or_o need_v these_o or_o such_o kind_n of_o punishment_n or_o correction_n and_o such_o vast_a number_n of_o bad_a man_n who_o be_v ready_a every_o day_n to_o commit_v such_o outrage_n do_v not_o god_n restrain_v they_o be_v it_o not_o very_o visible_a how_o easy_o god_n can_v order_v and_o appoint_v such_o suffering_n for_o man_n without_o order_v or_o appoint_v any_o man_n sin_n it_o require_v no_o more_o than_o to_o bring_v those_o who_o god_n appoint_v for_o suffering_n into_o the_o reach_n of_o such_o man_n and_o to_o put_v they_o into_o their_o power_n and_o their_o own_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n will_v do_v the_o rest_n it_o be_v like_o expose_v condemn_a malefactor_n to_o wild_a beast_n who_o nature_n and_o inclination_n be_v to_o devour_v and_o if_o god_n chain_n up_o bad_a man_n as_o we_o do_v wild_a beast_n that_o they_o can_v touch_v any_o one_o but_o who_o god_n deliver_v up_o to_o they_o and_o let_v they_o loose_v only_o to_o execute_v his_o own_o just_a and_o 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it_o be_v not_o they_o but_o god_n that_o send_v he_o into_o egypt_n 45._o gen._n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o they_o think_v nothing_o of_o send_v he_o into_o egypt_n but_o this_o be_v what_o god_n intend_v when_o he_o permit_v they_o to_o sell_v he_o to_o the_o ishmaelite_n this_o be_v their_o sin_n as_o he_o add_v 50._o gen._n 20._o but_o as_o for_o you_o you_o think_v evil_a against_o i_o but_o the_o good_a that_o be_v do_v be_v whole_o god_n do_n but_o god_n mean_v it_o unto_o good_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o other_o case_n which_o show_v we_o what_o the_o scripture_n call_v god_n do_n the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n and_o those_o evil_n he_o bring_v on_o they_o be_v god_n do_n but_o not_o the_o sin_n whereby_o they_o be_v punish_v the_o punishment_n of_o david_n adultery_n by_o the_o incest_n of_o absalon_n be_v god_n do_n but_o not_o absalom_n incest_n the_o send_v joseph_n into_o egypt_n and_o advance_v he_o into_o pharaoh_n throne_n be_v god_n do_n but_o not_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o brethren_n in_o sell_v he_o for_o a_o slave_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n nothing_o be_v call_v god_n will_n or_o god_n do_v which_o have_v any_o moral_a evil_n in_o it_o all_o wicked_a action_n be_v man_n own_a will_n and_o own_o do_n which_o god_n permit_v for_o wise_a end_n but_o never_o order_n or_o appoint_v but_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o be_v do_v by_o man_n sin_n that_o be_v god_n do_v and_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n you_o all_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o god_n government_n of_o man_n action_n and_o his_o government_n of_o event_n and_o then_o we_o may_v safe_o attribute_v all_o event_n to_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n without_o danger_n of_o charge_v god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n whereby_o such_o event_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v 3_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o god_n absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n and_o necessity_n and_o fate_n for_o many_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o confound_v these_o two_o if_o no_o good_a or_o evil_n befall_v any_o man_n but_o what_o god_n order_n and_o appoint_v for_o they_o this_o they_o think_v sound_n like_o fate_n and_o destiny_n that_o every_o man_n fortune_n be_v write_v upon_o his_o forehead_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n by_o all_o his_o care_n and_o industry_n and_o prudence_n to_o make_v his_o condition_n better_o than_o what_o god_n have_v decree_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o irreversible_a roll_n of_o fate_n and_o yet_o a_o unrelenting_a immutable_a fate_n be_v so_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o reward_n and_o
good_a may_v come_v this_o st._n paul_n reject_v with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o man_n damnation_n be_v just_a 3._o rom._n 8._o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a contradiction_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o order_n to_o do_v good_a for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n who_o can_v for_o any_o reason_n be_v persuade_v to_o do_v evil_a be_v a_o hearty_a and_o zealous_a lover_n of_o goodness_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o who_o do_v any_o evil_a do_v not_o hearty_o love_v that_o goodness_n to_o which_o the_o evil_a he_o do_v be_v oppose_v and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o hearty_o love_v all_o goodness_n be_v a_o hearty_a lover_n of_o none_o there_o be_v no_o reconcile_n good_a and_o evil_n no_o more_o than_o you_o can_v reconcile_v contradiction_n a_o good_a man_n will_v love_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o a_o evil_a man_n will_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o though_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a yet_o evil_a be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o good_a no_o more_o than_o darkness_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o a_o good_a design_n can_v never_o justify_v a_o bad_a action_n for_o that_o bad_a action_n shall_v do_v good_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o bad_a action_n and_o whatever_o man_n may_v intend_v i_o be_o sure_o no_o man_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o