his_o promise_n do_v honour_n to_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n but_o to_o trust_v god_n to_o choose_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o we_o either_o what_o we_o desire_v or_o what_o he_o like_v better_a argue_v such_o a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n with_o a_o perfect_a assurance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o creature_n can_v express_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o divine_a perfection_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n do_v we_o so_o much_o honour_n by_o take_v our_o word_n for_o what_o we_o express_o promise_v to_o do_v for_o he_o as_o that_o man_n do_v who_o commit_v all_o his_o concernment_n with_o a_o secure_a confidence_n to_o our_o disposal_n without_o know_v what_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v but_o for_o a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o this_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v and_o what_o security_n it_o give_v we_o 1._o what_o this_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v since_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v do_v what_o we_o desire_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o now_o this_o signify_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o hope_v for_o or_o expect_v we_o expect_v from_o god_n alone_o that_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reliance_n and_o dependence_n but_o only_o on_o god_n though_o we_o just_o value_v the_o kindness_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o the_o patronage_n and_o protection_n of_o prince_n and_o powerful_a favourite_n and_o thank_v god_n when_o he_o raise_v up_o such_o friend_n and_o patron_n to_o we_o yet_o our_o entire_a trust_n and_o hope_n be_v in_o god_n that_o since_o we_o know_v that_o all_o event_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n we_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v help_v we_o but_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n our_o trust_n in_o god_n be_v always_o oppose_v to_o our_o trust_n in_o man_n in_o prince_n in_o human_a counsel_n policy_n or_o strength_n it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o man_n it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o prince_n 118._o psalm_n 8_o 9_o now_o know_v i_o that_o the_o lord_n save_v his_o anointed_n he_o will_v hear_v he_o from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n with_o the_o save_a strength_n of_o his_o right_a hand_n some_o trust_n in_o chariot_n and_o some_o in_o horse_n but_o we_o will_v remember_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n they_o be_v bring_v down_o and_o fall_v but_o we_o be_v rise_v and_o stand_v upright_o 20._o psalm_n 6_o 7_o 8._o all_o wise_a man_n be_v great_o satisfy_v and_o please_v to_o see_v the_o probable_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o safety_n and_o defence_n because_o god_n ordinary_o work_v by_o mean_n but_o good_a man_n know_v that_o they_o be_v but_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n and_o no_o wise_a man_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o instrument_n be_v they_o never_o so_o good_a but_o in_o the_o workman_n thus_o much_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n must_v necessary_o signify_v that_o we_o have_v no_o reliance_n but_o only_o on_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o depend_v as_o entire_o on_o he_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o second_n and_o intermediate_v cause_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v and_o use_v but_o not_o to_o be_v the_o final_a object_n of_o our_o trust_n 2_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v our_o absolute_a dependence_n on_o the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o it_o be_v a_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n put_v ourselves_o absolute_o into_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o he_o will_v do_v what_o we_o desire_v or_o do_v what_o shall_v be_v better_o for_o we_o that_o he_o will_v answer_v our_o request_n or_o deny_v they_o with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n than_o he_o can_v grant_v they_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v a_o perfect_a trust_n in_o god_n and_o such_o a_o trust_n and_o dependence_n as_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v it_o not_o become_v all_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o secure_o to_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n take_v care_n of_o we_o what_o need_v we_o know_v any_o more_o will_v we_o desire_v any_o thing_n else_o or_o can_v we_o wish_v for_o any_o thing_n better_o than_o what_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n can_v do_v for_o we_o or_o will_v we_o have_v any_o thing_n which_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v we_o this_o indeed_o do_v not_o give_v we_o that_o security_n which_o some_o man_n desire_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o suffer_v those_o particular_a evil_n which_o we_o fear_v and_o which_o we_o see_v come_v upon_o we_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v some_o other_o blessing_n which_o we_o be_v passionate_o fond_a of_o but_o it_o give_v we_o a_o much_o better_a security_n