employment_n or_o profession_n be_v shall_v serve_v king_n this_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o promise_n and_o yet_o such_o kind_n of_o promise_n as_o these_o signify_v a_o great_a deal_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n and_o virtue_n not_o that_o every_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o diligent_a man_n shall_v be_v rich_a and_o honourable_a but_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v find_v the_o reward_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n proportion_v to_o his_o capacity_n and_o state_n of_o life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v god_n way_n of_o promote_a man_n when_o he_o advance_v they_o in_o favour_n and_o goodwill_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n wherein_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o blessing_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n but_o then_o there_o be_v some_o promise_n which_o be_v equal_o make_v to_o all_o good_a man_n and_o they_o be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_v if_o we_o be_v true_o good_a man_n in_o all_o condition_n as_o that_o god_n will_v never_o leave_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o 13._o hebr._n 5._o that_o he_o will_v always_o take_v care_n of_o they_o as_o a_o father_n take_v care_n of_o his_o child_n that_o though_o he_o may_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o advance_v they_o in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o will_v provide_v food_n and_o raiment_n for_o they_o as_o our_o saviour_n prove_v by_o many_o argument_n 6._o matth._n 25_o 34._o take_v no_o thought_n for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v or_o what_o you_o shall_v drink_v nor_o yet_o for_o your_o body_n what_o you_o shall_v put_v on_o be_v not_o the_o life_n more_o than_o meat_n and_o the_o body_n than_o raiment_n and_o will_v not_o that_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o our_o life_n and_o our_o body_n give_v we_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o their_o support_n behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n they_o sow_v not_o neither_o do_v 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bread_n and_o this_o good_a man_n who_o faith_n do_v not_o fail_v but_o against_o all_o discouragement_n trust_v secure_o in_o god_n provision_n may_v ordinary_o expect_v from_o god_n even_o in_o a_o afflict_a and_o persecute_a state_n where_o famine_n itself_o be_v not_o the_o persecution_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o extend_v this_o so_o far_o as_o to_o say_v that_o no_o good_a man_n shall_v ever_o die_v of_o want_n for_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n be_v always_o except_v out_o of_o the_o most_o general_a and_o absolute_a promise_n relate_v to_o this_o life_n and_o reserve_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n but_o good_a man_n may_v have_v food_n and_o raiment_n and_o yet_o be_v expose_v to_o many_o inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n and_o therefore_o for_o our_o far_a security_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 2._o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o 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quite_o otherwise_o than_o we_o desire_v now_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a difficulty_n do_v a_o particular_a trust_n in_o god_n signify_v a_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n that_o god_n will_v do_v that_o particular_a thing_n which_o i_o rely_v and_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o believe_v this_o or_o in_o this_o sense_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n without_o a_o express_a promise_n or_o some_o private_a revelation_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v no_o such_o particular_a promise_n which_o we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n apply_v to_o ourselves_o contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o private_a enthusiasm_n be_v a_o dangerous_a pretence_n the_o dream_n of_o self-love_n and_o the_o vision_n of_o a_o heat_a imagination_n i_o grant_v that_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v such_o particular_a promise_n and_o particular_a revelation_n make_v to_o good_a man_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o a_o particular_a faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n as_o to_o some_o particular_a event_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o event_n of_o war_n which_o be_v common_o undertake_v by_o god_n express_a command_n manage_v by_o his_o direction_n with_o a_o certain_a promise_n of_o success_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o war_n of_o moses_n and_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o in_o after-age_n god_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n either_o by_o his_o oracle_n of_o urim_n and_o thummim_n or_o by_o his_o prophet_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n among_o we_o now_o and_o therefore_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n we_o can_v have_v nor_o do_v god_n expect_v it_o from_o we_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o depend_v on_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o event_n but_o must_v trust_v to_o that_o assurance_n we_o have_v of_o god_n care_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o must_v consider_v what_o trust_n and_o dependence_n that_o be_v which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n now_o to_o trust_v providence_n be_v not_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n that_o he_o will_v do_v that_o particular_a thing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o desire_v but_o to_o trust_v ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concernment_n with_o god_n to_o do_v for_o we_o in_o every_o particular_a case_n which_o we_o recommend_v to_o his_o care_n what_o he_o see_v best_a and_o fit_a for_o we_o in_o such_o case_n the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o i_o think_v every_o one_o will_v confess_v that_o such_o a_o general_a trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n be_v a_o much_o more_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o do_v much_o more_o honour_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o mere_o to_o trust_v his_o promise_n which_o secure_v we_o of_o the_o event_n to_o rely_v on_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o
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
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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and_o he_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o human_a nature_n in_o it_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v 1._o rom._n 20._o for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v make_v must_v have_v a_o cause_n if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a cause_n there_o must_v be_v a_o invisible_a maker_n and_o therefore_o this_o world_n which_o have_v no_o visible_a must_v have_v a_o invisible_a cause_n and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o conclude_v the_o cause_n from_o the_o effect_n so_o be_v it_o to_o learn_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o effect_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n must_v be_v either_o specifical_o or_o virtual_o in_o the_o cause_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o cause_n that_o have_v no_o cause_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o it_o 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a_o preserve_v providence_n have_v prove_v as_o large_o as_o my_o present_a design_n require_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o providence_n the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n be_v god_n care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n he_o have_v make_v which_o must_v consist_v in_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v their_o being_n and_o nature_n and_o in_o such_o act_n of_o government_n as_o the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n require_v which_o divide_v providence_n into_o preservation_n and_o government_n which_o must_v be_v careful_o distinguish_v in_o order_n to_o answer_v some_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n i_o
most_o acquaint_v with_o without_o any_o certain_a and_o periodical_a return_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o mechanism_n for_o mechanical_a motion_n be_v fix_v and_o certain_a and_o either_o always_o the_o same_o or_o regular_a or_o uniform_a in_o their_o change_n it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o to_o understand_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o god_n and_o what_o we_o must_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o ordinary_a case_n that_o god_n shall_v reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o we_o that_o if_o we_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n it_o shall_v not_o burn_v we_o or_o into_o the_o water_n it_o shall_v not_o drown_v we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o preserve_v we_o when_o we_o destroy_v ourselves_o by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_v miracle_n to_o deliver_v man_n from_o the_o evil_a effect_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n but_o all_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o heaven_n which_o supply_n our_o want_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n be_v owe_v to_o that_o good_a providence_n which_o command_v nature_n to_o yield_v she_o increase_v and_o those_o disorder_n of_o nature_n which_o afflict_v the_o world_n with_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o earthquake_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n and_o be_v order_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n we_o must_v all_o believe_v this_o or_o confess_v that_o we_o mock_v god_n when_o we_o bless_v he_o for_o a_o healthful_a air_n and_o fruitful_a season_n or_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n when_o we_o see_v the_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n for_o do_v not_o god_n immediate_o interpose_v in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o beg_v his_o favour_n or_o to_o deprecate_v 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the_o world_n be_v exempt_v from_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n he_o govern_v chance_n and_o fortune_n that_o the_o most_o unexpected_a event_n how_o casual_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v foresee_v and_o order_v by_o god_n such_o event_n as_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o god_n care_n and_o government_n because_o they_o be_v very_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n many_o time_n the_o great_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o superior_a wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o these_o mean_v god_n disappoint_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o mighty_a frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o liar_n and_o make_v diviner_n mad_a turn_v wise_a man_n backward_o and_o make_v their_o knowledge_n foolish_a 44._o isai._n 25._o do_v strength_n and_o wisdom_n always_o prevail_v as_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n they_o will_v be_v it_o not_o for_o such_o unseen_a disappointment_n mankind_n will_v take_v less_o notice_n of_o providence_n and_o will_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o since_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o absolute_a master_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n a_o powerful_a combination_n of_o sinner_n manage_v by_o some_o crafty_a politician_n will_v govern_v the_o world_n but_o the_o uncertain_a turn_n and_o change_n of_o fortune_n keep_v mankind_n in_o awe_n make_v the_o most_o prosperous_a and_o powerful_a sinner_n fear_v a_o unseen_a vengeance_n and_o give_v security_n to_o good_a man_n against_o unseen_a evil_n which_o can_v befall_v they_o without_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o accidental_a and_o casual_a event_n which_o happen_v to_o we_o all_o and_o which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o our_o life_n all_o man_n see_v and_o feel_v that_o we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o from_o such_o unseen_a event_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o till_o we_o feel_v they_o be_v as_o manifest_v as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o event_n and_o what_o so_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a care_n as_o that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o can_v take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o heathen_n make_v fortune_n a_o goddess_n and_o attribute_v the_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o she_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o they_o only_o signify_v the_o government_n of_o providence_n in_o all_o casual_a and_o fortuitous_a event_n and_o if_o providence_n govern_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v govern_v chance_n which_o govern_v almost_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v govern_v as_o far_o as_o human_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n reach_v god_n expect_v we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o he_o suffer_v we_o to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o folly_n but_o when_o we_o 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if_o the_o whole_a world_n consist_v of_o particular_n it_o must_v be_v take_v care_n of_o in_o the_o care_n of_o particular_n for_o if_o all_o particular_n perish_v as_o they_o may_v do_v if_o no_o care_n be_v take_v to_o preserve_v they_o the_o whole_a must_v perish_v and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o whole_a be_v govern_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o part_n and_o mankind_n can_v be_v well_o govern_v without_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o every_o particular_a man._n i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o objection_n against_o a_o particular_a providence_n be_v very_o foolish_a some_o think_v it_o too_o much_o trouble_v to_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o