justify_v himself_o in_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v it_o be_v certain_a a_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n require_v no_o such_o thing_n of_o we_o and_o though_o he_o very_o often_o bring_v about_o great_a and_o admirable_a design_n by_o man_n sin_n yet_o no_o man_n know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o nor_o know_v when_o god_n will_v do_v it_o nor_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n who_o venture_v upon_o sin_n in_o order_n to_o do_v some_o great_a good_a ever_o do_v the_o good_a he_o intend_v though_o many_o time_n he_o run_v himself_o into_o more_o and_o great_a sin_n than_o ever_o he_o intend_v nay_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o deliberate_o venture_v upon_o a_o know_a sin_n to_o do_v some_o great_a good_a by_o it_o but_o there_o be_v always_o some_o base_a worldly_a interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n colour_v over_o with_o a_o pretence_n of_o do_v good_a either_o to_o deceive_v the_o world_n or_o sometime_o to_o deceive_v their_o own_o conscience_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n among_o who_o there_o be_v those_o who_o teach_v and_o practice_v this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o undeniable_a example_n of_o it_o and_o we_o have_v have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o it_o near_a home_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o one_o reason_n why_o those_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v future_a age_n be_v general_o so_o obscure_a that_o no_o man_n know_v when_o nor_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o any_o sin_n to_o serve_v providence_n and_o to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n as_o obscure_v as_o these_o prophecy_n be_v yet_o we_o see_v some_o heat_a enthusiast_n very_o forward_o to_o venture_v on_o any_o thing_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n to_o pull_v down_o antichrist_n to_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n especial_o when_o they_o hope_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o with_o he_o but_o god_n conceal_v time_n and_o season_n from_o we_o and_o though_o he_o many_o time_n fulfil_v prophecy_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o allow_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n and_o therefore_o never_o let_v we_o know_v when_o nor_o by_o what_o mean_v prohesy_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v let_v we_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a principle_n that_o god_n need_v not_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o can_v never_o please_v he_o by_o do_v evil_a whatever_o the_o event_n be_v he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o serve_v his_o providence_n but_o he_o will_v punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n chap._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 3._o the_o next_o inquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n though_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o more_o proper_a subject_n for_o our_o devout_a meditation_n than_o for_o our_o inquiry_n for_o we_o need_v not_o look_v far_o to_o seek_v for_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o taste_v it_o every_o day_n we_o owe_v our_o be_v our_o preservation_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n to_o it_o there_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v nor_o so_o miserable_a a_o creature_n in_o this_o world_n but_o can_v bear_v its_o testimony_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v pardon_v the_o harshness_n of_o the_o expression_n i_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plague_n and_o torment_n of_o hell_n i_o mean_v the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungrateful_a abuse_n of_o it_o this_o be_v that_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v those_o sharp_a reflection_n man_n make_v on_o their_o ingratitude_n and_o folly_n in_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a by_o affront_a that_o goodness_n which_o will_v have_v make_v they_o happy_a whatever_o other_o objection_n foam_v wanton_a and_o sport_v wit_n make_v against_o providence_n one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o feel_v what_o he_o enjoy_v himself_o and_o see_v what_o a_o bountiful_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o all_o creature_n shall_v question_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o which_o he_o live_v move_v and_o have_v his_o be_v we_o shall_v think_v he_o a_o extraordinary_a benefactor_n who_o do_v the_o thousand_o part_n for_o we_o of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o shall_v not_o challenge_v his_o goodness_n though_o he_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o like_a or_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o atheism_n be_v found_v in_o ingratitude_n and_o unless_o god_n humour_v they_o as_o well_o as_o do_v they_o good_a he_o be_v no_o god_n for_o they_o nay_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v here_o the_o perverse_a as_o well_o as_o the_o ungrateful_a temper_n of_o atheist_n when_o they_o dispute_v against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o god_n be_v much_o too_o good_a for_o they_o though_o he_o give_v we_o example_n enough_o of_o his_o severity_n against_o sin_n yet_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o some_o few_o prosperous_a