than_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v always_o what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o which_o be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o shall_v god_n always_o grant_v our_o own_o desire_n this_o give_v we_o a_o most_o profound_a rest_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n deliver_v we_o from_o all_o careful_a and_o solicitous_a thought_n for_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v many_o time_n more_o terrible_a than_o the_o evil_n we_o fear_v it_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n with_o the_o best_a prudence_n and_o industry_n we_o can_v but_o to_o leave_v all_o event_n to_o god_n disposal_n to_o make_v know_v our_o request_n to_o god_n and_o to_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o we_o it_o will_v not_o make_v we_o whole_o unconcern_v and_o indifferent_a whatever_o happen_v because_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o equal_a or_o alike_o indifferent_a riches_n and_o poverty_n health_n or_o sickness_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n war_n or_o peace_n plenty_n or_o famine_n can_v be_v alike_o indifferent_a to_o any_o man_n who_o have_v his_o sense_n about_o he_o but_o it_o will_v make_v we_o quiet_a and_o patient_a under_o all_o event_n and_o help_v we_o to_o bear_v the_o most_o adverse_a fortune_n with_o such_o a_o unbroken_a greatness_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v natural_a to_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a trust_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n this_o be_v proper_o to_o trust_v providence_n not_o to_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o desire_v which_o be_v to_o command_v and_o govern_v or_o at_o least_o to_o direct_v providence_n not_o to_o trust_v it_o but_o to_o live_v secure_o under_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n without_o disturb_v ourselves_o with_o unknown_a and_o future_a event_n in_o a_o confident_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v safe_a and_o happy_a in_o god_n hand_n 2_o though_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o absolute_a security_n what_o god_n will_v do_v for_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n to_o obtain_v whatever_o we_o wise_o and_o reasonable_o desire_v of_o god_n when_o we_o trust_v in_o god_n he_o reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o but_o if_o what_o we_o desire_v be_v good_a for_o we_o our_o trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n will_v engage_v providence_n on_o our_o side_n trust_v in_o god_n refer_v our_o cause_n to_o he_o to_o judge_v for_o we_o and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o we_o have_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n for_o it_o that_o if_o we_o do_v trust_v in_o he_o he_o will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v want_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a and_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o all_o evil_a 31._o psal._n 21_o 22._o o_o how_o plentiful_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o and_o that_o thou_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n thou_o shall_v hide_v they_o privy_o by_o thy_o own_o presence_n from_o the_o provoke_a of_o all_o man_n thou_o shall_v keep_v they_o secret_o in_o thy_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n thus_o 37._o psal._n 40_o 41._o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o righteous_a come_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v also_o their_o strength_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v stand_v by_o they_o and_o save_v they_o
miracle_n yet_o separate_v from_o this_o it_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_a not_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n who_o have_v now_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o egypt_n for_o above_o two_o hundred_o year_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o dispute_n be_v not_o about_o believe_v and_o obey_v god_n and_o moses_n which_o pharaoh_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o but_o only_o whether_o he_o shall_v let_v israel_n go_v to_o avoid_v these_o plague_n which_o he_o suffer_v for_o their_o sake_n though_o god_n do_v not_o harden_v he_o in_o his_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n yet_o he_o do_v harden_v he_o against_o part_v with_o israel_n that_o be_v he_o harden_v he_o not_o in_o sin_n for_o the_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n which_o be_v the_o only_a sinfulness_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o his_o own_o but_o he_o harden_v he_o in_o the_o most_o ruinous_a counsel_n he_o can_v possible_o have_v take_v which_o will_v bring_v new_a plague_n on_o egypt_n and_o end_n in_o his_o own_o final_a ruin_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o ahab_n god_n do_v resolve_v to_o send_v he_o to_o ramoth_n gilead_n to_o fall_v there_o and_o suffer_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o to_o harden_v he_o in_o that_o expedition_n against_o the_o prophetic_a threaten_n of_o micaiah_n that_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n persuade_v and_o that_o god_n harden_v ahab_n to_o go_v to_o ramoth_n gilead_n now_o suppose_v this_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o