every_o particular_a as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o trouble_n to_o he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v they_o or_o as_o if_o god_n have_v make_v more_o creature_n than_o he_o can_v take_v care_n of_o as_o if_o a_o infinite_a mind_n and_o omnipotent_a power_n be_v as_o much_o disturb_v and_o tire_v with_o various_a and_o perpetual_a care_n as_o we_o be_v other_o think_v it_o below_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o every_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a creature_n or_o of_o every_o private_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o below_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o such_o creature_n than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v they_o as_o if_o number_n make_v creature_n considerable_a to_o god_n that_o though_o one_o man_n be_v below_o god_n care_n yet_o a_o kingdom_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o care_n and_o notice_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o god_n be_v but_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o the_o small_a dust_n of_o the_o balance_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a providence_n without_o god_n government_n of_o all_o event_n for_o if_o any_o good_a or_o evil_n happen_v to_o any_o man_n without_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n that_o be_v not_o providence_n whatever_o other_o name_n you_o will_v give_v it_o so_o that_o if_o god_n do_v take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n for_o without_o it_o he_o can_v take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o if_o god_n have_v the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o he_o have_v this_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n for_o if_o all_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o happen_v to_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n that_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o god_n take_v care_n of_o every_o particular_a man._n god_n government_n of_o all_o particular_a event_n and_o his_o care_n of_o all_o individual_n include_v each_o other_o in_o their_o very_a nature_n the_o care_n of_o particular_a creature_n consist_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o particular_a event_n and_o the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n as_o our_o saviour_n represent_v it_o 10._o matth._n 29_o 30_o 31._o be_v not_o two_o sparrow_n sell_v for_o a_o farthing_n and_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o your_o father_n but_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v all_o number_v fear_v you_o not_o therefore_o you_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o many_o sparrow_n where_o god_n particular_a providence_n over_o all_o his_o creature_n be_v express_v by_o his_o particular_a care_n of_o all_o event_n which_o extend_v even_o to_o the_o life_n of_o a_o sparrow_n and_o to_o the_o hair_n of_o our_o head_n thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o without_o this_o belief_n that_o god_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n that_o can_v happen_v to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n or_o pretence_n for_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o most_o of_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n consider_v god_n not_o mere_o as_o a_o universal_a cause_n can_v we_o form_v any_o notion_n of_o a_o general_a providence_n without_o any_o care_n of_o particular_a creature_n or_o particular_a event_n but_o as_o our_o particular_a patron_n protector_n and_o preserver_n to_o fear_v god_n and_o to_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o trust_v and_o depend_v on_o he_o in_o all_o condition_n to_o submit_v patient_o to_o his_o will_n under_o all_o affliction_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o suffering_n for_o protection_n and_o defence_n to_o love_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o the_o blessing_n we_o enjoy_v for_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o health_n for_o friend_n and_o benefactor_n and_o all_o prosperous_a success_n i_o say_v these_o be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o reasonable_a man_n unless_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o event_n and_o take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o we_o for_o if_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a can_v befall_v we_o without_o god_n particular_a order_n and_o appointment_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n who_o do_v not_o always_o take_v care_n of_o we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o bear_v our_o suffering_n patient_o at_o god_n hand_n and_o in_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n for_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o our_o suffering_n be_v god_n will_n or_o not_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o love_n and_o praise_n god_n for_o every_o blessing_n and_o deliverance_n we_o receive_v because_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o particular_a blessing_n if_o he_o do_v not_o concern_v himself_o in_o particular_a event_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o we_o all_o and_o that_o no_o good_a or_o evil_a happen_v to_o we_o but_o as_o he_o please_v all_o these_o act_n or_o religious_a worship_n be_v both_o reasonable_a necessary_a and_o just._n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n show_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n consist_v in_o overrule_v and_o dispose_v all_o event_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o and_o to_o prevent_v a_o great_a many_o ignorant_a objection_n against_o it_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a more_o particular_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o essential_a character_n and_o property_n of_o god_n govern_v providence_n and_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o 1._o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n must_v govern_v with_o a_o sovereign_a will_n for_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n be_v a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a governor_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o scripture_n so_o often_o resolve_v all_o thing_n into_o the_o sole_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o in_o many_o case_n will_v allow_v we_o to_o seek_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n 35._o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n 6._o whatever_o the_o lord_n please_v that_o do_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o deep_a place_n that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v sovereign_a and_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a needs_o no_o other_o proof_n but_o that_o his_o power_n be_v absolute_a and_o his_o wisdom_n unsearchable_a for_o absolute_a power_n make_v a_o absolute_a will._n he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o do_v whatever_o he_o will_v can_v do_v whatever_o he_o will_v and_o that_o be_v the_o definition_n of_o a_o severeign_n and_o absolute_a will._n and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n resolve_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n into_o power_n 4._o that_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o mighty_a in_o strength_n who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o he_o and_o have_v prosper_v and_o indeed_o a_o power_n which_o be_v supreme_a and_o absolute_a which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o which_o have_v no_o great_a power_n above_o it_o none_o equal_a to_o it_o have_v a_o right_a to_o sovereignty_n for_o absolute_a power_n must_v be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o must_v give_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o give_v a_o right_a to_o absolute_a government_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o government_n for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o govern_v his_o creature_n he_o must_v have_v a_o right_n to_o absolute_a government_n because_o the_o right_n he_o have_v in_o his_o creature_n be_v absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a no_o creature_n have_v
exercise_n of_o some_o of_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o do_v most_o honour_n to_o god_n and_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n and_o perfection_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o evident_o prove_v that_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o shall_v be_v nor_o in_o many_o case_n the_o reason_n of_o what_o we_o see_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o defect_n but_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o providence_n four_o we_o be_v necessary_o ignorant_a of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o complain_v that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n than_o we_o do_v of_o our_o ignorance_n of_o other_o matter_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n can_v be_v know_v as_o to_o name_v some_o few_o of_o they_o 1._o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o man_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o we_o know_v not_o their_o heart_n and_o thought_n and_o counsel_n we_o see_v little_a of_o their_o private_a conversation_n we_o can_v look_v into_o their_o closet_n and_o secret_a retirement_n and_o unless_o we_o know_v better_a what_o man_n be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o now_o though_o as_o to_o external_a appearance_n there_o be_v some_o truth_n in_o this_o objection_n that_o bad_a man_n be_v oftentimes_o very_o prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o when_o this_o objection_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o prosperity_n or_o affliction_n of_o particular_a man_n where_o it_o be_v once_o apply_v right_a it_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n apply_v wrong_a especial_o as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a 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himself_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o good_a man_n in_o scripture_n do_v so_o except_v job_n they_o frequent_o confess_v and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v and_o as_o for_o job_n all_o that_o he_o insist_o on_o be_v to_o justify_v his_o own_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n that_o he_o be_v no_o secret_a hypocrite_n as_o his_o friend_n uncharitable_o accuse_v he_o that_o he_o know_v nothing_o so_o bad_a of_o himself_o as_o to_o deserve_v such_o amaze_a suffering_n as_o god_n have_v bring_v on_o he_o and_o indeed_o iob_n case_n be_v very_o peculiar_a and_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o conclusion_n that_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v he_o for_o some_o unknown_a wickedness_n but_o to_o exercise_v his_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a example_n of_o a_o firm_a adherence_n to_o god_n under_o the_o severe_a trial_n now_o when_o there_o be_v no_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o upon_o his_o own_o account_n can_v charge_v god_n with_o afflict_v he_o beyond_o what_o his_o sin_n deserve_v or_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n require_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a truth_n in_o this_o objection_n that_o do_v we_o know_v other_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o we_o know_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v as_o well_o understand_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n afflict_v they_o as_o why_o he_o afflict_v we_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n whatever_o their_o suffering_n be_v they_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n and_o it_o be_v very_o often_o see_v that_o some_o man_n be_v think_v wicked_a as_o wrongful_o and_o ignorant_o as_o other_o be_v think_v good_a it_o be_v a_o very_a little_a matter_n that_o will_v give_v man_n a_o bad_a character_n in_o a_o censorious_a world_n a_o different_a opinion_n in_o religion_n or_o some_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n nay_o different_a interest_n and_o state-faction_n nay_o some_o private_a quarrel_n and_o animosity_n will_v make_v some_o man_n paint_v each_o other_o as_o black_a as_o hell_n can_v make_v they_o and_o then_o quarrel_v with_o heaven_n if_o it_o do_v not_o revenge_v their_o quarrel_n and_o execute_v that_o vengeance_n which_o they_o doom_n each_o other_o to_o and_o as_o for_o other_o who_o with_o more_o reason_n be_v think_v bad_a man_n as_o guilty_a of_o know_a immorality_n yet_o they_o may_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a in_o they_o many_o generous_a quality_n and_o social_n virtue_n which_o may_v make_v they_o very_o useful_a man_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o they_o may_v do_v so_o much_o good_a as_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o mankind_n may_v deserve_v some_o temporal_a reward_n as_o may_v deserve_v public_a trust_n and_o public_a honour_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o reproach_v providence_n with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o such_o man_n which_o we_o ourselves_o think_v well_o bestow_v notwithstanding_o their_o other_o vice_n and_o other_o bad_a man_n may_v have_v some_o secret_a and_o latent_fw-la principle_n of_o virtue_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v cherish_v and_o when_o this_o be_v god_n alone_o know_v but_o if_o we_o know_v it_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o kindness_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n to_o such_o man_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o as_o for_o profligate_v sinner_n who_o be_v at_o open_a defiance_n with_o god_n it_o be_v seldom_o see_v but_o that_o some_o remarkable_a vengeance_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o overtake_v they_o and_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o their_o confusion_n so_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o justify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n both_o towards_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n do_v we_o sufficient_o know_v man_n and_o our_o ignorance_n of_o man_n make_v it_o a_o very_a foolish_a and_o absurd_a objection_n for_o if_o instead_o of_o answer_v it_o we_o shall_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o objection_n they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v it_o shall_v we_o assert_v that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v reward_v and_o all_o bad_a man_n punish_v who_o deserve_v to_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o disprove_v this_o but_o by_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n by_o show_v some_o good_a man_n afflict_v who_o deserve_v a_o reward_n and_o some_o bad_a man_n prosperous_a who_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v now_o this_o they_o can_v never_o do_v without_o pretend_v to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n to_o see_v their_o inside_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o their_o secret_n in_o a_o word_n to_o know_v man_n as_o god_n know_v they_o for_o though_o some_o man_n be_v afflict_v who_o we_o think_v good_a man_n and_o it_o may_v be_v be_v so_o and_o some_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a yet_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o evil_n and_o good_a in_o these_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n which_o we_o can_v see_v as_o may_v make_v it_o very_o wise_a and_o just_a in_o god_n to_o afflict_v these_o good_a man_n and_o to_o prosper_v the_o wicked_a and_o since_o we_o can_v possible_o know_v these_o thing_n it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v very_o modest_a in_o censure_v providence_n 2_o we_o be_v in_o most_o case_n very_o ignorant_a also_o of_o the_o counsel_n and_o design_n of_o providence_n we_o seldom_o know_v in_o any_o measure_n what_o god_n be_v a_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o all_o those_o intermediate_v event_n which_o tend_v to_o unknown_a end_n in_o the_o best-contrived_n plot_v there_o will_v always_o be_v some_o scene_n full_a of_o nothing_o but_o mystery_n and_o confusion_n till_o the_o