sinner_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o god_n be_v not_o just_a or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n when_o they_o dispute_v against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n than_o god_n be_v not_o good_a enough_o for_o they_o though_o they_o see_v innumerable_a instance_n of_o goodness_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o good_a god_n but_o to_o good_a fortune_n because_o they_o think_v they_o see_v some_o of_o the_o careless_a and_o irregular_a stroke_n of_o chance_n and_o fortune_n intermix_v with_o it_o in_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n himself_o to_o answer_v these_o two_o objection_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o man_n and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o they_o both_o for_o shall_v god_n vindicate_v his_o justice_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o man_n by_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n every_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v according_a to_o its_o desert_n there_o will_v be_v very_o little_a room_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o goodness_n if_o every_o man_n must_v suffer_v as_o much_o as_o he_o sin_n the_o very_o best_a man_n will_v be_v great_a sufferer_n much_o great_a sufferer_n than_o any_o of_o they_o now_o be_v though_o their_o suffering_n be_v make_v another_o objection_n against_o providence_n and_o there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o formidable_a example_n of_o misery_n as_o there_o be_v atheist_n and_o profligate_v sinner_n and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o how_o good_a soever_o god_n may_v be_v if_o he_o must_v punish_v every_o sin_n he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o show_v his_o goodness_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n shall_v god_n be_v as_o good_a as_o these_o man_n will_v have_v he_o that_o be_v that_o to_o prove_v himself_o good_a he_o shall_v not_o inflict_v any_o evil_n or_o calamity_n on_o man_n whatever_o their_o sin_n or_o provocation_n be_v that_o whereas_o god_n plant_v paradise_n only_o for_o man_n in_o innocence_n the_o whole_a world_n shall_v be_v now_o a_o paradise_n though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o innocent_a man_n in_o it_o this_o will_v be_v as_o unanswerable_a a_o objection_n
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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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please_v for_o though_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n he_o have_v not_o whole_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n but_o that_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a he_o can_v lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o he_o or_o clap_v a_o counter_a bias_n upon_o his_o mind_n which_o shall_v lead_v he_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o lust_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a world_n though_o god_n have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o natural_a virtue_n and_o quality_n and_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n suffer_v they_o to_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n yet_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n to_o reverse_v its_o law_n or_o suspend_v its_o influence_n by_o a_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o do_v this_o in_o the_o moral_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a world_n when_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o but_o though_o god_n may_v thus_o sometime_o by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o chain_v up_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o free_a agent_n and_o it_o will_v no_o more_o become_v god_n always_o to_o over-rule_v man_n will_n in_o this_o manner_n than_o it_o will_v always_o to_o overpower_v nature_n and_o to_o govern_v the_o natural_a world_n not_o by_o its_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n but_o by_o constant_a miracle_n and_o if_o the_o ordinary_a and_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o reasonable_a and_o free_a agent_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n permit_v man_n to_o choose_v wicked_o that_o he_o do_v not_o always_o by_o a_o irresistible_a and_o sovereign_a power_n hinder_v the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n give_v man_n all_o those_o internal_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o lay_v all_o those_o internal_a restraint_n upon_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n though_o we_o know_v not_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o this_o we_o know_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o he_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v he_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o and_o bad_a man_n themselves_o if_o they_o will_v but_o confess_v what_o they_o feel_v must_v tell_v you_o what_o struggle_n they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n before_o they_o can_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n how_o in_o some_o case_n especial_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n natural_a modesty_n in_o other_o natural_a pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o other_o a_o natural_a greatness_n and_o generosity_n of_o mind_n give_v check_v to_o they_o how_o at_o first_o they_o blush_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o