harden_v he_o in_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o go_v to_o fight_v against_o ramoth_n gilead_n but_o it_o be_v only_o to_o harden_v he_o in_o a_o dangerous_a attempt_n and_o which_o god_n intend_v shall_v be_v fatal_a to_o he_o a_o great_a many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v give_v where_o god_n harden_v man_n in_o such_o course_n as_o shall_v and_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o prove_v either_o a_o very_a sore_a punishment_n to_o they_o or_o their_o utter_a ruin_n but_o there_o be_v no_o one_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o god_n persuade_v or_o tempt_a or_o harden_v man_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o be_v this_o well_o consider_v it_o will_v answer_v and_o shame_v a_o great_a many_o ignorant_a objection_n against_o providence_n three_o but_o we_o must_v far_o observe_v that_o when_o god_n do_v thus_o harden_v man_n in_o ruinous_a counsel_n on_o purpose_n to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o he_o do_v nothing_o which_o have_v either_o any_o natural_a or_o moral_a efficacy_n to_o harden_v they_o but_o by_o their_o own_o wickedness_n they_o abuse_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o harden_v themselves_o this_o i_o have_v particular_o show_v in_o the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n and_o that_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o god_n in_o that_o they_o be_v inflict_v and_o remove_v at_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o remove_v one_o judgement_n after_o another_o at_o his_o request_n will_v have_v convince_v and_o soften_v other_o man_n but_o harden_v he_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o natural_a end_n and_o use_v of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a be_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o harden_v some_o man_n in_o sinful_a and_o destructive_a course_n as_o we_o too_o often_o see_v it_o do_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o charge_v this_o on_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n god_n permit_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o ahab_n prophet_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o go_v against_o ramoth-gilead_n and_o though_o god_n may_v very_o just_o have_v leave_v he_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o false_a prophet_n of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o choose_v yet_o he_o send_v his_o own_o prophet_n micaiah_n who_o all_o israel_n know_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n prophet_n to_o assure_v he_o that_o if_o he_o go_v against_o ramoth-gilead_n he_o shall_v perish_v there_o and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o deceive_v ahab_n but_o he_o deceive_v himself_o by_o prefer_v the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n before_o the_o lord_n prophet_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o own_o wicked_a idolatrous_a heart_n god_n never_o deceive_v or_o harden_v any_o man_n by_o the_o external_a event_n and_o appearance_n of_o providence_n but_o those_o who_o own_o lust_n and_o wicked_a heart_n deceive_v and_o harden_v they_o there_o be_v always_o enough_o even_o in_o those_o providence_n which_o man_n abuse_v to_o harden_v themselves_o to_o have_v reclaim_v and_o soften_v they_o if_o they_o will_v have_v make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o it_o and_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v themselves_o into_o such_o a_o harden_a state_n as_o to_o forfeit_v the_o protection_n of_o providence_n god_n may_v do_v what_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a though_o he_o know_v that_o they_o will_v abuse_v it_o to_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o intend_v to_o bring_v ruin_n on_o they_o by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a vindication_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n when_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v see_v that_o such_o man_n ruin_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o themselves_o to_o their_o wicked_a abuse_n of_o all_o those_o wise_a and_o gracious_a method_n which_o will_v have_v reclaim_v and_o save_v they_o if_o they_o will_v have_v be_v reclaim_v and_o save_v four_o to_o understand_v the_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o god_n harden_v man_n we_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o when_o god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o provoke_v as_o to_o resolve_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o any_o person_n or_o people_n he_o many_o time_n inflict_v on_o they_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n and_o infatuation_n which_o betray_v they_o to_o such_o foolish_a counsel_n as_o must_v inevitable_o prove_v their_o ruin_n that_o god_n many_o time_n do_v this_o the_o scripture_n witness_v he_o lead_v counsellor_n away_o spoil_v and_o make_v the_o judge_n fool_n he_o remove_v away_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o trusty_a in_o who_o counsel_n man_n use_v to_o confide_v and_o take_v away_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o age_a he_o take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o wander_v in_o a_o wilderness_n where_o there_o be_v no_o way_n that_o be_v