end_n explain_v they_o and_o then_o we_o admire_v the_o skill_n and_o art_n of_o the_o poet._n now_o the_o great_a obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n be_v in_o such_o intermediate_v event_n before_o we_o know_v what_o god_n intend_v by_o they_o as_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o of_o it_o have_v we_o hear_v no_o more_o of_o joseph_n but_o that_o he_o be_v sell_v by_o his_o brethren_n into_o egypt_n and_o there_o false_o accuse_v by_o a_o wanton_a mistress_n and_o cast_v into_o prison_n we_o shall_v have_v think_v that_o god_n have_v deal_v very_o hardly_o with_o he_o but_o when_o we_o understand_v that_o all_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o pharaoh_n throne_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v a_o joseph_n thus_o the_o story_n of_o iob_n affliction_n strike_v terror_n and_o astonishment_n into_o all_o that_o hear_v they_o job_n himself_o know_v not_o what_o account_n to_o give_v of_o his_o suffering_n and_o his_o friend_n give_v a_o very_a bad_a one_o by_o false_o and_o uncharitable_o accuse_v job_n of_o some_o unknown_a wickedness_n to_o vindicate_v god_n severity_n towards_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v as_o much_o puzzle_v with_o it_o to_o this_o day_n have_v we_o not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o iob_n suffering_n and_o with_o that_o long_a and_o great_a prosperity_n wherewith_o god_n reward_v his_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o now_o no_o man_n think_v the_o suffering_n of_o job_n any_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n much_o less_o any_o objection_n against_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o single_a man_n when_o we_o see_v only_o a_o scene_n or_o two_o of_o their_o life_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o such_o prosperous_a or_o adverse_a event_n as_o we_o can_v account_v for_o but_o can_v we_o see_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n in_o most_o case_n the_o divine_a providence_n will_v justify_v itself_o but_o then_o the_o hide_a and_o mysterious_a design_n of_o providence_n relate_v to_o church_n and_o kingdom_n which_o comprehend_v so_o many_o great_a and_o wonderful_a revolution_n the_o translation_n of_o empire_n the_o remove_v the_o gospel_n from_o one_o country_n and_o plant_v church_n in_o other_o where_o there_o be_v none_o before_o the_o increase_n and_o flourish_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o one_o age_n and_o its_o great_a declension_n and_o almost_o total_a eclipse_n in_o another_o those_o surprise_v change_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o genius_n temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n in_o several_a age_n the_o unaccountable_a beginning_n of_o war_n and_o the_o as_o unaccountable_a success_n and_o unaccountable_a end_n of_o it_o the_o long_a prosperity_n of_o persecute_v tyrant_n and_o their_o sudden_a fall_n these_o and_o such_o like_a event_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a to_o we_o who_o know_v not_o what_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o all_o this_o nor_o what_o design_n he_o be_v carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n many_o time_n reach_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o nay_o do_v not_o come_v to_o perfection_n in_o many_o age_n and_o yet_o have_v all_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o relation_n to_o each_o other_o and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o some_o last_o great_a end_n the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n as_o mysterious_a book_n as_o they_o be_v and_o as_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v to_o apply_v the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o to_o their_o particular_a event_n yet_o thus_o much_o be_v plain_a in_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o long_a series_n and_o chain_n of_o event_n which_o reach_v from_o age_n to_o age_n with_o infinite_a turn_n and_o variety_n of_o wisdom_n direct_v by_o a_o steady_a and_o unerring_a counsel_n to_o some_o unknown_a but_o glorious_a conclusion_n and_o when_o the_o divine_a counsel_n be_v so_o deep_a and_o mysterious_a and_o so_o far_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n when_o we_o see_v so_o little_a a_o part_n of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o know_v not_o what_o end_n god_n aim_v at_o in_o it_o how_o impossible_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o particular_a event_n have_v we_o a_o certain_a and_o particular_a history_n of_o what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v and_o can_v we_o certain_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n of_o what_o be_v still_o to_o be_v do_v in_o every_o age_n and_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n that_o we_o can_v have_v one_o view_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o wisdom_n beauty_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n but_o when_o our_o account_n of_o what_o be_v pass_v be_v so_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a and_o our_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v much_o more_o imperfect_a than_o of_o what_o be_v past_a when_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o our_o own_o age_n of_o our_o own_o country_n of_o our_o own_o neighbourhood_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n as_o it_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o wise_a contrivance_n and_o design_n of_o a_o comedy_n by_o read_v one_o act_n or_o it_o may_v be_v but_o one_o scene_n of_o that_o act._n this_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n without_o understand_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o for_o what_o end_n every_o thing_n be_v design_v for_o every_o thing_n be_v well_o or_o ill_o contrive_v as_o it_o serve_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o pretend_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n as_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n this_o very_a reason_n st._n paul_n give_v why_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o unsearchable_a 11._o rom._n 33_o 34._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 for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o who_o have_v be_v his_o counsellor_n 3_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a also_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o while_o we_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a thorough_o to_o comprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o providence_n without_o take_v the_o other_o world_n into_o the_o account_n be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n or_o not_o for_o whether_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o a_o providence_n thing_n be_v as_o they_o be_v and_o if_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o we_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a consequence_n which_o be_v true_a the_o only_a reason_n why_o some_o man_n so_o zealous_o dispute_v against_o a_o providence_n be_v because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o 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what_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o man_n be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n who_o live_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o this_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o believe_v so_o well_o of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v very_o persuade_v can_v we_o see_v what_o their_o state_n be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o account_n and_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n then_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n only_o because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o ignorant_a heathen_n in_o the_o next_o world_n if_o we_o know_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o these_o man_n and_o know_v that_o he_o deal_v hardly_o by_o they_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v this_o will_v be_v a_o difficulty_n but_o what_o difficulty_n be_v there_o in_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n for_o if_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o 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inquire_v in_o what_o case_n this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n give_v no_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o this_o enquiry_n that_o no_o man_n may_v presume_v to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o unaccountable_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o those_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o some_o modern_a controversy_n in_o religion_n i_o need_v instance_n at_o present_a only_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a and_o absolute_a election_n and_o reprobation_n on_o which_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a unaccountable_a doctrine_n depend_v that_o god_n create_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o eternal_o miserable_a or_o at_o least_o as_o other_o state_z it_o that_o he_o order_v and_o decree_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n effectual_o permit_v the_o sin_n and_o fall_n of_o adam_n that_o he_o may_v glorify_v his_o mercy_n in_o choose_v some_o few_o out_o of_o the_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v vessel_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o glorify_v his_o justice_n in_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o all_o other_o even_o of_o reprobated_a infant_n as_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o adam_n sin_n now_o thus_o far_o i_o confess_v they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o these_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a doctrine_n for_o to_o make_v creature_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o just_a and_o good_n 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that_o proverb_n as_o reflect_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o providence_n 2._o the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n that_o be_v that_o the_o child_n be_v punish_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o father_n how_o unreasonable_a a_o imputation_n this_o be_v god_n prove_v from_o that_o equal_a right_n which_o he_o have_v in_o parent_n and_o child_n 4._o which_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o such_o partiality_n behold_v all_o soul_n be_v i_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o father_n so_o also_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o son_n be_v i_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v and_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o a_o good_a man_n who_o do_v what_o be_v just_a and_o right_a shall_v sure_o live_v that_o if_o