wickedness_n and_o be_v reproach_v by_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o it_o how_o they_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n or_o some_o present_a vengeance_n to_o overtake_v they_o and_o can_v never_o sin_v secure_o till_o they_o have_v laugh_v away_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o of_o another_o world_n such_o care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o make_v sin_n uneasy_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o after_o all_o they_o will_v be_v wicked_a as_o free_a agent_n may_v be_v if_o they_o will_v this_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n of_o providence_n to_o leave_v free_a agent_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n two_o as_o for_o the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o god_n permit_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v such_o as_o theft_n murder_n adultery_n perjury_n and_o the_o like_a now_o this_o require_v a_o different_a consideration_n for_o in_o human_a government_n this_o be_v think_v a_o great_a miscarriage_n to_o suffer_v any_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v which_o we_o can_v hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o no_o man_n will_v be_v think_v innocent_a much_o less_o a_o prince_n who_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n murder_v a_o virgin_n deflower_v a_o robbery_n or_o any_o other_o villainy_n commit_v without_o interpose_v to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n which_o see_v and_o observe_v and_o can_v easy_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n as_o it_o daily_o permit_v now_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v 1._o that_o god_n can_v always_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n without_o a_o perpetual_a violation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o a_o ordinary_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o when_o jeroboam_fw-la in_o great_a anger_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o prophet_n
have_v so_o grievous_o oppress_v israel_n that_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v they_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o send_v moses_n to_o inflict_v a_o great_a many_o miraculous_a judgement_n on_o they_o not_o intend_v thereby_o to_o convince_v pharaoh_n who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o convince_v he_o and_o who_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v but_o only_o to_o lay_v egypt_n waste_v and_o to_o take_v a_o signal_n vengeance_n upon_o that_o cruel_a persecutor_n by_o overthrow_v he_o and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o therefore_o he_o so_o order_v the_o execution_n of_o these_o judgement_n that_o the_o harden_a heart_n of_o pharaoh_n shall_v grow_v more_o harden_v by_o they_o thus_o when_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o cut_v off_o ahab_n as_o his_o grievous_a sin_n have_v long_o before_o deserve_v he_o intend_v to_o harden_v he_o to_o go_v up_o to_o ramoth_n gilead_n and_o fall_v there_o and_o for_o that_o purpose_n suffer_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o prophet_n to_o encourage_v the_o king_n in_o that_o fatal_a expedition_n and_o as_o god_n have_v foretell_v they_o do_v prevail_v against_o micaiah_n the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o plain_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v fall_v in_o it_o 1_o king_n 22._o thus_o when_o god_n be_v so_o provoke_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o judah_n that_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n who_o shall_v destroy_v their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o carry_v they_o captive_a to_o babylon_n he_o pronounce_v this_o harden_v sentence_n on_o they_o go_v and_o tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v what_o this_o mean_n you_o shall_v hear_v more_o hereafter_o all_o that_o i_o observe_v at_o present_a be_v that_o this_o sentence_n be_v not_o pronounce_v against_o they_o till_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o carry_v they_o into_o captivity_n and_o to_o lay_v their_o city_n and_o country_n desolate_a as_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n then_o say_v i_o lord_n how_o long_o and_o he_o answer_v until_o the_o city_n be_v waste_v without_o inhabitant_n and_o the_o house_n without_o man_n and_o the_o land_n be_v utter_o desolate_a 6._o isaiah_n 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n when_o god_n have_v determine_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n their_o city_n temple_n and_o polity_n for_o their_o great_a sin_n in_o crucify_a their_o messiah_n as_o christ_n tell_v we_o 23._o matth._n 37_o 38_o 39_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o that_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v i_o henceforth_o till_o you_o shall_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 19_o luke_n 41_o 42_o 43_o 44._o and_o when_o he_o come_v near_o he_o behold_v the_o city_n and_o weep_v over_o it_o say_v if_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n for_o the_o day_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o that_o thy_o enemy_n shall_v cast_v a_o trench_n about_o thou_o and_o compass_v thou_o round_o and_o keep_v thou_o in_o on_o every_o side_n and_o shall_v lay_v thou_o even_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o thy_o child_n within_o thou_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o