entangle_v and_o perplex_v their_o counsel_n they_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a without_o light_n and_o he_o make_v they_o to_o stagger_v like_o a_o drunken_a man_n to_o reel_v from_o one_o resolution_n to_o another_o in_o great_a uncertainty_n what_o to_o do_v 12._o job_n 17_o 20_o 24_o 25._o thus_o 19_o isaiah_n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o sure_o the_o prince_n of_o zoan_n be_v fool_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a counsellor_n of_o pharaoh_n be_v become_v brutish_a how_o say_v you_o unto_o pharaoh_n i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o the_o wise_a the_o son_n of_o ancient_a king_n where_o be_v they_o where_o be_v thy_o wise_a man_n and_o let_v they_o tell_v thou_o now_o and_o let_v they_o know_v what_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v purpose_v upon_o egypt_n the_o prince_n of_o zoan_n be_v become_v fool_n the_o prince_n of_o noph_n be_v deceive_v they_o have_v also_o seduce_v egypt_n even_o they_o that_o be_v the_o stay_n of_o the_o tribe_n thereof_o the_o lord_n have_v mingle_v a_o perverse_a spirit_n in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o and_o they_o have_v cause_v egypt_n to_o err_v in_o every_o work_n thereof_o as_o a_o drunken_a man_n stagger_v in_o his_o vomit_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o this_o in_o absalon_n who_o god_n resolve_v to_o punish_v for_o his_o rebellion_n against_o david_n his_o king_n and_o father_n david_n have_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v turn_v the_o counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n into_o foolishness_n and_o according_o god_n so_o order_v it_o as_o to_o defeat_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o hushai_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v give_v for_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v to_o defeat_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v evil_a upon_o absalon_n 2_o sam._n 17._o 14._o this_o make_v man_n as_o hard_o as_o they_o be_v blind_a they_o mistake_v their_o true_a interest_n flatter_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n run_v themselves_o into_o the_o most_o apparent_a and_o inevitable_a danger_n without_o see_v they_o themselves_o though_o every_o body_n else_o see_v they_o and_o something_o of_o this_o nature_n we_o must_v own_v in_o pharaoh_n case_n for_o without_o such_o a_o infatuation_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v persist_v so_o long_o in_o his_o resolution_n not_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n
but_o we_o must_v represent_v god_n to_o our_o mind_n under_o a_o more_o lovely_a and_o charm_a character_n as_o the_o universal_a parent_n who_o have_v a_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a regard_n for_o all_o his_o creature_n who_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n who_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 and_o proportion_v the_o severity_n of_o his_o discipline_n either_o to_o the_o end_n of_o public_a government_n or_o to_o our_o spiritual_a want_n such_o a_o idea_n of_o providence_n as_o this_o will_v reconcile_v we_o even_o to_o suffering_n when_o we_o know_v they_o be_v good_a for_o we_o and_o intend_v for_o our_o good_a when_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_a hand_n which_o strike_v we_o shall_v kiss_v the_o rod_n and_o submit_v to_o correction_n with_o as_o equal_v a_o mind_n as_o we_o do_v to_o the_o prescription_n of_o a_o physician_n how_o severe_a the_o method_n of_o cure_n be_v be_v our_o mind_n thorough_o possess_v with_o this_o belief_n how_o easy_a will_v it_o make_v we_o under_o some_o of_o the_o most_o severe_a trial_n nothing_o indeed_o can_v make_v pain_n easy_a for_o that_o be_v matter_n of_o sense_n but_o a_o good_a persuasion_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v fortify_v our_o mind_n to_o bear_v it_o and_o that_o be_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n whether_o our_o pain_n be_v less_o or_o our_o mind_n strong_a but_o as_o for_o other_o affliction_n which_o depend_v very_o much_o upon_o opinion_n and_o afflict_v we_o more_o or_o less_o as_o we_o apprehend_v they_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o inflict_v they_o on_o we_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n cure_v the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v of_o they_o we_o have_v it_o may_v be_v lose_v some_o part_n of_o our_o estate_n a_o dear_a friend_n or_o near_a relation_n a_o child_n it_o may_v be_v a_o only_a child_n but_o all_o these_o be_v uncertain_a comfort_n and_o when_o the_o case_n be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o or_o not_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o conclude_v that_o be_v best_a for_o we_o which_o god_n do_v because_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o we_o be_v and_o more_o concern_v for_o our_o happiness_n if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o his_o providence_n than_o we_o ourselves_o be_v nay_o this_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o god_n beyond_o our_o own_o prospect_n of_o thing_n though_o we_o can_v no_o more_o guess_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o suffering_n than_o job_n can_v yet_o while_o we_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a