Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n church_n true_a visible_a 7,129 5 9.3865 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59814 A discourse concerning the divine providence by William Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1694 (1694) Wing S3286; ESTC R8109 271,248 406

There are 5 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

and_o not_o only_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o make_v christianity_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n consist_v in_o give_v we_o wise_a instruction_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o furnish_v we_o with_o many_o when_o thing_n be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n as_o to_o be_v past_o human_a relief_n it_o make_v it_o visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v god_n do_v where_o there_o be_v force_n against_o force_n and_o counsel_n against_o counsel_n though_o providence_n determine_v the_o event_n human_a power_n and_o counsel_n very_o often_o monopolise_v the_o glory_n and_o leave_v god_n out_o but_o when_o god_n do_v that_o which_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o they_o can_v think_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v do_v this_o awaken_v a_o sense_n of_o a_o invisible_a power_n and_o make_v the_o divine_a glory_n and_o providence_n know_v to_o the_o world_n when_o god_n expose_v his_o own_o church_n and_o people_n to_o such_o a_o suffer_a state_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o final_a ruin_n it_o be_v a_o severe_a summons_n to_o repentance_n and_o warn_v they_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o vain_a word_n cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o god_n will_v purge_v his_o own_o house_n and_o no_o external_n relation_n or_o privilege_n shall_v secure_v we_o from_o vengeance_n if_o we_o walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o that_o holy_a vocation_n wherewith_o we_o be_v call_v but_o such_o deliverance_n as_o these_o give_v we_o great_a reason_n never_o to_o despair_v they_o teach_v we_o that_o no_o case_n be_v desperate_a when_o god_n will_v save_v and_o therefore_o the_o less_o expectation_n we_o at_o any_o time_n have_v of_o human_a succour_n the_o more_o earnest_o ought_v we_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a protection_n and_o learn_v to_o live_v upon_o faith_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o good_a man_n be_v reduce_v to_o such_o extremity_n it_o make_v they_o more_o fervent_a and_o importunate_a in_o their_o prayer_n more_o serious_a in_o their_o repentance_n more_o sensible_a how_o much_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o god_n and_o such_o surprise_v and_o unexpected_a deliverance_n inflame_v their_o devotion_n make_v their_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n more_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a which_o give_v great_a glory_n to_o god_n and_o better_v their_o own_o mind_n 5th_o the_o sudden_a revolution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o various_a and_o unexpected_a change_n of_o man_n fortune_n which_o be_v think_v one_o great_a calamity_n of_o human_a life_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o some_o necessary_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o wisdom_n some_o crafty_a politician_n like_o mariner_n steer_v their_o course_n as_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o change_v as_o it_o change_v they_o have_v no_o other_o rule_n for_o their_o action_n but_o to_o guess_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v where_o their_o advantage_n or_o safety_n lie_v but_o providence_n very_o often_o disappoint_v they_o in_o this_o by_o such_o hasty_a change_n and_o short_a turn_n as_o make_v they_o giddy_a and_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o act_v by_o rule_n not_o by_o a_o politic_a foresight_n of_o event_n our_o rule_n can_v never_o deceive_v we_o what_o be_v just_a and_o right_a and_o true_a be_v always_o safe_a but_o our_o politic_n may_v for_o thing_n may_v not_o go_v as_o we_o expect_v the_o various_a change_n of_o man_n fortune_n teach_v we_o to_o treat_v all_o man_n with_o great_a humanity_n not_o to_o be_v insolent_a when_o we_o be_v prosperous_a nor_o to_o despise_v our_o inferior_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o nor_o we_o may_v be_v before_o we_o die_v civility_n and_o modesty_n of_o conversation_n be_v always_o safe_a but_o pride_n and_o insolence_n may_v create_v we_o enemy_n who_o may_v in_o time_n how_o mean_a soever_o they_o be_v at_o present_a be_v able_a to_o return_v our_o insolence_n the_o divine_a providence_n so_o order_v human_a affair_n as_o to_o teach_v we_o most_o of_o the_o wise_a rule_n of_o human_a life_n both_o for_o our_o religious_a and_o civil_a conversation_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n six_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v often_o see_v in_o the_o wise_a mixture_n and_o temperament_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n when_o he_o correct_v but_o not_o destroy_v humble_v but_o do_v not_o cast_v down_o when_o he_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o give_v we_o just_a reason_n to_o fear_v but_o without_o despair_n when_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v he_o lifts_z up_o and_o cast_v down_o keep_v we_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o