because_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n now_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o final_a sentence_n which_o god_n have_v pronounce_v against_o they_o though_o he_o delay_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o for_o forty_o year_n st._n paul_n apply_v to_o they_o the_o case_n of_o a_o harden_a pharaoh_n who_o god_n spare_v also_o a_o great_a while_n as_o he_o do_v they_o though_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v he_o by_o a_o signal_n overthrow_n to_o show_v his_o power_n and_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n though_o he_o delay_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o some_o year_n after_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v they_o to_o make_v they_o also_o a_o more_o remarkable_a example_n of_o a_o just_a vengeance_n and_o more_o glorious_a power_n what_o if_o god_n willing_a to_o show_v his_o wrath_n and_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n that_o be_v delay_n for_o many_o year_n the_o execution_n of_o those_o who_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o destroy_v for_o their_o great_a sin_n by_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n for_o such_o only_o be_v the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v to_o destruction_n 9_o rom._n 17_o 22._o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o apply_v to_o they_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n concern_v the_o judicial_a blindness_n and_o deafness_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n when_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n which_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o they_o also_o and_o receive_v its_o full_a accomplishment_n in_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n 28._o act_n 26_o 27._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o these_o example_n and_o i_o know_v no_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o god_n never_o harden_v man_n till_o he_o have_v first_o determine_v to_o punish_v or_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o harden_v which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n decree_n to_o punish_v or_o to_o destroy_v relate_v only_o to_o some_o temporal_a evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o god_n intend_v to_o bring_v on_o they_o not_o to_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o world_n god_n be_v never_o say_v to_o harden_v any_o man_n that_o he_o may_v eternal_o damn_v they_o that_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o their_o own_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n but_o god_n do_v sometime_o harden_v man_n in_o order_n to_o take_v a_o more_o exemplary_a vengeance_n on_o they_o in_o this_o world_n which_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o make_v his_o power_n and_o glory_n know_v two_o this_o will_n more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v never_o say_v to_o harden_v any_o man_n in_o sin_n but_o he_o only_o harden_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o such_o ruinous_a counsel_n as_o will_v bring_v that_o destruction_n on_o they_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o determine_v for_o they_o they_o harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n and_o make_v it_o wise_a and_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o and_o when_o god_n resolve_v to_o do_v so_o then_o sometime_o he_o harden_v they_o in_o such_o course_n as_o will_v bring_v a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o they_o i_o need_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n which_o be_v the_o most_o express_a text_n we_o have_v for_o god_n harden_v man_n now_o what_o do_v god_n harden_v pharaoh_n in_o do_v he_o harden_v he_o against_o believe_v moses_n and_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n no_o such_o matter_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n say_v but_o he_o harden_v he_o not_o to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v pharaoh_n harden_v himself_o against_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v against_o own_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o power_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n though_o when_o he_o feel_v the_o judgement_n inflict_v on_o he_o they_o be_v so_o uneasy_a as_o to_o make_v he_o relent_v and_o to_o promise_v to_o send_v israel_n away_o but_o his_o great_a concernment_n be_v how_o to_o keep_v israel_n and_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o these_o plague_n and_o his_o firm_a resolution_n be_v never_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v any_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v they_o safe_o now_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a evil_a to_o disbelieve_v moses_n and_o to_o disobey_v god_n command_n attest_v and_o confirm_v by_o