as_o we_o can_v give_v no_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o do_v he_o little_a service_n because_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n answer_v such_o difficulty_n but_o if_o we_o will_v grant_v he_o that_o god_n act_n by_o such_o rule_n as_o all_o man_n who_o judge_v impartial_o according_a to_o the_o natural_a notion_n and_o the_o natural_a sense_n which_o we_o have_v of_o justice_n must_v think_v unjust_a this_o be_v what_o he_o will_v have_v and_o he_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o talk_v as_o much_o as_o we_o please_v of_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o sovereign_a will_n of_o god_n but_o he_o will_v believe_v no_o such_o god_n for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o be_v arbitrary_a but_o to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o just_a but_o not_o good_a and_o just_a as_o man_n understand_v goodness_n and_o justice_n be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o 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always_o direct_v by_o goodness_n and_o justice_n that_o be_v unaccountable_a but_o his_o wisdom_n not_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o perfect_a and_o unerring_a justice_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o application_n of_o particular_a event_n to_o these_o rule_n and_o have_v premise_v this_o by_o way_n of_o caution_n i_o come_v now_o more_o particular_o to_o consider_v in_o what_o case_n this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n 1._o now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o observe_v in_o general_a that_o the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o difficulty_n which_o have_v no_o intrinsic_a or_o essential_a evil_n in_o they_o whatever_o we_o see_v do_v in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o imagine_v any_o case_n or_o circumstance_n wherein_o such_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v wise_o and_o just_o do_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o do_v it_o though_o we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o be_v for_o be_v it_o not_o great_a perverseness_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o do_v such_o thing_n unjust_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v do_v for_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n and_o yet_o i_o challenge_v all_o the_o atheist_n in_o the_o world_n to_o name_v i_o any_o one_o thing_n which_o ever_o god_n do_v that_o can_v not_o possible_o in_o no_o case_n or_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o be_v wise_o and_o just_o do_v the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v mere_o in_o external_a event_n for_o all_o external_a event_n may_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n just_a or_o unjust_a with_o respect_n to_o their_o different_a circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o place_n or_o person_n and_o the_o like_a and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v any_o thing_n happen_v which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o apprehend_v the_o case_n seem_v a_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n if_o alter_v the_o case_n will_v answer_v the_o difficulty_n it_o be_v only_o suppose_v that_o god_n see_v the_o case_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o we_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v and_o the_o difficulty_n vanish_v and_o be_v not_o this_o very_a easy_a and_o natural_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n may_v know_v the_o case_n better_o than_o we_o do_v and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o we_o mistake_v the_o case_n than_o to_o charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o do_v any_o thing_n hard_a or_o unjust_a but_o to_o make_v you_o sensible_a of_o this_o i_o shall_v explain_v it_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o happen_v to_o private_a man_n or_o to_o public_a society_n to_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n such_o as_o the_o length_n or_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n health_n or_o sickness_n poverty_n or_o riches_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n famine_n sword_n and_o pestilence_n or_o the_o contrary_a blessing_n of_o plenty_n peace_n and_o a_o wholesome_a air_n the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o state_n and_o empire_n the_o remove_a king_n and_o set_v up_o king_n now_o what_o of_o all_o this_o be_v there_o that_o god_n can_v never_o wise_o and_o just_o do_v may_v not_o god_n have_v very_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o lengthen_v some_o man_n life_n and_o for_o shorten_v other_o for_o make_v man_n rich_a or_o poor_a honourable_a or_o vile_a for_o translate_n kingdom_n and_o empire_n for_o send_v peace_n or_o war_n plenty_n or_o famine_n and_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v wise_o and_o just_o do_v how_o can_v the_o do_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v such_o good_a or_o evil_a event_n may_v be_v wrong_o apply_v to_o person_n who_o do_v not_o deserve_v they_o and_o then_o they_o become_v unjust_a and_o so_o you_o apprehend_v they_o many_o time_n be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n in_o the_o event_n themselves_o when_o there_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o they_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o rather_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v wise_a reason_n for_o they_o when_o they_o be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n be_v not_o the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a justice_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n never_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o be_v not_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n which_o see_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o can_v see_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o confess_v that_o god_n may_v have_v wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v though_o we_o know_v they_o not_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v all_o the_o friend_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o silence_v its_o enemy_n for_o if_o all_o those_o event_n which_o they_o think_v hard_a or_o unjust_a may_v 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the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n to_o we_o to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o and_o it_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o government_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o invade_v another_o right_n and_o this_o be_v that_o justice_n which_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v in_o man_n and_o the_o violation_n of_o which_o he_o hate_v so_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n make_v god_n love_n righteousness_n and_o justice_n and_o hate_v all_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v punish_v injustice_n and_o violence_n and_o protect_v the_o just_a and_o innocent_a as_o far_o as_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v and_o this_o the_o scripture_n everywhere_o declare_v that_o god_n will_v do_v that_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n that_o he_o be_v a_o refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n and_o strong_a tower_n and_o rock_n of_o defence_n to_o just_a and_o righteous_a man_n not_o that_o every_o particular_a bad_a man_n who_o do_v unjust_a thing_n shall_v be_v immediate_o punish_v for_o his_o unjustice_n nor_o that_o every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n shall_v be_v protect_v from_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o world_n prove_v that_o this_o never_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o mean_v by_o it_o to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o support_n to_o good_a man_n and_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a 1._o for_o first_o it_o signify_v that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o providence_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o justice_n or_o injustice_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o be_v consider_v god_n will_v favour_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n there_o may_v be_v 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why_o the_o psalmist_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v so_o often_o plead_v his_o own_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o cause_n to_o move_v god_n to_o save_v and_o defend_v he_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o protection_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n and_o whenever_o injustice_n prosper_v it_o be_v not_o in_o favour_n to_o the_o unjust_a man_n or_o his_o unjust_a cause_n but_o in_o punishment_n to_o other_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v by_o such_o injustice_n though_o wickedness_n may_v prosper_v for_o a_o while_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o obtain_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o protection_n but_o by_o do_v good_a for_o a_o righteous_a god_n can_v have_v no_o favour_n for_o a_o unjust_a cause_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n we_o must_v expect_v his_o protection_n only_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o will_v give_v we_o a_o secure_a hope_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a while_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o his_o commandment_n three_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n though_o injustice_n may_v prosper_v for_o a_o time_n no_o unjust_a man_n can_v be_v secure_a from_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n god_n do_v not_o always_o punish_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o deserve_v it_o but_o sometime_o he_o do_v and_o he_o be_v always_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v always_o in_o danger_n god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n if_o he_o turn_v not_o he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n he_o have_v bend_v his_o bow_n and_o make_v it_o ready_a he_o have_v also_o prepare_v for_o he_o the_o instrument_n of_o death_n he_o have_v ordain_v his_o arrow_n against_o the_o persecutor_n 7._o psalm_n 11_o 12_o 13._o four_o and_o therefore_o though_o every_o particular_a good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o every_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o the_o divine_a providence_n furnish_v we_o with_o numerous_a example_n of_o justice_n both_o in_o the_o protection_n and_o defence_n of_o good_a man_n and_o in_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o be_v so_o notorious_o know_v that_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v it_o that_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o sinner_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n and_o reward_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o the_o scorn_n and_o the_o pity_n of_o mankind_n god_n do_v very_o often_o execute_v very_o remarkable_a judgement_n upon_o remarkable_a sinner_n which_o bear_v the_o evident_a token_n and_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n on_o they_o and_o do_v appear_v as_o wonderful_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o just_a and_o good_a man_n in_o a_o righteous_a cause_n both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a story_n and_o our_o own_o observation_n may_v furnish_v we_o with_o many_o example_n of_o both_o kind_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o be_v make_v in_o scripture_n two_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v that_o account_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o protection_n and_o defence_n of_o providence_n be_v never_o promise_v in_o scripture_n mere_o to_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n but_o only_o to_o just_a and_o righteous_a and_o good_a man_n this_o be_v not_o common_o observe_v and_o yet_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v name_v it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a we_o can_v indeed_o separate_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a man_n from_o a_o righteous_a cause_n for_o as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o unjust_a cause_n he_o be_v a_o unjust_a man_n but_o if_o the_o divine_a protection_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o righteous_a man_n not_o to_o the_o righteous_a cause_n than_o a_o righteous_a cause_n may_v be_v oppress_v when_o the_o man_n have_v no_o right_a to_o god_n protection_n without_o any_o impeachment_n either_o of_o the_o righteousness_n or_o justice_n of_o god_n which_o show_v the_o difference_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o between_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n consider_v man_n right_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consider_v their_o moral_a desert_n human_a justice_n defend_v bad_a man_n in_o their_o just_a right_n the_o divine_a justice_n which_o be_v supreme_a and_o absolute_a have_v no_o regard_n to_o human_a right_n when_o the_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o god_n challenge_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o absolute_a right_n and_o propriety_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o give_v or_o take_v they_o away_o when_o he_o please_v and_o therefore_o he_o threaten_v israel_n by_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n that_o since_o they_o have_v serve_v baal_n with_o the_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o silver_n and_o gold_n which_o he_o give_v they_o therefore_o will_v i_o return_v and_o take_v away_o my_o corn_n in_o the_o time_n thereof_o and_o my_o wine_n in_o the_o season_n thereof_o and_o will_v recover_v my_o wool_n and_o my_o flax_n give_v to_o cover_v her_o nakedness_n 2._o hos._n 8_o 9_o the_o 26._o levit._n contain_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n to_o israel_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o both_o be_v their_o keep_n or_o transgress_v his_o law_n and_o statute_n and_o commandment_n if_o they_o observe_v his_o law_n he_o will_v bestow_v all_o good_a thing_n on_o they_o if_o they_o transgress_v his_o law_n he_o will_v take_v they_o all_o away_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o their_o right_n or_o property_n among_o other_o judgement_n he_o threaten_v they_o to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o shall_v oppress_v