we_o be_v secure_a a_o wise_a god_n can_v never_o mistake_v and_o a_o good_a god_n will_v consult_v our_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o in_o the_o most_o difficult_a and_o perplex_a case_n to_o submit_v patient_o to_o providence_n second_o there_o be_v a_o submission_n also_o due_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o several_a state_n condition_n and_o relation_n of_o life_n which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v place_v we_o in_o we_o can_v no_o more_o choose_v our_o own_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n than_o we_o can_v choose_v when_o and_o where_o to_o be_v bear_v what_o our_o parent_n shall_v be_v how_o they_o shall_v educate_v we_o and_o dispose_v of_o we_o in_o the_o world_n what_o success_n we_o shall_v have_v what_o friend_n or_o what_o enemy_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o what_o change_n and_o revolution_n we_o shall_v see_v either_o in_o our_o private_a fortune_n or_o in_o public_a affair_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v at_o our_o own_o choice_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o our_o circumstance_n be_v any_o far_a than_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n they_o be_v not_o imputable_a to_o we_o now_o since_o we_o can_v choose_v our_o own_o fortune_n nor_o order_n event_n as_o we_o please_v the_o only_a submission_n we_o can_v owe_v to_o god_n in_o such_o case_n be_v humble_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o god_n do_v and_o faithful_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o belong_v to_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o life_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v place_v we_o in_o this_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n disposal_n be_v to_o act_v in_o that_o sphere_n and_o station_n which_o providence_n assign_v we_o and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n yet_o may_v change_v our_o duty_n and_o must_v do_v so_o as_o it_o change_v our_o condition_n for_o every_o condition_n and_o relation_n have_v peculiar_a duty_n belong_v to_o it_o our_o duty_n must_v change_v as_o our_o condition_n do_v the_o duty_n of_o prince_n and_o subject_n of_o magistrate_n and_o private_a man_n of_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a and_o of_o a_o exalt_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n of_o parent_n and_o child_n of_o master_n and_o servant_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o as_o these_o relation_n change_v our_o duty_n must_v change_v with_o they_o and_o when_o we_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o our_o condition_n we_o submit_v to_o providence_n which_o give_v we_o no_o new_a rule_n of_o life_n but_o may_v impose_v new_a duty_n on_o we_o by_o put_v we_o into_o a_o new_a state_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v careful_o consider_v because_o there_o be_v dangerous_a extreme_n on_o both_o side_n some_o think_v the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o providence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o alter_v our_o duty_n without_o change_v our_o state_n and_o relation_n that_o the_o success_n of_o providence_n will_v justify_v such_o action_n as_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n will_v justify_v and_o that_o to_o serve_v providence_n when_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n they_o may_v dispense_v with_o the_o most_o know_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n other_o have_v such_o a_o just_a abhorrence_n of_o this_o which_o overturn_v all_o divine_a and_o human_a law_n that_o they_o run_v into_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a and_o for_o fear_n of_o allow_v that_o providence_n can_v change_v our_o duty_n and_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o providence_n can_v so_o much_o as_o change_v our_o relation_n and_o state_n of_o life_n and_o with_o such_o a_o change_n of_o our_o condition_n change_v our_o duty_n for_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o if_o our_o condition_n and_o relation_n be_v change_v our_o duty_n must_v change_v too_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o this_o when_o saul_n pursue_v david_n and_o god_n deliver_v saul_n into_o david_n hand_n while_o he_o be_v asleep_a in_o the_o cave_n the_o man_n of_o david_n say_v unto_o he_o behold_v the_o day_n of_o which_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o thou_o behold_v i_o will_v deliver_v thy_o enemy_n into_o thy_o hand_n that_o thou_o may_v do_v to_o he_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v good_a to_o thou_o here_o be_v a_o argument_n from_o providence_n to_o justify_v david_n kill_v saul_n who_o god_n have_v so_o wonderful_o deliver_v into_o his_o hand_n but_o david_n do_v not_o think_v that_o providence_n will_v justify_v he_o against_o a_o divine_a law_n providence_n give_v he_o a_o opportunity_n to_o kill_v saul_n but_o the_o divine_a law_n forbid_v he_o to_o take_v it_o for_o saul_n be_v his_o king_n still_o and_o he_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v unto_o his_o man_n the_o lord_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v do_v this_o thing_n unto_o my_o master_n the_o lord_n anoint_v to_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n