this_o kind_a father_n to_o keep_v such_o a_o watchful_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o to_o take_v such_o prudent_a and_o effectual_a care_n as_o not_o to_o suffer_v they_o utter_o to_o undo_v themselves_o to_o make_v their_o condition_n hopeless_a and_o desperate_a but_o only_o to_o let_v they_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o their_o own_o folly_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o more_o sober_a thought_n not_o to_o perish_v under_o it_o till_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n leave_v of_o reclaim_v they_o what_o can_v a_o kind_a father_n do_v more_o for_o prodigal_n unless_o you_o will_v have_v he_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o luxury_n and_o lewdness_n which_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n can_v do_v he_o bring_v none_o of_o these_o misery_n upon_o they_o and_o it_o be_v kindness_n to_o let_v they_o smart_v under_o they_o to_o prevent_v their_o undo_n as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v he_o turn_v the_o misery_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o only_o into_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n he_o suffer_v they_o to_o injure_v one_o another_o to_o make_v they_o all_o sensible_a of_o their_o folly_n and_o those_o who_o be_v past_a recovery_n he_o make_v example_n of_o great_a severity_n to_o reform_v the_o rest_n if_o this_o will_v be_v think_v a_o kind_n merciful_a and_o wise_a conduct_n in_o earthly_a parent_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o you_o have_v a_o answer_n to_o most_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o human_a life_n 3_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o as_o most_o of_o these_o evil_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n sin_n so_o it_o be_v we_o ourselves_o who_o give_v the_o sting_n to_o they_o all_o as_o many_o external_a calamity_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o this_o world_n require_v there_o shall_v be_v in_o it_o god_n have_v make_v abundant_a 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providence_n this_o be_v like_o the_o bush_n that_o be_v on_o fire_n but_o be_v not_o burn_v a_o signal_n token_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o favour_n and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n what_o be_v mere_o external_a may_v afflict_v a_o good_a man_n but_o can_v make_v he_o miserable_a for_o no_o man_n be_v miserable_a who_o mind_n be_v easy_a and_o cheerful_a full_a of_o great_a hope_n and_o support_v with_o divine_a joy_n but_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o passion_n make_v we_o miserable_a and_o make_v we_o sink_v under_o external_a suffering_n a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o this_o world_n pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n anger_n hatred_n revenge_n make_v every_o condition_n uneasy_a and_o any_o great_a suffering_n intolerable_a it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v poverty_n and_o disgrace_n the_o loss_n of_o estate_n and_o honour_n the_o frown_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o clamour_n of_o the_o people_n such_o unsufferable_a evil_n which_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v only_o bear_v but_o modest_o despise_v it_o be_v this_o that_o terrify_v we_o with_o the_o least_o approach_n of_o danger_n and_o distract_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o care_n and_o solicitude_n and_o with_o all_o the_o imaginary_a evil_n and_o frightful_a appearance_n which_o a_o scare_v fancy_n can_v raise_v in_o the_o dark_a especial_o when_o guilt_n make_v man_n afraid_a and_o look_v upon_o every_o misfortune_n disappointment_n affliction_n as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o a_o terrible_a presage_n of_o the_o endless_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o life_n external_n evil_n and_o calamity_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n and_o they_o be_v good_a as_o far_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o they_o be_v permit_v and_o order_v by_o god_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v good_a to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n who_o will_v not_o be_v make_v better_a by_o they_o whatever_o man_n suffer_v if_o their_o suffering_n do_v not_o make_v they_o miserable_a this_o be_v no_o just_a reproach_n to_o providence_n for_o god_n may_v be_v very_o good_a to_o his_o creature_n whatever_o they_o suffer_v while_o they_o can_v suffer_v and_o be_v happy_a not_o perfect_o and_o complete_o happy_a which_o admit_v of_o no_o suffering_n but_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o self-enjoyment_n as_o reconcile_v external_a suffering_n with_o inward_a peace_n contentment_n patience_n hope_v which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o suffer_a state_n and_o a_o much_o great_a happiness_n than_o the_o most_o prosperous_a fortune_n without_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o thus_o happy_a under_o all_o our_o suffering_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n thus_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o external_a suffering_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o make_v man_n miserable_a but_o the_o inward_a guilt_n and_o disorder_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n text._n 18._o prov._n 14._o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v and_o if_o all_o that_o god_n inflict_v on_o we_o may_v be_v bear_v our_o misery_n be_v owe_v to_o ourselves_o but_o i_o have_v so_o particular_o discourse_v this_o upon_o another_o occasion_n that_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v no_o far_o on_o it_o 2_o another_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v god_n partial_a and_o unequal_a care_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o i_o confess_v partiality_n be_v a_o very_a great_a objection_n both_o against_o justice_n and_o a_o universal_a goodness_n and_o such_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n