man_n lust_n for_o do_v not_o all_o mankind_n suffer_v by_o one_o another_o sin_n i_o doubt_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a man_n will_v be_v so_o zealous_o concern_v to_o punish_v and_o suppress_v vice_n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v not_o have_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o discourage_v wickedness_n than_o to_o make_v all_o mankind_n sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n by_o make_v they_o all_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o feel_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v by_o their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o be_v all_o man_n convince_v and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n will_v not_o convince_v they_o that_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o misery_n of_o life_n be_v owe_v to_o sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v happy_a without_o reform_v themselves_o and_o other_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v what_o more_o powerful_a argument_n can_v providence_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o calamity_n and_o very_o terrible_a one_o too_o which_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o providence_n can_v attribute_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o wicked_a world_n such_o as_o plague_n and_o pestilence_n and_o famine_n deluge_n and_o earthquake_n which_o destroy_v city_n and_o country_n and_o more_o ordinary_a accident_n when_o they_o act_v in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o unseen_a hand_n a_o great_a many_o such_o instance_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o express_o ascribe_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n god_n have_v threaten_v such_o judgement_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v they_o execute_v we_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n as_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o sin_n nay_o those_o very_a evil_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o suffer_v by_o other_o man_n sin_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o event_n for_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o these_o judgement_n be_v not_o order_v by_o god_n that_o we_o can_v find_v some_o immediate_a cause_n for_o they_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v owe_v to_o natural_a cause_n other_o to_o man_n other_o to_o some_o surprise_v and_o unusual_a or_o it_o may_v be_v usual_a accident_n for_o whoever_o believe_v a_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o therefore_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n immediate_o by_o his_o own_o power_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o second_o cause_n either_o natural_a or_o free_a agent_n or_o what_o we_o call_v accident_n but_o he_o be_v only_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n govern_v all_o second_o cause_n to_o produce_v such_o effect_n as_o he_o see_v fit_a that_o all_o nature_n move_v at_o god_n command_n that_o fire_n and_o hail_n snow_n and_o vapour_n wind_n and_o storm_n fulfil_v his_o word_n 148._o psal._n 8._o v._n that_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v under_o his_o government_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o what_o seem_v perfect_a chance_n to_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n and_o than_o whatever_o evil_n we_o suffer_v and_o whatever_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o they_o be_v we_o must_v ascribe_v they_o all_o to_o god_n especial_o when_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o judgement_n which_o have_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o immediate_a cause_n be_v attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o we_o whenever_o such_o judgement_n befall_v we_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o i_o need_v not_o dispute_v here_o whether_o all_o those_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v sinner_n be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o till_o they_o can_v prove_v à _fw-la priori_fw-la by_o direct_a and_o positive_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o a_o providence_n which_o none_o of_o our_o modern_a atheist_n pretend_v to_o do_v while_o they_o dispute_v only_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n they_o must_v prove_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o order_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v order_v do_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v their_o objection_n be_v answer_v now_o with_o respect_n to_o my_o present_a argument_n to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o thing_n be_v so_o order_v for_o the_o discouragement_n of_o wickedness_n and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o order_v on_o purpose_n by_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v so_o order_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o holy_a providence_n as_o far_o then_o as_o to_o command_v and_o encourage_v all_o 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be_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v what_o we_o do_v know_v and_o what_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n because_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o same_o subject_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o objection_n be_v as_o positive_a and_o evident_a as_o the_o proof_n be_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o yet_o may_v very_o reasonable_o believe_v on_o as_o we_o do_v 2_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o government_n do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o and_o i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n make_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n daily_o commit_v in_o the_o world_n now_o if_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n this_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o it_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o mankind_n be_v very_o wicked_a but_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o that_o god_n can_v be_v holy_a nor_o his_o providence_n holy_a because_o man_n be_v wicked_a we_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n such_o conceit_n as_o these_o tempt_v some_o ancient_a heretic_n to_o assert_v two_o principle_n a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a god_n because_o they_o think_v that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o he_o very_o good_a there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v any_o man_n think_v this_o a_o good_a argument_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o government_n that_o he_o have_v many_o wicked_a subject_n and_o how_o then_o do_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n to_o state_n this_o in_o a_o few_o word_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n permit_v sin_n we_o either_o mean_v the_o internal_a or_o the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n 1._o the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o will_n when_o man_n choose_v that_o which_o be_v wicked_a and_o full_o resolve_v and_o purpose_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n this_o make_v we_o guilty_a before_o god_n who_o know_v our_o heart_n though_o human_a law_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o it_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o already_o in_o his_o
who_o cry_v against_o the_o altar_n at_o bethel_n his_o hand_n immediate_o dry_v up_o so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o pull_v it_o in_o again_o 1_o king_n 13._o 4._o and_o that_o when_o vzziah_n will_v have_v usurp_v the_o priest_n office_n to_o burn_v incense_n he_o be_v immediate_o smite_v with_o leprosy_n 2_o chron._n 26._o 19_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o for_o god_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n to_o hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n to_o take_v away_o man_n life_n or_o their_o natural_a power_n of_o act_v which_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n sometime_o when_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o work_v miracle_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o rare_a as_o miracle_n be_v for_o such_o a_o way_n as_o this_o of_o hinder_v sin_n will_v quick_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o the_o commerce_n and_o conversation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v proper_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n not_o to_o govern_v it_o two_o and_o therefore_o though_o god_n do_v take_v care_n to_o prevent_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n which_o man_n intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o commit_v and_o watch_v for_o opportunity_n of_o commit_v yet_o he_o do_v it_o not_o by_o a_o immediate_a supernatural_a power_n but_o in_o human_a way_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n command_v we_o not_o only_o to_o do_v no_o wickedness_n ourselves_o but_o by_o our_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n authority_n and_o power_n to_o hinder_v other_o man_n from_o do_v wicked_o and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n whereby_o god_n hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o many_o sin_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v which_o show_v how_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o a_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a power_n to_o hinder_v three_o to_o be_v sure_a for_o god_n to_o permit_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v no_o great_a blemish_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n than_o to_o permit_v man_n to_o conceive_v sin_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o therein_o the_o moral_a evil_n consist_v when_o the_o will_n choose_v and_o consent_v to_o it_o the_o external_a action_n may_v be_v a_o natural_a political_n or_o oeconomical_a evil_n but_o the_o moral_a evil_n be_v in_o the_o will_n and_o choice_n and_o therefore_o the_o permit_v or_o hinder_v the_o external_a commission_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o so_o proper_o concern_v the_o holiness_n as_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o to_o hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o prevent_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o man_n have_v the_o guilt_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o he_o will_v but_o can_v not_o commit_v but_o it_o hinder_v that_o mischief_n which_o the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n will_v have_v do_v to_o other_o man_n by_o murder_v their_o person_n or_o defile_v their_o wife_n or_o rob_v they_o of_o their_o estate_n and_o good_a name_n 4thly_a and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v wise_a reason_n for_o god_n to_o permit_v the_o external_a commission_n of_o many_o sin_n as_o act_n of_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n on_o other_o sinner_n or_o as_o act_n of_o correction_n and_o discipline_n on_o good_a man_n for_o since_o god_n very_o rare_o punish_v bad_a man_n or_o correct_v good_a man_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n and_o yet_o punishment_n or_o correction_n be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o providence_n it_o can_v unbecome_v god_n to_o make_v the_o sin_n of_o some_o the_o correction_n and_o punishment_n of_o other_o that_o it_o be_v so_o be_v so_o visible_a that_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v it_o for_o few_o man_n suffer_v any_o great_a evil_n but_o from_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o if_o god_n take_v care_n as_o most_o certain_o he_o do_v to_o direct_v the_o evil_n which_o man_n sin_n do_v to_o light_v upon_o those_o who_o deserve_v to_o suffer_v by_o they_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a vindication_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o external_a commission_n of_o sin_n 5thly_a especial_o consider_v how_o many_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n god_n can_v serve_v by_o permit_v sin_n as_o to_o render_v sin_n itself_o infamous_a and_o hateful_a by_o the_o great_a mischief_n it_o do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o expose_v the_o sinner_n himself_o to_o shame_n and_o punishment_n which_o both_o deter_v other_o man_n from_o sin_n and_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o reform_v the_o sinner_n nay_o many_o time_n god_n bring_v about_o great_a and_o excellent_a design_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n both_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n of_o which_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v be_v it_o needful_a which_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o man_n sin_n nor_o any_o reason_n why_o god_n shall_v order_v and_o over-rule_v man_n by_o his_o providence_n to_o commit_v such_o sin_n but_o be_v a_o very_a justifiable_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n when_o he_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o it_o 6thly_a and_o therefore_o last_o god_n do_v hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n as_o often_o as_o he_o see_v fit_a to_o hinder_v the_o evil_a and_o mischief_n which_o such_o sin_n will_v do_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v sometime_o he_o very_o remarkable_o disappoint_v wicked_a design_n from_o take_v effect_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o haman_n and_o mordecai_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v devote_v to_o destruction_n and_o we_o have_v as_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o we_o have_v discovery_n of_o plot_n and_o treason_n against_o the_o life_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n or_o private_a design_n against_o the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o private_a man_n and_o how_o much_o unknown_a wickedness_n the_o divine_a providence_n every_o day_n prevent_v we_o can_v tell_v but_o all_o the_o wickedness_n mankind_n will_v commit_v but_o can_v must_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o restraint_n and_o prevention_n of_o providence_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o bad_a man_n can_v give_v a_o great_a many_o instance_n of_o such_o disappointment_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v meet_v with_o that_o as_o much_o evil_a as_o there_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o consider_v the_o great_a wickedness_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n hinder_v a_o hundred_o time_n more_o than_o he_o permit_v and_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n it_o become_v we_o to_o think_v that_o god_n never_o permit_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o any_o sin_n but_o he_o order_v it_o for_o some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n and_o this_o i_o hope_n be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n notwithstanding_o so_o much_o wickedness_n as_o be_v daily_o commit_v 3_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n now_o since_o the_o permission_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o it_o unless_o we_o can_v prove_v by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o indeed_o will_v prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n with_o holiness_n if_o he_o have_v any_o proper_a efficiency_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n that_o be_v do_v god_n tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o by_o any_o secret_a influence_n and_o impulse_n incline_v and_o even_o compel_v they_o to_o sin_n but_o the_o least_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a blasphemy_n and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o unpardonable_a blasphemy_n because_o there_o be_v no_o temptation_n to_o suspect_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o know_v this_o but_o either_o by_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n or_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o revelation_n as_o for_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n this_o can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o no_o man_n find_v any_o other_o force_n or_o impulse_n but_o from_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o sinful_a inclination_n every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v 1._o james_n 14._o those_o who_o charge_n god_n with_o incline_v man_n heart_n to_o wickedness_n yet_o confess_v that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o such_o secret_a influence_n as_o no_o man_n can_v distinguish_v from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o