try_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o both_o threaten_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o the_o interchangeable_a scene_n of_o prosperous_a and_o adverse_a event_n thus_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v with_o good_a man_n the_o step_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v order_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o delight_v in_o his_o way_n though_o he_o fall_v he_o shall_v not_o utter_o be_v cast_v down_o for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v he_o with_o his_o hand_n 37._o psal._n 23_o 24._o thus_o 94._o psal_n 14_o 15._o for_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o cast_v off_o his_o people_n neither_o will_v he_o forsake_v his_o inheritance_n but_o judgement_n shall_v return_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n shall_v follow_v it_o and_o he_o prove_v this_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n unless_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v my_o help_n my_o soul_n have_v almost_o dwell_v in_o silence_n when_o i_o say_v my_o foot_n slip_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n hold_v i_o up_o 17_o 18_o verse_n a_o example_n of_o this_o you_o have_v 27._o isaiah_n have_v he_o smite_v they_o that_o be_v israel_n as_o he_o smite_v those_o that_o smite_v he_o he_o smite_v israel_n but_o not_o as_o he_o smite_v the_o enemy_n of_o israel_n or_o be_v he_o slay_v according_a to_o the_o slaughter_n of_o they_o that_o be_v slay_v by_o he_o in_o measure_n when_o it_o shoot_v forth_o will_v thou_o debate_v with_o it_o he_o stay_v his_o rough_a wind_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o east_n wind_n this_o be_v to_o sing_v to_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o learn_v righteousness_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o suffer_v but_o still_o to_o trust_v in_o his_o help_n chap._n ix_o concern_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n i_o have_v now_o finish_v what_o i_o intend_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o justification_n of_o providence_n and_o all_o that_o remain_v be_v to_o explain_v and_o enforce_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n natural_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n there_o be_v no_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n if_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o worship_n but_o a_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o deserve_v the_o praise_n and_o adoration_n of_o all_o a_o god_n who_o neither_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o govern_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o he_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o we_o with_o he_o but_o a_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v be_v the_o supreme_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o reverence_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v and_o of_o all_o those_o religious_a and_o devout_a affection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o our_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o name_v it_o but_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a 1._o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v and_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n and_o the_o general_a neglect_n of_o this_o make_v we_o defective_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n now_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n you_o must_v confess_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v only_o apply_v the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o providence_n to_o particular_a event_n without_o which_o particular_a application_n the_o general_a belief_n of_o a_o
of_o trust_v in_o god_n they_o trust_v in_o he_o without_o hope_n or_o any_o comfortable_a expectation_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o more_o visible_a assurance_n to_o rely_v on_o this_o make_v most_o man_n hope_n ebb_v and_o flow_v as_o their_o external_a circumstance_n change_v if_o they_o be_v prosperous_a and_o have_v great_a number_n of_o friend_n and_o have_v their_o enemy_n at_o their_o foot_n than_o they_o be_v full_a of_o hope_n and_o can_v trust_v secure_o in_o god_n when_o they_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o help_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o see_v no_o body_n that_o can_v hurt_v they_o but_o if_o their_o condition_n be_v perplex_v and_o calamitous_a and_o they_o see_v no_o prospect_n of_o human_a relief_n their_o spirit_n sink_v and_o as_o much_o as_o they_o talk_v of_o providence_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n they_o find_v no_o support_n in_o it_o to_o understand_v this_o aright_o wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o peace_n and_o security_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n must_v either_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n or_o on_o the_o general_a belief_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o care_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o to_o trust_v in_o man_n be_v either_o to_o trust_v their_o promise_n or_o their_o friendship_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v secure_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o they_o reach_v for_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v but_o then_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o