must_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v very_o different_a rank_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n rich_a and_o poor_a high_a and_o low_a prince_n and_o subject_n and_o a_o great_a many_o degree_n of_o power_n and_o honour_n and_o riches_n and_o poverty_n and_o we_o can_v say_v that_o god_n deal_v equal_o by_o all_o these_o man_n who_o fortune_n be_v so_o very_o unequal_a but_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o answer_v this_o for_o 1._o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n consist_v in_o consult_v the_o general_a good_a and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o particular_a man_n in_o subordination_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o full_o answer_v the_o objection_n for_o though_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o be_v not_o well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o station_n and_o never_o will_v be_v unless_o they_o can_v be_v uppermost_a yet_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o most_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v very_o different_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o thing_n more_o necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n than_o good_a government_n and_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n in_o a_o equality_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o make_v such_o a_o inequality_n like_o a_o unequal_a fortune_n be_v all_o man_n equal_o rich_a and_o great_a there_o will_v be_v neither_o subject_n nor_o servant_n for_o no_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o be_v a_o subject_a or_o a_o servant_n who_o have_v a_o equal_a title_n to_o be_v a_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o then_o no_o man_n can_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a which_o be_v only_o comparative_a term_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v safe_a and_o if_o a_o inequality_n in_o man_n fortune_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o government_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n for_o humane_a society_n
for_o god_n have_v conclude_v they_o all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a event_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v make_v objection_n against_o providence_n i_o have_v already_o upon_o other_o occasion_n take_v notice_n of_o several_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o more_o transport_v sense_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o see_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v in_o one_o view_n in_o general_n whoever_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o govern_v a_o world_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o must_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n the_o epicurean_o for_o this_o reason_n reject_v a_o providence_n because_o they_o think_v it_o too_o much_o trouble_v for_o their_o god_n full_a of_o care_n solicitude_n and_o distraction_n to_o observe_v all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o over-rule_v and_o determine_v all_o event_n as_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n shall_v direct_v and_o indeed_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a mind_n can_v do_v this_o which_o see_v all_o thing_n at_o one_o view_n judge_n infallible_o at_o first_o sight_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o a_o powerful_a thought_n but_o my_o chief_a design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o show_v you_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o particular_a case_n which_o either_o be_v not_o sufficient_o observe_v or_o not_o right_o understand_v some_o of_o the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n be_v the_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a state_n of_o this_o world_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o event_n the_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o human_a affair_n the_o promiscuous_a dispensation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n both_o to_o good_a and_o to_o bad_a man_n and_o i_o have_v already_o vindicate_v not_o only_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o account_n by_o show_v what_o wise_a end_v god_n serve_v by_o they_o and_o what_o a_o wise_a use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o such_o providence_n and_o therefore_o the_o principal_a thing_n i_o shall_v now_o insist_v on_o shall_v be_v some_o of_o those_o wise_a method_n god_n use_v in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n wherein_o the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o government_n consist_v and_o i_o shall_v brief_o mention_v some_o few_o 1._o that_o god_n reward_n and_o punish_v man_n in_o their_o posterity_n this_o be_v so_o plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n though_o some_o man_n venture_v to_o dispute_v the_o justice_n at_o least_o of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o that_o god_n shall_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n which_o the_o jew_n object_v against_o god_n in_o that_o profane_a proverb_n the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v a_o edge_n 18._o ezek._n and_o by_o the_o answer_n god_n there_o make_v we_o may_v learn_v in_o what_o sense_n god_n threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o posterity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o to_o reward_v the_o posterity_n of_o