confess_v that_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o move_v and_o incline_v by_o god_n but_o only_o charge_v their_o sin_n on_o god_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o every_o man_n feel_v what_o it_o be_v that_o tempt_v he_o his_o love_n of_o riches_n of_o pleasure_n or_o honour_n and_o that_o the_o temptation_n and_o impulse_n be_v weak_a or_o strong_a in_o proportion_n to_o his_o fondness_n and_o passion_n for_o these_o tempt_a object_n but_o yet_o he_o feel_v himself_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v and_o determine_v himself_o and_o find_v a_o principle_n within_o he_o which_o resist_v and_o oppose_v his_o compliance_n with_o the_o temptation_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o for_o which_o god_n will_v punish_v he_o and_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n for_o man_n to_o charge_v their_o sin_n upon_o god_n when_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o give_v check_v to_o they_o and_o make_v sin_n uneasy_a be_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o what_o he_o will_v punish_v this_o i_o think_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o god_n tempt_a and_o incline_v man_n to_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n such_o a_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o such_o a_o natural_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o justice_n that_o while_o we_o preserve_v this_o sense_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a no_o temptation_n can_v fasten_v on_o we_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o reason_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o and_o can_v tempt_v incline_v and_o over-rule_v man_n to_o choose_v or_o to_o act_v any_o wickedness_n for_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n all_o mankind_n believe_v god_n to_o be_v perfect_a holiness_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a be_v can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n do_v man_n sin_n by_o divine_a impulse_n or_o by_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o the_o scripture_n teach_v this_o in_o express_a word_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n 1._o james_n 13._o and_o all_o the_o law_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n exhortation_n reproof_n and_o passionate_a expostulation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n if_o they_o mean_v any_o thing_n sincere_a do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o man_n sin_v free_o and_o that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o incline_v and_o tempt_a man_n to_o sin_n that_o he_o do_v all_o that_o become_v a_o wise_a and_o holy_a be_v to_o restrain_v and_o deter_v they_o from_o it_o now_o when_o we_o have_v such_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n that_o god_n be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v nor_o be_v any_o such_o proof_n pretend_v and_o then_o some_o remote_a and_o uncertain_a consequence_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o our_o ignorance_n or_o confuse_a and_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o some_o obscure_a expression_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o disprove_v a_o direct_a and_o positive_a evidence_n no_o more_o than_o the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o motion_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o motion_n when_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o feel_v ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n move_v and_o yet_o such_o kind_n of_o difficulty_n as_o these_o be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v to_o charge_v the_o 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will_v certain_o be_v though_o it_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o cause_n which_o act_v free_o and_o may_v do_v otherwise_o if_o it_o please_v as_o all_o the_o free_a action_n of_o man_n be_v some_o of_o which_o though_o do_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n may_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o certain_o know_v as_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v do_v free_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o that_o which_o be_v certain_a may_v be_v certain_o know_v then_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n foreknowledge_n only_o prove_v the_o certainty_n but_o not_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o event_n and_o then_o god_n may_v foreknow_v all_o event_n and_o yet_o lie_v no_o necessity_n on_o mankind_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n foreknowledge_n lay_v no_o great_a necessity_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v fore-known_a than_o knowledge_n do_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v know_v for_o foreknowledge_n be_v nothing_o but_o knowledge_n and_o 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this_o be_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n which_o no_o consider_a man_n will_v serious_o make_v the_o more_o considerable_a objection_n relate_v to_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o only_a objection_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a can_v have_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o be_v that_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o many_o so_o great_a and_o so_o universal_a that_o they_o overballance_v the_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o therefore_o need_v no_o answer_n to_o this_o yet_o they_o think_v they_o have_v the_o scripture_n on_o their_o side_n for_o the_o wiseman_n 4._o eccl._n 2_o 3._o tell_v we_o wherefore_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n which_o be_v yet_o alive_a yea_o better_a be_v he_o than_o both_o they_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v who_o have_v not_o see_v the_o evil_a work_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n this_o at_o first_o view_n look_v like_o a_o very_a sharp_a satyr_n upon_o human_a life_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v and_o that_o not_o to_o live_v at_o all_o be_v better_a than_o either_o and_o be_v this_o universal_o true_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o think_v of_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n which_o have_v nothing_o good_a or_o desirable_a in_o it_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v from_o those_o many_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o good_a man_n in_o this_o life_n and_o god_n will_v not_o promise_v good_a man_n what_o be_v worth_a nothing_o but_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o text_n will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o understanding_n this_o whole_a matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v 1._o show_v you_o that_o this_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a nor_o intend_v to_o be_v so_o understand_v by_o the_o wiseman_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v or_o not_o to_o be_v than_o it_o be_v to_o live_v 2._o show_v you_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o wiseman_n mean_v this_o viz._n with_o respect_n to_o the_o many_o misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o some_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o some_o man_n in_o all_o age_n be_v expose_v to_o and_o how_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v or_o not_o to_o be_v bear_v than_o it_o be_v to_o live_v this_o i_o confess_v be_v teach_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n in_o too_o general_a term_n that_o the_o first_o best_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o next_o to_o die_v quick_o but_o no_o body_n believe_v they_o for_o most_o man_n feel_v it_o otherwise_o that_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n for_o the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o sun_n 11._o eccl._n 7._o there_o be_v a_o sense_n indeed_o wherein_o this_o may_v be_v true_a if_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o life_n in_o its_o great_a glory_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o most_o imperfect_a state_n that_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n can_v live_v in_o as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v then_o those_o philosopher_n who_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n live_v and_o act_v before_o they_o be_v bear_v into_o this_o world_n and_o be_v thrust_v into_o these_o body_n in_o punishment_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o in_o a_o former_a state_n have_v reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n of_o happiness_n and_o not_o to_o come_v into_o this_o world_n and_o if_o when_o they_o die_v they_o return_v to_o their_o original_a state_n of_o happiness_n the_o next_o best_a thing_n for_o they_o be_v to_o die_v quick_o and_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v their_o secret_a meaning_n in_o it_o for_o if_o we_o only_o consider_v the_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o life_n in_o ordinary_a case_n life_n be_v very_o desirable_a so_o desirable_a that_o it_o make_v death_n the_o king_n of_o terror_n it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v this_o life_n so_o contemptible_a or_o so_o calamitous_a a_o state_n that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n but_o no_o man_n yet_o ever_o make_v life_n a_o objection_n against_o providence_n though_o we_o know_v they_o do_v the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n man_n may_v make_v themselves_o miserable_a without_o any_o reproach_n to_o providence_n and_o most_o of_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v owe_v to_o man_n own_o fault_n or_o folly_n but_o have_v god_n make_v life_n itself_o so_o contemptible_a or_o miserable_a a_o state_n as_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o not_o be_v this_o have_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v very_o ungrateful_a to_o almighty_a god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o bountiful_a provision_n which_o he_o have_v make_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n for_o what_o be_v want_v on_o god_n part_n to_o make_v man_n as_o happy_a as_o he_o can_v be_v here_o we_o want_v no_o sense_n which_o be_v useful_a to_o life_n we_o want_v no_o object_n to_o gratify_v those_o sense_n and_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a the_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o delightful_a object_n be_v most_o common_a and_o such_o as_o mankind_n pretty_a equal_o share_v in_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o mighty_a difference_n as_o some_o man_n imagine_v between_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a in_o pomp_n and_o show_v and_o opinion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n but_o little_a as_o to_o the_o true_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o life_n they_o enjoy_v the_o same_o earth_n and_o air_n and_o heaven_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n make_v the_o poor_a man_n meat_n and_o drink_n as_o pleasant_a and_o refresh_a as_o all_o the_o variety_n which_o cover_v a_o rich_a man_n table_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v more_o healthful_a and_o many_o time_n more_o pleasant_a too_o than_o the_o ease_n and_o softness_n of_o the_o rich_a to_o be_v sure_o much_o more_o easy_a than_o the_o care_n and_o solicitude_n the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n discontent_n and_o envy_n and_o emulation_n which_o common_o attend_v a_o exalt_v fortune_n these_o indeed_o at_o best_a be_v but_o mean_a pleasure_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o low_a pleasure_n a_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o entertain_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n think_v it_o worth_a live_n to_o enjoy_v they_o nay_o most_o man_n know_v little_a of_o any_o other_o pleasure_n but_o these_o and_o as_o philosophical_o as_o some_o may_v despise_v the_o body_n and_o all_o its_o pleasure_n in_o word_n there_o be_v but_o a_o very_a few_o who_o can_v live_v above_o the_o body_n and_o all_o its_o pleasure_n while_o they_o live_v in_o it_o but_o how_o mean_v soever_o these_o pleasure_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o make_v mankind_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o common_a allay_v they_o meet_v with_o not_o only_o patient_a of_o live_v but_o desirous_a to_o live_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o divine_a pleasure_n which_o man_n may_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n such_o as_o gratify_v the_o noble_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o pleasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n to_o know_v and_o worship_n god_n to_o contemplate_v the_o art_n and_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o work_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n these_o indeed_o be_v pleasure_n that_o do_v not_o make_v we_o very_o fond_a of_o this_o body_n nor_o of_o this_o world_n for_o they_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o body_n nor_o be_v they_o confine_v to_o this_o world_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o when_o we_o get_v loose_a from_o these_o body_n our_o intellectual_a faculty_n will_v be_v vast_o improve_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o we_o now_o do_v and_o discover_v new_a and_o bright_a glory_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o mortal_a eye_n but_o yet_o the_o pleasure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o great_a and_o ravish_a and_o therefore_o we_o either_o do_v or_o may_v enjoy_v at_o present_a such_o pleasure_n as_o make_v life_n very_o desirable_a be_v there_o no_o other_o