expound_v temporal_a promise_n to_o a_o large_a sense_n than_o god_n intend_v or_o than_o providence_n ordinary_o make_v good_a which_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o his_o providence_n into_o question_n and_o discourage_v our_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n when_o we_o see_v event_n not_o to_o answer_v god_n promise_n nor_o our_o expectation_n to_o state_n this_o matter_n plain_o we_o must_v proceed_v by_o degree_n and_o distinguish_v between_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o state_n and_o kingdom_n and_o to_o private_a and_o single_a man_n or_o rather_o to_o man_n in_o their_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n most_o of_o the_o temporal_a promise_n under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o nation_n that_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o god_n he_o will_v bless_v they_o with_o great_a plenty_n and_o peace_n or_o give_v they_o victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n that_o he_o will_v have_v respect_n unto_o they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a and_o multiply_v they_o and_o establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o 26._o leu._n which_o be_v public_a and_o national_a blessing_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o temporal_a promise_n yet_o there_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o christian_a nation_n and_o the_o jewish_a state_n when_o a_o nation_n have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o the_o church_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o state_n and_o true_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v encourage_v and_o vice_n suppress_v such_o a_o religious_a nation_n have_v a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o national_a blessing_n which_o god_n promise_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n if_o they_o observe_v his_o law_n for_o solomon_n observation_n be_v universal_o true_a that_o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n and_o except_v what_o be_v typical_a in_o the_o jewish_a state_n there_o be_v much_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o protect_v and_o bless_v a_o religious_a christian_a nation_n viz._n for_o the_o public_a encouragement_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o national_a piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o christian_a church_n inherit_v all_o those_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o be_v typify_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o a_o christian_a nation_n succeed_v to_o all_o those_o temporal_a promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jewish_a state_n or_o else_o all_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o now_o so_o that_o these_o national_a promise_v we_o may_v secure_o rely_v on_o as_o to_o their_o utmost_a extent_n and_o signification_n and_o i_o be_o satisfy_v there_o can_v be_v one_o example_n give_v wherein_o these_o promise_n have_v fail_v god_n have_v oftentimes_o suffer_v a_o wicked_a nation_n to_o be_v prosperous_a to_o scourge_v their_o wicked_a neighbour_n but_o he_o never_o suffer_v a_o true_o righteous_a and_o religious_a nation_n to_o be_v oppress_v now_o the_o large_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a promise_n in_o scripture_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n such_o as_o concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n but_o even_o in_o the_o most_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o case_n of_o particular_a man_n be_v very_o different_a some_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v and_o therefore_o those_o promise_n which_o concern_v good_a man_n in_o their_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n must_v be_v more_o cautious_o expound_v to_o a_o more_o restrain_v and_o limit_a sense_n accommodate_v to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o their_o different_a attainment_n in_o virtue_n as_o for_o example_n when_o solomon_n tell_v we_o of_o wisdom_n length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a riches_n and_o honour_n 3._o prov._n 16._o will_v any_o man_n expound_v this_o to_o signify_v that_o all_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o prudent_a shall_v live_v till_o old_a age_n and_o attain_v to_o riches_n and_o honour_n do_v god_n then_o intend_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o different_a rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o poor_a man_n as_o well_o as_o rich_a or_o do_v he_o intend_v that_o no_o poor_a man_n shall_v be_v wise_a wisdom_n indeed_o will_v advance_v a_o prince_n to_o great_a riches_n and_o honour_n as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o his_o father_n david_n instruct_v he_o he_o teach_v i_o also_o and_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v thy_o heart_n retain_v my_o word_n keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o live_v get_v wisdom_n get_v understanding_n forget_v she_o not_o neither_o decline_v from_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n forsake_v she_o not_o and_o she_o shall_v preserve_v thou_o love_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v keep_v thou_o wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o get_n get_v understanding_n exalt_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v promote_v thou_o she_o shall_v bring_v thou_o to_o honour_v