good_a man_n for_o their_o father_n sake_n which_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o other_o world_n where_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o his_o own_o work_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v and_o as_o to_o this_o world_n where_o we_o may_v allow_v more_o to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n without_o impeach_v the_o divine_a justice_n yet_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o a_o righteous_a son_n shall_v not_o be_v punish_v mere_o because_o he_o have_v a_o wicked_a father_n nor_o a_o wicked_a son_n be_v reward_v mere_o because_o he_o have_v a_o righteous_a father_n for_o thus_o much_o the_o word_n must_v signify_v if_o they_o relate_v to_o this_o life_n as_o they_o certain_o do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o future_a state_n now_o if_o neither_o a_o righteous_a son_n shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o father_n nor_o a_o wicked_a son_n receive_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o father_n virtue_n this_o can_v afford_v no_o pretence_n to_o impeach_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n but_o it_o give_v occasion_n to_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n god_n be_v say_v to_o visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n and_o to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v the_o posterity_n of_o good_a man_n for_o their_o sake_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v a_o righteous_a son_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o father_n then_o to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n must_v be_v confine_v only_o to_o such_o child_n as_o inherit_v the_o vice_n and_o imitate_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o parent_n that_o be_v god_n have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n this_o you_o will_v say_v have_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o it_o for_o god_n have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v all_o wicked_a man_n whatever_o their_o parent_n be_v and_o if_o they_o be_v punish_v only_o because_o they_o be_v wicked_a how_o be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n on_o they_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o seem_v as_o obvious_a as_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n shall_v be_v more_o certain_o and_o more_o severe_o punish_v than_o other_o bad_a man_n ordinary_o be_v 1._o as_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o punishment_n we_o know_v a_o great_a many_o bad_a man_n very_o often_o escape_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n for_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o punish_v here_o as_o their_o wickedness_n deserve_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v not_o require_v a_o sudden_a and_o hasty_a execution_n bad_a man_n may_v be_v prosperous_a many_o year_n and_o be_v severe_o punish_v at_o last_o or_o may_v be_v prosperous_a all_o their_o life_n and_o go_v down_o to_o their_o grave_n in_o peace_n and_o only_o answer_v for_o their_o wickedness_n in_o the_o next_o world_n but_o then_o god_n threaten_v that_o a_o more_o speedy_a vengeance_n shall_v overtake_v their_o posterity_n if_o they_o be_v wicked_a that_o god_n will_v then_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n and_o not_o exercise_v the_o same_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n on_o they_o for_o though_o they_o be_v punish_v only_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n yet_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n punish_v they_o in_o this_o world_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o the_o example_n of_o his_o justice_n while_o other_o man_n as_o wicked_a as_o themselves_o escape_v 2._o as_o for_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o punishment_n no_o man_n shall_v be_v punish_v more_o than_o his_o own_o sin_n deserve_v but_o yet_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n may_v be_v and_o very_o often_o be_v punish_v more_o severe_o than_o other_o wicked_a man_n god_n do_v not_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n alike_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v more_o proper_o act_n of_o discipline_n than_o act_n of_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n but_o to_o the_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o to_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o government_n and_o if_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n be_v punish_v though_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n yet_o the_o more_o severe_o for_o their_o father_n sake_n this_o be_v to_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o certain_a measure_n of_o iniquity_n which_o be_v fill_v up_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o till_o a_o last_o it_o make_v a_o nation_n or_o family_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n and_o although_o those_o person_n on_o who_o this_o final_a vengeance_n fall_v suffer_v no_o more_o than_o their_o own_o personal_a sin_n deserve_v yet_o because_o the_o sin_n of_o former_a generation_n which_o they_o equal_a or_o out_o do_v make_v it_o time_n for_o god_n utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o age_n and_o generation_n be_v all_o say_v to_o fall_v upon_o they_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n 23._o matt._n 29_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 34_o 35_o