than_o the_o creation_n of_o a_o new_a world_n will_v be_v but_o have_v god_n destroy_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n and_o create_v a_o new_a man_n to_o inhabit_v the_o new_a world_n this_o will_v have_v argue_v some_o defect_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o destroy_a man_n to_o make_v he_o again_o but_o a_o design_n to_o make_v he_o better_o to_o correct_v that_o in_o a_o second_o trial_n which_o experience_n have_v discover_v to_o be_v faulty_a in_o the_o first_o but_o though_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n will_v admit_v of_o various_a trial_n and_o experiment_n the_o wisdom_n of_o creation_n wont_a the_o government_n of_o free_a agent_n must_v be_v accommodate_v to_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n not_o only_o to_o what_o god_n make_v they_o but_o to_o what_o they_o make_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o method_n of_o government_n must_v change_v as_o man_n change_v themselves_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v only_o by_o god_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fault_n in_o they_o it_o be_v chargeable_a upon_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o to_o make_v man_n and_o destroy_v he_o and_o make_v he_o again_o will_v argue_v a_o great_a fault_n somewhere_o 2_o i_o observe_v also_o before_o that_o to_o make_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n of_o any_o use_n to_o propagate_v religion_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o old_a world_n shall_v survive_v the_o deluge_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o that_o terrible_a destruction_n have_v no_o man_n survive_v though_o god_n shall_v have_v create_v man_n anew_o that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n can_v have_v know_v nothing_o of_o the_o deluge_n but_o by_o revelation_n whereas_o god_n intend_v a_o sensible_a proof_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n which_o mankind_n want_v beside_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n make_v to_o adam_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o own_o sense_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v but_o just_a then_o make_v and_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o only_a man_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v such_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n as_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v man_n that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o be_v preserve_v and_o govern_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o because_o no_o man_n see_v the_o world_n make_v neither_o reason_n nor_o revelation_n can_v persuade_v some_o man_n that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v it_o reasonable_a then_o to_o think_v that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o remain_a sign_n of_o a_o deluge_n leave_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deluge_n shall_v for_o any_o long_a time_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n without_o any_o live_a witness_n who_o see_v the_o deluge_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v god_n to_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o new-created_a man_n no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o 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will_v not_o allow_v these_o evil_n to_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n much_o less_o to_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n when_o they_o make_v no_o visible_a distinction_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a but_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v both_o a_o supernatural_a and_o a_o distinguish_a judgement_n none_o but_o god_n can_v thus_o destroy_v the_o earth_n and_o none_o but_o the_o wicked_a be_v destroy_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o undiable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o hate_v wickedness_n and_o will_v punish_v wicked_a man_n there_o be_v some_o other_o mark_v of_o excellent_a wisdom_n in_o the_o universal_a deluge_n which_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v because_o though_o they_o be_v worth_a observe_v yet_o they_o be_v of_o less_o moment_n as_o to_o my_o present_a design_n as_o the_o deluge_n be_v to_o be_v a_o last_a proof_n of_o a_o just_a providence_n to_o the_o new_a world_n and_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v upon_o all_o account_n admirable_o fit_v to_o that_o purpose_n so_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o when_o it_o come_v it_o convince_v that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n which_o it_o give_v they_o some_o time_n for_o and_o though_o it_o can_v not_o save_v they_o in_o this_o world_n who_o know_v but_o that_o a_o sudden_a repentance_n upon_o such_o a_o sudden_a conviction_n may_v obtain_v mercy_n for_o they_o in_o the_o next_o noah_n be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n he_o have_v often_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o a_o deluge_n but_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o though_o they_o see_v he_o prepare_v the_o ark_n but_o when_o they_o see_v the_o flood_n come_v they_o know_v then_o the_o
have_v deliver_v israel_n without_o they_o for_o it_o will_v argue_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o government_n if_o god_n can_v not_o at_o any_o time_n save_o good_a man_n and_o punish_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a without_o a_o miracle_n god_n can_v do_v whatever_o he_o please_v by_o the_o wise_a direction_n and_o government_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a cause_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o work_v miracle_n because_o he_o need_v they_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o natural_a power_n but_o to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o his_o own_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n and_o prophet_n and_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o from_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n mankind_n at_o that_o time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v atheist_n that_o they_o will_v worship_v any_o thing_n the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n rather_o than_o have_v no_o god_n and_o they_o be_v so_o sensible_a how_o much_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n that_o one_o god_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o but_o they_o want_v as_o many_o god_n not_o only_o as_o there_o be_v nation_n but_o as_o they_o have_v want_n to_o supply_v this_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n and_o proclaim_v by_o the_o whole_a visible_a creation_n but_o yet_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o so_o prevail_a that_o their_o wise_a philosopher_n who_o have_v better_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o torrent_n and_o dare_v not_o open_o oppose_v the_o worship_n of_o those_o country_n god_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o popular_a rage_n and_o fury_n now_o when_o neither_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o of_o a_o common_a providence_n can_v secure_v the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n 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be_v make_v or_o have_v any_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a cause_n must_v confess_v that_o miracle_n have_v a_o cause_n because_o they_o see_v they_o produce_v and_o that_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o nature_n because_o they_o see_v they_o produce_v without_o any_o natural_a cause_n or_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o chance_v and_o accident_n because_o they_o be_v do_v at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n at_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n as_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o egypt_n be_v wrought_v at_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n who_o word_n have_v no_o natural_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o it_o to_o work_v wonder_n and_o therefore_o miracle_n certain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a intelligent_a cause_n who_o if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o world_n can_v have_v make_v it_o if_o he_o have_v please_v for_o whoever_o can_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n act_n without_o or_o against_o nature_n can_v create_v nature_n too_o for_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o nature_n can_v do_v be_v in_o that_o particular_a to_o make_v nature_n and_o he_o who_o can_v make_v nature_n in_o one_o instance_n can_v do_v so_o in_o all_o and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v when_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o can_v make_v the_o world_n and_o that_o superior_a power_n he_o exercise_v over_o nature_n prove_v that_o he_o both_o can_v and_o do_v govern_v the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a government_n of_o nature_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v give_v new_a power_n to_o it_o or_o suspend_v and_o reverse_v its_o law_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o supernatural_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v can_v be_v a_o atheist_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o atheist_n be_v such_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wonder_n that_o they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o reject_v all_o those_o authentic_a relation_n we_o have_v of_o miracle_n both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o no_o more_o than_o history_n and_o have_v obtain_v the_o most_o universal_a belief_n especial_o this_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a in_o those_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o deism_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n for_o can_v that_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v nature_n act_n without_o or_o above_o or_o against_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v and_o may_v it_o not_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o do_v this_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o more_o abundant_a conviction_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v sink_v into_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n when_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v necessary_a to_o awaken_v man_n into_o the_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n or_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o prophet_n to_o declare_v and_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o miracle_n as_o long_o as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o make_v any_o new_a and_o public_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n when_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a and_o credible_a that_o god_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v shall_v some_o time_n work_v miracle_n as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n and_o to_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v or_o to_o make_v such_o new_a discovery_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o the_o fall_a state_n of_o mankind_n require_v when_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o credible_a and_o so_o worthy_a of_o god_n what_o reasonable_a pretence_n can_v there_o be_v for_o reject_v miracle_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n but_o atheism_n be_v not_o the_o disease_n of_o that_o age_n which_o have_v run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o though_o miracle_n do_v prove_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v principal_o intend_v to_o prove_v the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o no_o other_o god_n can_v do_v such_o as_o make_v the_o egyptian_a magician_n confess_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v be_v take_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n than_o such_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a power_n superior_a to_o all_o those_o who_o worship_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n either_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o power_n rule_v over_o all_o or_o if_o they_o have_v yet_o they_o believe_v that_o this_o supreme_a god_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o mankind_n to_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o therefore_o worship_v with_o divine_a honour_n as_o the_o disposer_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o either_o pay_v no_o worship_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n which_o be_v the_o more_o general_a practice_n or_o worship_v their_o country-god_n together_o with_o he_o and_o that_o with_o the_o most_o frequent_a most_o solemn_a and_o pompous_a worship_n now_o such_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n as_o these_o which_o none_o of_o their_o country-god_n can_v do_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o
