o their_o own_o weight_n under_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n be_v torment_v with_o fear_n with_o disappointment_n with_o envy_n with_o rage_n and_o when_o they_o can_v bear_v themselves_o can_v bear_v nothing_o else_o nor_o relish_v their_o wont_a pleasure_n but_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v that_o virtue_n have_v its_o proper_a pleasure_n in_o the_o great_a difficulty_n inspire_v we_o with_o prudent_a counsel_n to_o disentangle_v ourselves_o animate_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o bravery_n to_o resist_v the_o evil_a or_o to_o bear_v it_o sweeten_v our_o labour_n with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o great_a and_o generous_a action_n for_o the_o public_a good_a keep_v our_o own_o passion_n under_o government_n and_o triumph_n over_o a_o adverse_a fortune_n by_o raise_v the_o mind_n above_o it_o by_o such_o help_n as_o these_o a_o good_a man_n may_v enjoy_v some_o competent_a measure_n of_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o worst_a condition_n but_o when_o such_o trouble_v surprise_v a_o mind_n unarm_v and_o unfortified_a with_o virtue_n unable_a to_o resist_v and_o unable_a to_o bear_v we_o may_v then_o with_o great_a truth_n and_o reason_n apply_v this_o text_n to_o he_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a who_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n who_o be_v yet_o alive_a be_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n always_o easy_a and_o prosperous_a there_o will_v be_v little_a need_n of_o passive_a virtue_n though_o virtue_n in_o general_n be_v always_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a but_o all_o man_n must_v be_v sensible_a how_o necessary_a passive_a and_o suffer_a virtue_n be_v for_o a_o inconstant_a troublesome_a and_o suffer_a state_n which_o be_v always_o in_o some_o degree_n the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o will_v convince_v those_o who_o will_v consider_v it_o how_o necessary_a the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a 3_o though_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o life_n be_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v hasten_v his_o escape_n out_o of_o this_o world_n before_o his_o time_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o make_v he_o content_v to_o leave_v this_o world_n whenever_o god_n call_v he_o out_o of_o it_o for_o though_o virtue_n will_v sweeten_v labour_n and_o difficulty_n yet_o no_o man_n will_v choose_v always_o to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o war._n ease_n and_o rest_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o refresh_a after_o labour_n though_o a_o prince_n be_v glorious_a in_o the_o field_n cover_v with_o dust_n and_o sweat_n and_o sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o enemy_n yet_o the_o triumph_n of_o a_o secure_a and_o quiet_a throne_n be_v great_a and_o more_o desirable_a and_o this_o make_v the_o grave_a too_o in_o some_o degree_n acceptable_a after_o the_o toil_n and_o labour_n of_o virtue_n that_o there_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n especial_o since_o this_o rest_n be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n for_o all_o the_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o ease_n and_o rest_n of_o know_v and_o feeling_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o nothing_o which_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o a_o stone_n and_o of_o thing_n without_o life_n not_o the_o rest_n of_o a_o man._n but_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n follow_v they_o they_o rest_v in_o a_o peaceful_a and_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o endless_a happiness_n they_o rest_v from_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o virtue_n and_o enjoy_v its_o reward_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v what_o exact_o become_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n such_o a_o mix_a state_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o may_v wean_v we_o from_o the_o tempt_a vanity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a happiness_n to_o be_v find_v here_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o raise_v our_o heart_n above_o this_o world_n and_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o which_o be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o perfect_a ease_n and_o rest_n and_o since_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o future_a happiness_n nothing_o can_v be_v better_o for_o we_o than_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o shall_v make_v virtue_n necessary_a to_o our_o present_a happiness_n and_o since_o we_o must_v leave_v this_o world_n and_o death_n be_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n whatever_o reconcile_v we_o to_o death_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a may_v be_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o security_n of_o human_a life_n second_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o those_o many_o evil_n and_o calamity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o human_a life_n be_v owe_v to_o man_n own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o make_v those_o evil_n a_o objection_n against_o providence_n which_o man_n wilful_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o thus_o the_o wiseman_n long_o since_o state_v this_o question_n the_o foolishness_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o the_o lord_n 19_o prov._n 3_o man_n make_v themselves_o miserable_a and_o then_o reproach_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o their_o misery_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o that_o mankind_n undo_v themselves_o and_o that_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a subject_n for_o a_o satyr_n against_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n but_o need_v no_o proof_n if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o many_o misery_n of_o human_a life_n and_o resolve_v they_o into_o their_o immediate_a and_o natural_a cause_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o most_o man_n take_v great_a care_n to_o leave_v very_o little_a for_o god_n to_o do_v in_o the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v but_o two_o visible_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o