when_o thou_o do_v embrace_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o 4._o prov._n 4_o 9_o this_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o young_a prince_n to_o make_v he_o rich_a and_o great_a for_o religious_a wisdom_n will_v certain_o advance_v he_o beyond_o all_o the_o politic_n of_o machiavelli_n and_o if_o solomon_n in_o imitation_n of_o his_o father_n david_n direct_v his_o instruction_n to_o his_o child_n and_o particular_o to_o that_o son_n who_o be_v to_o inherit_v his_o throne_n as_o he_o himself_o seem_v to_o intimate_v 1_o 2_o 3._o verse_n we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o because_o he_o tell_v his_o son_n that_o wisdom_n will_v make_v he_o a_o glorious_a prince_n that_o therefore_o wisdom_n will_v advance_v all_o man_n to_o riches_n and_o honour_n wisdom_n will_v give_v a_o lustre_n even_o to_o poverty_n itself_o and_o sometime_o advance_v the_o poor_a to_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o increase_v the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o honourable_a but_o we_o must_v not_o always_o expect_v this_o much_o less_o pretend_v a_o promise_n for_o it_o for_o there_o always_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v poor_a wise_a man_n thus_o when_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o diligent_a make_v rich_a 10._o prov._n 4._o and_o see_v thou_o a_o man_n diligent_a in_o his_o business_n he_o shall_v stand_v before_o king_n he_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o mean_a man_n 22._o prov._n 29._o no_o man_n can_v think_v that_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o every_o diligent_a man_n shall_v be_v rich_a for_o there_o be_v such_o mean_a employment_n as_o can_v never_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o the_o great_a industry_n much_o less_o can_v we_o think_v that_o diligence_n in_o such_o mean_a employment_n shall_v make_v man_n know_v to_o prince_n or_o that_o all_o diligent_a man_n whatever_o their_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 another_o world_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o so_o zealous_o contend_v for_o a_o providence_n be_v to_o support_v ourselves_o against_o all_o cross_a event_n with_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n at_o present_a and_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o more_o bless_a and_o happy_a life_n hereafter_o so_o that_o in_o truth_n this_o dispute_n be_v not_o so_o much_o intend_v against_o providence_n as_o against_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o another_o life_n and_o therefore_o both_o these_o must_v be_v take_v into_o the_o account_n when_o they_o make_v their_o objection_n against_o providence_n or_o all_o their_o argument_n signify_v nothing_o as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o they_o to_o say_v and_o to_o prove_v too_o that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n be_v their_o great_a objection_n as_o no_o man_n can_v give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n as_o infinite_a wisdom_n itself_o can_v account_v for_o for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o difficulty_n which_o we_o can_v particular_o answer_v as_o all_o wise_a man_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o unless_o they_o can_v positive_o prove_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n itself_o can_v answer_v these_o difficulty_n the_o world_n may_v still_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o infinite_o wise_a be_v and_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v this_o for_o nothing_o less_o than_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v tell_v what_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v and_o what_o difficulty_n it_o can_v answer_v which_o show_v how_o vain_a all_o these_o argument_n against_o providence_n be_v which_o at_o last_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o the_o ignorance_n of_o human_a understanding_n that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n because_o
the_o sweat_n of_o thy_o face_n shall_v thou_o eat_v bread_n till_o thou_o return_v unto_o the_o ground_n for_o out_o of_o it_o waste_v thou_o take_v for_o dust_n thou_o be_v and_o unto_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v 3._o gen._n 17_o 18_o 19_o this_o be_v a_o very_a severe_a sentence_n which_o deprive_v man_n of_o immortality_n and_o of_o the_o easy_a and_o happy_a life_n of_o paradise_n condemn_v he_o to_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n while_o he_o live_v and_o then_o to_o return_v unto_o dust_n and_o yet_o the_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v 1._o he_o shall_v be_v immortal_a in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o industrious_a and_o laborious_a life_n be_v the_o best_a and_o happy_a state_n for_o fall_v man_n 8._o as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v at_o large_a we_o know_v little_o more_o than_o this_o of_o the_o antediluvian_n world_n till_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o earth_n be_v fill_v with_o violence_n for_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o earth_n insomuch_o that_o it_o repent_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v make_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o grieve_v he_o at_o his_o heart_n 6._o gen._n this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o corruption_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o