against_o he_o see_v he_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v 1_o sam._n 24._o 4_o 6._o the_o same_o answer_n david_n give_v to_o abishai_n when_o he_o find_v saul_n the_o second_o time_n sleep_v in_o the_o trench_n and_o abishai_n say_v to_o david_n god_n have_v deliver_v thy_o enemy_n into_o thy_o hand_n this_o day_n now_o therefore_o let_v i_o smite_v he_o i_o pray_v thou_o with_o the_o spear_n even_o to_o the_o earth_n at_o once_o and_o i_o will_v not_o smite_v he_o the_o second_o time_n and_o david_n say_v to_o abishai_n destroy_v he_o not_o for_o who_o can_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n anoint_a and_o be_v guiltless_a 1_o sam._n 26._o 8_o 9_o providence_n have_v not_o unkinged_a saul_n nor_o make_v david_n king_n that_o be_v it_o have_v not_o alter_v the_o relation_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o absolve_v he_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o relation_n from_o those_o duty_n which_o a_o subject_a owe_v to_o his_o
prince_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o justify_v the_o kill_v he_o this_o show_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v alter_v the_o rule_n of_o action_n without_o alter_v our_o condition_n and_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n of_o life_n and_o where_o it_o do_v so_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n change_v our_o duty_n for_o different_a relation_n and_o condition_n require_v different_a duty_n when_o a_o man_n of_o a_o servant_n become_v a_o master_n or_o of_o a_o subject_a a_o prince_n his_o duty_n and_o obligation_n must_v change_v with_o his_o relation_n for_o such_o relative_a duty_n be_v annex_v to_o relation_n and_o belong_v to_o particular_a person_n only_o as_o invest_v with_o such_o relation_n and_o as_o the_o person_n change_v his_o relation_n so_o the_o duty_n he_o owe_v and_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o he_o must_v change_v likewise_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n in_o this_o case_n to_o set_v up_o the_o law_n of_o god_n against_o our_o submission_n to_o providence_n for_o we_o do_v not_o oppofe_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n against_o his_o law_n the_o law_n of_o god_n prescribe_v we_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o all_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o life_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n choose_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o and_o that_o direct_v we_o what_o law_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v what_o duty_n we_o owe_v and_o to_o who_o so_o that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o duty_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o relation_n be_v fix_v and_o certain_a the_o only_a dispute_n that_o can_v be_v be_v this_o whether_o when_o our_o condition_n and_o relation_n be_v change_v they_o be_v change_v by_o god_n and_o whether_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o change_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o such_o a_o change_n be_v bring_v about_o if_o all_o the_o private_a and_o public_a change_n of_o man_n state_n and_o condition_n be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o god_n and_o be_v his_o will_n and_o do_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v if_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o providence_n we_o must_v submit_v to_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n which_o providence_n place_v we_o in_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o submit_v to_o providence_n and_o since_o we_o can_v choose_v our_o own_o fortune_n much_o less_o govern_v kingdom_n and_o empire_n since_o god_n keep_v all_o these_o event_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a if_o we_o must_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o condition_n which_o providence_n choose_v for_o we_o that_o when_o god_n allot_v we_o our_o condition_n it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v what_o our_o condition_n require_v to_o be_v do_v for_o if_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o life_n do_v not_o determine_v our_o duty_n it_o be_v impossible_a ever_o to_o know_v what_o our_o duty_n be_v but_o there_o be_v some_o material_a question_n concern_v our_o submission_n to_o providence_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o as_o first_o whether_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o submission_n to_o providence_n to_o endeavour_v to_o better_v our_o fortune_n and_o to_o change_v our_o state_n of_o life_n now_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n of_o in_o general_a though_o i_o fear_v many_o man_n be_v to_o blame_v in_o it_o submission_n to_o providence_n do_v not_o forbid_v a_o poor_a man_n to_o enrich_v himself_o when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o by_o honest_a and_o prudent_a art_n for_o though_o god_n allot_v every_o man_n his_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n of_o change_a man_n fortune_n as_o they_o deserve_v and_o as_o he_o see_v fit_a that_o it_o often_o be_v so_o experience_n tell_v we_o we_o see_v man_n rise_v from_o low_a and_o mean_a beginning_n to_o great_a riches_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o