reason_n iacob_n name_n be_v change_v into_o israel_n when_o he_o wrestle_v all_o night_n with_o the_o angel_n and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o have_v bless_v he_o thy_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v no_o more_o jacob_n but_o israel_n for_o as_o a_o prince_n have_v thou_o power_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o have_v prevail_v 32._o gen._n 28._o one_o will_v think_v that_o this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v all_o man_n of_o the_o duty_n necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n for_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v his_o blessing_n and_o protection_n only_o in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n if_o he_o himself_o make_v prayer_n the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o receive_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v the_o philosophy_n of_o it_o for_o we_o must_v ask_v if_o we_o will_v receive_v we_o can_v receive_v of_o none_o but_o god_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o ask_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v receive_v many_o good_a thing_n without_o ask_v as_o god_n do_v good_a both_o to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a yet_o we_o can_v never_o be_v secure_a that_o we_o shall_v receive_v and_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o do_v receive_v without_o ask_v seldom_o prove_v blessing_n to_o we_o and_o as_o seldom_o last_a but_o to_o satisfy_v these_o man_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v their_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o they_o can_v conceive_v how_o our_o prayer_n shall_v signify_v any_o thing_n with_o god_n or_o obtain_v any_o blessing_n for_o we_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v bestow_v on_o we_o without_o our_o ask_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a they_o will_v allow_v be_v necessary_a to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o providence_n and_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v do_v good_a to_o good_a man_n whether_o they_o ask_v or_o not_o but_o they_o can_v see_v for_o what_o wise_a end_n prayer_n serve_v or_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v any_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o give_v do_v not_o god_n know_v our_o want_n before_o we_o ask_v or_o do_v he_o need_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o our_o prayer_n what_o we_o will_v have_v he_o do_v for_o we_o be_v not_o our_o want_n and_o his_o own_o essential_a goodness_n a_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o do_v he_o want_v to_o be_v entreat_v and_o importune_v which_o will_v argue_v a_o want_n of_o goodness_n in_o short_a can_v god_n be_v move_v and_o change_v by_o our_o prayer_n to_o alter_v his_o counsel_n to_o do_v that_o good_a for_o we_o which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v or_o to_o divert_v those_o evil_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o have_v bring_v on_o we_o which_o represent_v god_n as_o changeable_a as_o man_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o counsel_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o these_o objection_n do_v not_o prove_v too_o much_o that_o be_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o equal_o destroy_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o make_v any_o prayer_n or_o petition_n to_o man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n indeed_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o good_a man_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o want_n and_o may_v need_v to_o be_v inform_v but_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o ask_v to_o inform_v man_n of_o our_o want_n do_v any_o good_a man_n think_v himself_o bind_v though_o he_o know_v our_o want_n to_o supply_v they_o without_o our_o ask_n do_v we_o think_v it_o any_o diminution_n to_o any_o man_n goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v unless_o he_o be_v ask_v good_a man_n indeed_o do_v a_o great_a many_o good_a office_n without_o be_v ask_v and_o so_o do_v a_o good_a god_n but_o in_o most_o case_n they_o think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o be_v ask_v and_o that_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o stomach_n not_o to_o ask_v and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o not_o to_o give_v it_o do_v not_o become_v some_o man_n to_o ask_v when_o it_o may_v become_v other_o to_o give_v for_o it_o require_v some_o interest_n and_o some_o pretence_n to_o favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o have_v a_o right_a to_o ask_v but_o all_o man_n expect_v that_o those_o who_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o know_v that_o they_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v shall_v ask_v for_o what_o they_o want_v parent_n expect_v this_o from_o their_o child_n and_o a_o prince_n from_o his_o subject_n and_o will_v see_v their_o want_n and_o let_v they_o want_v on_o till_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o ask_v and_o if_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n expect_v this_o from_o their_o dependent_n a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v this_o from_o his_o creature_n who_o have_v their_o whole_a 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than_o it_o be_v to_o punish_v a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v wicked_a and_o to_o reward_v he_o when_o he_o be_v good_a the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o human_a nature_n be_v the_o most_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a thing_n and_o when_o they_o move_v mechanical_o by_o external_a and_o sensible_a impression_n either_o against_o reason_n or_o at_o least_o without_o it_o they_o betray_v man_n to_o that_o uneveness_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o their_o action_n as_o disparage_v both_o their_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o when_o they_o do_v good_a by_o such_o blind_a impulse_n and_o strong_a and_o heady_a passion_n they_o do_v good_a by_o chance_n and_o another_o torrent_n of_o different_a passion_n may_v do_v as_o much_o hurt_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o immutability_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o be_v move_v by_o passion_n when_o reason_n and_o not_o mere_a sense_n move_v they_o for_o reason_n be_v a_o even_a and_o steady_a mover_n to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n passion_n and_o affection_n be_v move_v by_o reason_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o have_v do_v without_o that_o reason_n do_v not_o unbecome_v the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o say_v that_o a_o good_a man_n be_v move_v by_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n and_o complaint_n to_o pity_v and_o compassion_n and_o to_o do_v good_a contrary_a to_o his_o former_a intention_n and_o inclination_n be_v no_o reproach_n to_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o any_o reproach_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v move_v by_o our_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n to_o do_v that_o for_o we_o which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v for_o it_o neither_o unbecome_v god_n nor_o man_n to_o be_v move_v by_o reason_n we_o live_v in_o a_o critical_a age_n which_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o speak_v intelligible_o of_o god_n because_o we_o want_v word_n sufficient_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o 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or_o sorrow_n anger_n or_o repentance_n pity_n and_o compassion_n because_o those_o sensible_a commotion_n which_o accompany_v these_o passion_n in_o man_n be_v not_o incident_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o good_a rule_n both_o of_o believe_v and_o speak_v we_o may_v very_o honourable_o say_v that_o of_o god_n which_o god_n say_v of_o himself_o and_o believe_v that_o all_o these_o affection_n be_v in_o god_n in_o such_o a_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a manner_n as_o become_v a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a mind_n some_o man_n think_v that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v love_n and_o joy_n and_o delight_n hatred_n sorrow_n and_o compassion_n to_o god_n be_v no_o better_a reason_n to_o ascribe_v such_o affection_n to_o he_o than_o it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v bodily_a eye_n and_o ear_n and_o foot_n and_o hand_n because_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n they_o also_o to_o god_n but_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o 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approve_v and_o disapprove_v and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o approve_v or_o disapprove_v constitute_v the_o several_a passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o these_o must_v be_v as_o perfect_a in_o god_n as_o wisdom_n be_v though_o as_o void_a of_o sensible_a passion_n as_o a_o pure_a spirit_n be_v now_o if_o god_n have_v such_o affection_n as_o these_o which_o may_v be_v move_v in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n than_o prayer_n may_v move_v he_o and_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o show_v mercy_n and_o kindness_n thus_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o and_o without_o such_o a_o representation_n as_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n nor_o foundation_n for_o prayer_n not_o to_o show_v you_o this_o in_o particular_a how_o god_n have_v be_v move_v by_o the_o intercession_n of_o good_a man_n to_o change_v his_o counsel_n and_o to_o spare_v those_o who_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o destroy_v of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a example_n in_o the_o intercession_n of_o moses_n for_o israel_n when_o they_o have_v make_v the_o golden_a calf_n and_o worship_v it_o 32_o exod._n 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n of_o which_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o he_o say_v he_o will_v destroy_v they_o have_v not_o moses_n his_o choose_a stand_v before_o he_o in_o the_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n lest_o he_o shall_v destroy_v they_o 106._o psal._n 23._o i_o say_v not_o to_o insist_v on_o such_o example_n now_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n and_o parable_n whereby_o he_o encourage_v our_o faith_n in_o prayer_n be_v resolve_v into_o this_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v move_v by_o our_o prayer_n in_o some_o analogy_n and_o proportion_n as_o man_n be_v that_o whatever_o effect_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o wise_a and_o kind_a and_o good_a man_n that_o we_o may_v more_o certain_o expect_v from_o god_n our_o saviour_n promise_n 7._o matth._n 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v this_o be_v as_o full_a a_o promise_n as_o can_v be_v make_v and_o yet_o for_o their_o great_a security_n he_o prove_v to_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o it_o needs_o must_v be_v so_o we_o know_v and_o feel_v what_o the_o natural_a kindness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o earthly_a parent_n be_v for_o their_o child_n how_o ready_a they_o be_v to_o answer_v all_o their_o reasonable_a request_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o their_o necessary_a want_n and_o thus_o he_o assure_v we_o it_o be_v with_o god_n and_o much_o more_o because_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o earthly_a parent_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o you_o who_o if_o his_o son_n ask_v bread_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v fish_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o serpent_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o thus_o our_o saviour_n represent_v the_o power_n of_o importunity_n by_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o man_n who_o come_v to_o his_o friend_n to_o borrow_v some_o bread_n of_o he_o when_o he_o be_v a_o bed_n which_o be_v so_o unseasonable_a a_o time_n as_o make_v it_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a but_o though_o mere_a friendship_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o do_v it_o importunity_n do_v 11._o luke_n 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n and_o the_o unjust_a judge_n who_o though_o he_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o justice_n yet_o be_v conquer_v by_o her_o importunity_n to_o avenge_v she_o of_o her_o enemy_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o 18._o luke_n 2._o etc._n etc._n if_o importunity_n will_v prevail_v where_o neither_o friendship_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n will_v prevail_v how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o prevail_v with_o a_o good_a and_o merciful_a and_o righteous_a god_n indeed_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n proceed_v upon_o that_o likeness_n and_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o human_a passion_n and_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o we_o may_v certain_o expect_v that_o from_o god_n which_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o like_a case_n what_o either_o friendship_n or_o a_o love_n of_o virtue_n or_o natural_a affection_n or_o interest_n and_o relation_n and_o private_a concernment_n will_v do_v that_o god_n will_v do_v for_o we_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n and_o lose_a groat_n and_o prodigal_a son_n which_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n be_v not_o god_n in_o some_o analogy_n move_v as_o man_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a our_o saviour_n intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v it_o so_o when_o he_o make_v it_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o prayer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o we_o see_v the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n so_o as_o to_o prevail_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o we_o will_v in_o the_o like_a case_n ask_v of_o man_n with_o the_o same_o importunity_n ardour_n vehemence_n sorrow_n and_o contrition_n trust_v and_o dependence_n for_o what_o will_v prevail_v with_o man_n will_v much_o more_o prevail_v with_o god_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v very_o wise_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v make_v prayer_n the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o receive_v as_o that_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n may_v be_v universal_o 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