three_o son_n and_o therefore_o god_n resolve_v to_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o with_o a_o universal_a deluge_n except_v that_o one_o righteous_a family_n who_o he_o preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n which_o he_o appoint_v noah_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o justice_n of_o this_o no_o man_n can_v dispute_v for_o if_o all_o flesh_n corrupt_v its_o way_n god_n may_v as_o just_o destroy_v a_o whole_a world_n of_o sinner_n as_o he_o can_v punish_v or_o cut_v off_o any_o one_o single_a sinner_n but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v for_o be_v to_o show_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n and_o what_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o now_o though_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v yet_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o this_o world_n nor_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o to_o raise_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n from_o a_o righteous_a seed_n and_o to_o make_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n a_o stand_a warn_v and_o a_o visible_a lesson_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o new_a and_o a_o few_o observation_n will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o wise_o design_v for_o this_o purpose_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n without_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v too_o soon_o to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o world_n which_o he_o have_v so_o late_o make_v without_o reproach_v his_o own_o wisdom_n in_o make_v it_o there_o have_v be_v very_o little_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n yet_o see_v but_o one_o act_n and_o that_o conclude_v in_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o have_v god_n leave_v off_o here_o and_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o very_a ill_a spectacle_n to_o the_o angelical_a world_n to_o see_v a_o whole_a species_n of_o reasonable_a being_n so_n soon_o destroy_v the_o old_a serpent_n who_o deceive_v our_o first_o parent_n will_v have_v glory_v in_o his_o voctory_n that_o he_o have_v utter_o spoil_v and_o ruin_v the_o best_a part_n of_o this_o visible_a creation_n and_o even_o force_v god_n to_o destroy_v the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n he_o have_v make_v on_o earth_n but_o god_n have_v threaten_v the_o serpent_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v his_o head_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a posterity_n of_o eve_n must_v not_o be_v destroy_v but_o a_o righteous_a seed_n must_v be_v preserve_v to_o new-people_n the_o world_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n be_v intend_v as_o a_o warn_n to_o the_o new_a it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o live_a witness_n both_o of_o the_o destruction_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o world_n to_o assure_v their_o posterity_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o to_o all_o generation_n of_o which_o more_o present_o 2_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o delay_v so_o terrible_a a_o execution_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o destroy_v a_o world_n carry_v great_a horror_n with_o it_o and_o make_v a_o frightful_a representation_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o all_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o soften_a circumstance_n and_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v justify_v providence_n in_o it_o except_v the_o last_o judgement_n when_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o this_o world_n but_o the_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o some_o new_a method_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o god_n delay_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n till_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v which_o must_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v too_o by_o the_o universal_a wickedness_n of_o the_o age._n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o though_o noah_n may_v have_v preserve_v his_o own_o integrity_n and_o have_v teach_v his_o own_o family_n that_o fear_v and_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o can_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n but_o his_o sermon_n have_v no_o effect_n it_o be_v general_o conclude_v by_o the_o ancient_n that_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n in_o build_v the_o ark_n and_o all_o this_o while_n he_o give_v visible_a warning_n to_o they_o of_o the_o approach_a deluge_n now_o when_o it_o be_v impossible_a by_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n what_o remain_v but_o to_o destroy_v that_o corrupt_a and_o incurable_a generation_n and_o to_o preserve_v righteous_a noah_n and_o his_o son_n to_o propagate_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v he_o delay_v a_o little_a long_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v have_v be_v corrupt_a without_o one_o righteous_a man_n in_o it_o and_o then_o he_o must_v either_o have_v maintain_v or_o preserve_v a_o world_n of_o atheist_n and_o profligate_v sinner_n or_o must_v have_v destroy_v they_o all_o but_o it_o more_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n when_o religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o one_o family_n