since_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v any_o man_n to_o advance_v his_o fortune_n by_o honest_a mean_n submission_n to_o providence_n do_v not_o stake_v a_o man_n down_o to_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a beginning_n of_o life_n this_o be_v the_o present_a reward_n and_o encouragement_n of_o diligence_n prudence_n and_o virtue_n that_o the_o diligent_a hand_n make_v rich_a that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v diligent_a in_o his_o business_n shall_v stand_v before_o prince_n 16._o and_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o mean_a man_n that_o the_o merchandise_n of_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o the_o merchandise_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o gain_n thereof_o than_o fine_a gold_n that_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a riches_n and_o honour_n providence_n give_v we_o many_o example_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o encourage_v all_o man_n industry_n and_o virtue_n which_o whether_o it_o advance_v their_o fortune_n or_o no_o will_v make_v their_o life_n easy_a and_o happy_a and_o better_a their_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n and_o a_o credit_n to_o a_o low_a fortune_n which_o may_v be_v better_o for_o they_o than_o to_o change_v their_o station_n nay_o sometime_o we_o see_v man_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o sprightly_a genius_n come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o such_o mean_a circumstance_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o peep_v above_o the_o horizon_n but_o by_o degree_n they_o ascend_v and_o grow_v bright_a and_o shine_v with_o a_o meridian_n lustre_n as_o if_o their_o obscure_a beginning_n be_v intend_v on_o purpose_n to_o inspirit_v the_o low_a end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o show_v what_o industry_n and_o virtue_n can_v do_v but_o though_o submission_n to_o providence_n do_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o use_v all_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o better_v our_o fortune_n yet_o it_o make_v we_o easy_a and_o content_v in_o a_o low_a fortune_n patient_a of_o disappointment_n and_o not_o envious_a at_o the_o better_a success_n and_o great_a prosperity_n of_o other_o especial_o of_o those_o who_o be_v our_o equal_n all_o which_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o quiet_o and_o submissive_o to_o suffer_v god_n to_o dispose_v of_o our_o own_o and_o of_o other_o man_n fortune_n as_o he_o please_v we_o may_v like_v some_o other_o condition_n better_o than_o our_o own_o but_o submission_n to_o providence_n will_v make_v we_o easy_a and_o content_v with_o what_o we_o have_v because_o it_o be_v god_n will_n and_o what_o he_o order_v for_o we_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v well_o of_o god_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o we_o may_v endeavour_v to_o increase_v our_o estate_n and_o get_v a_o little_a high_o in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o our_o endeavour_n want_v success_n we_o must_v take_v it_o patient_o and_o wait_v god_n time_n and_o be_v content_v to_o tarry_v where_o we_o be_v if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o advance_v we_o and_o not_o repine_v if_o he_o advance_v other_o before_o and_o above_o we_o for_o it_o be_v god_n will_n to_o advance_v they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o his_o will_n to_o advance_v we_o and_o he_o have_v wise_a reason_n for_o both_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o will_n with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n we_o may_v endeavour_v to_o better_v our_o fortune_n but_o we_o must_v not_o force_v ourselves_o upward_o must_v not_o be_v restless_a or_o vehement_a in_o our_o desire_n must_v use_v no_o base_a or_o wicked_a art_n to_o make_v ourselves_o great_a this_o be_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n but_o to_o carve_v out_o our_o own_o fortune_n without_o any_o reverence_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n nothing_o will_v content_v such_o man_n but_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a and_o they_o will_v boggle_v at_o nothing_o that_o will_v make_v they_o so_o god_n sometime_o suffer_v such_o man_n to_o prosper_v but_o they_o do_v not_o prosper_v in_o submission_n to_o providence_n but_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v they_o commit_v a_o rape_n upon_o providence_n and_o providence_n deal_v with_o they_o according_o and_o make_v they_o the_o sport_n of_o fortune_n when_o they_o have_v take_v a_o great_a leap_n it_o toss_v they_o up_o and_o keep_v they_o hover_v awhile_o in_o the_o air_n and_o then_o fling_v they_o down_o into_o irrecoverable_a and_o unpitied_a ruin_n though_o no_o man_n can_v advance_v themselves_o whether_o god_n will_v or_o no_o because_o all_o event_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n yet_o when_o man_n advance_v themselves_o by_o sin_n the_o mean_n of_o their_o advancement_n be_v their_o own_o not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o submission_n to_o providence_n require_v we_o quiet_o and_o content_o to_o keep_v our_o station_n till_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o advance_v we_o at_o his_o own_o time_n and_o in_o his_o own_o way_n two_o what_o