to_o defer_v vengeance_n no_o long_o while_o he_o have_v one_o righteous_a family_n to_o save_v to_o preserve_v the_o race_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o restore_v lose_v piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o world_n 3_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o one_a for_o first_o it_o be_v a_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a cause_n in_o nature_n to_o do_v this_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o nature_n some_o man_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o disparage_v the_o moysaicall_a account_n of_o the_o deluge_n if_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o it_o and_o other_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o story_n think_v themselves_o much_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o it_o without_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n and_o a_o supernatural_a power_n which_o they_o say_v unbecome_v philosopher_n but_o if_o it_o unbecome_v philosopher_n to_o believe_v miracle_n i_o doubt_v they_o will_v think_v it_o very_o much_o below_o they_o to_o be_v christian_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v who_o do_v not_o believe_v miracle_n and_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o miracle_n in_o any_o case_n methinks_v they_o shall_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o attribute_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a power_n the_o comfort_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v drown_v because_o we_o can_v tell_v by_o what_o natural_a cause_n it_o may_v be_v drown_v but_o
mankind_n by_o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n which_o divide_v they_o into_o distinct_a society_n kingdom_n and_o commonweal_n open_v a_o new_a scene_n of_o providence_n with_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o judgement_n itself_o be_v miraculous_a and_o as_o plain_a a_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n as_o the_o deluge_n itself_o for_o to_o new_a form_n a_o mind_n to_o erace_v all_o its_o old_a idea_n of_o word_n and_o sound_n and_o to_o imprint_v new_a one_o on_o it_o in_o a_o instant_n show_v such_o a_o superior_a power_n over_o nature_n as_o none_o but_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v and_o they_o must_v have_v be_v very_o stupid_a if_o this_o do_v not_o renew_v and_o fix_v the_o impression_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n but_o the_o dispersion_n which_o this_o confusion_n of_o language_n occasion_v and_o the_o division_n of_o mankind_n into_o distinct_a society_n make_v the_o exercise_n of_o many_o moral_a civil_a and_o military_a virtue_n as_o necessary_a as_o their_o own_o prosperity_n and_o preservation_n and_o if_o this_o have_v not_o so_o universal_a a_o effect_n as_o may_v have_v be_v expect_v yet_o it_o prevent_v a_o universal_a corruption_n and_o have_v a_o good_a effect_n in_o many_o country_n and_o by_o turn_n in_o most_o that_o the_o world_n never_o want_v example_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n which_o increase_v and_o flourish_v under_o a_o prudent_a and_o virtuous_a government_n nor_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o flourish_a state_n by_o idleness_n luxury_n injustice_n oppression_n which_o weaken_v and_o divide_v they_o at_o home_n and_o make_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o their_o provoke_v or_o to_o their_o ambitious_a neighbour_n but_o though_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o some_o moral_a virtue_n and_o good_a order_n and_o government_n be_v much_o better_v by_o this_o mean_n yet_o mankind_n general_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v utter_o lose_v and_o the_o life_n of_o man_n to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o impure_a and_o filthy_a rite_n and_o mystery_n of_o their_o religion_n this_o require_v a_o new_a and_o more_o effectual_a remedy_n and_o bring_v i_o to_o consider_v a_o new_a and_o wonderful_a design_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o reform_v the_o world_n i_o mean_v his_o choose_n abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n who_o he_o will_v govern_v in_o so_o visible_a a_o manner_n that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v and_o fear_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o large_a argument_n and_o full_a of_o mysterious_a wisdom_n but_o my_o principal_a intention_n at_o present_a be_v to_o consider_v it_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o how_o wise_o it_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o idolatry_n to_o preserve_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n at_o least_o in_o israel_n from_o whence_o in_o time_n it_o may_v be_v restore_v again_o when_o lose_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n it_o have_v i_o confess_v a_o very_a strange_a appearance_n at_o first_o that_o god_n shall_v reject_v or_o at_o least_o neglect_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o choose_v but_o one_o family_n out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n to_o place_v his_o name_n among_o they_o be_v god_n the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o be_v he_o not_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n 3._o rom._n 29._o this_o the_o vainglorious_a jew_n imagine_v who_o despise_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o reprobate_v by_o god_n but_o the_o apostle_n abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o yes_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o and_o st._n peter_n be_v at_o length_n convince_v by_o a_o vision_n that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o 10._o act_n 34_o 35._o thus_o it_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n though_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o think_v so_o and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o at_o first_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o how_o can_v any_o man_n entertain_v honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n who_o can_v conceive_v he_o so_o partial_a in_o his_o favour_n as_o to_o confine_v the_o peculiar_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n to_o one_o nation_n without_o any_o appear_a concernment_n what_o become_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o if_o this_o be_v and_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o cure_v idolatry_n and_o to_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n it_o give_v we_o a_o new_a and_o more_o glorious_a prospect_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o represent_v this_o as_o advantageous_o as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v first_o give_v you_o a_o general_a view_n of_o this_o admirable_a design_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o will_v enable_v we_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v and_o to_o give_v a_o more_o intelligible_a and_o sensible_a account_n of_o the_o various_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o israel_n now_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n as_o overrun_v with_o idolatry_n as_o we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v when_o abraham_n be_v family_n be_v charge_v with_o it_o as_o joshua_n tell_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o shechem_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n your_o father_n dwell_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n in_o old_a time_n even_o terah_n the_o father_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o father_n of_o nachor_n and_o they_o serve_v other_o god_n 24._o joshua_n 2._o now_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v that_o it_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o restore_v and_o preserve_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o alive_a in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o may_v in_o time_n though_o by_o slow_a degree_n prevail_v over_o idolatry_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o their_o natural_a obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o since_o experience_n have_v prove_v that_o neither_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o universal_a deluge_n nor_o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n can_v preserve_v the_o belief_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n the_o maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o new_a world_n be_v as_o universal_o overrun_v with_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n as_o the_o old_a world_n be_v with_o violence_n and_o that_o the_o very_a dispersion_n of_o mankind_n and_o their_o division_n into_o distinct_a kingdom_n and_o society_n which_o be_v a_o good_a remedy_n against_o some_o other_o immorality_n have_v probable_o occasion_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n while_o every_o nation_n desire_v a_o god_n as_o well_o as_o a_o king_n of_o their_o own_o to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o i_o say_v this_o show_v what_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n shall_v find_v out_o some_o more_o effectual_a and_o last_a mean_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n what_o other_o effectual_a mean_n god_n may_v have_v choose_v for_o this_o purpose_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o to_o inquire_v but_o it_o become_v we_o very_o much_o to_o contemplate_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o hat_n method_n which_o he_o do_v take_v to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n now_o the_o way_n god_n take_v be_v this_o he_o choose_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n who_o he_o govern_v in_o as_o visible_a a_o manner_n as_o any_o temporal_a prince_n govern_v his_o subject_n he_o forbid_v they_o to_o own_o any_o other_o god_n beside_o himself_o and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o peculiar_a law_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o idolatrous_a practice_n of_o their_o neighbour_n he_o make_v himself_o know_v and_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o all_o other_o country_n god_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n not_o that_o he_o be_v only_o the_o god_n of_o that_o nation_n as_o other_o nation_n have_v their_o peculiar_a god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n though_o he_o be_v know_v and_o worship_v only_o in_o israel_n and_o by_o this_o name_n he_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o wrought_v such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o may_v have_v convince_v all_o man_n if_o they_o will_v have_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n none_o like_o he_o none_o that_o can_v be_v compare_v to_o he_o consider_v then_o what_o more_o sensible_a proof_n the_o world_n can_v possible_o have_v of_o one_o