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 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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
we_o see_v such_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o world_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v infinite_a wisdom_n can_v give_v very_o wise_a reason_n for_o but_o we_o can_v thus_o to_o come_v to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o but_o they_o must_v positive_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n as_o the_o next_o world_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a for_o if_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n must_v in_o many_o case_n be_v whole_o fetch_v from_o the_o other_o world_n if_o we_o must_v live_v in_o another_o world_n when_o we_o remove_v out_o of_o this_o than_o this_o life_n be_v but_o one_o short_a scene_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o government_n of_o 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oppress_v all_o within_o their_o power_n and_o persecute_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o poverty_n and_o disgrace_n persecution_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v think_v great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n but_o can_v these_o objector_n but_o look_n into_o the_o next_o world_n and_o see_v dives_n torment_v in_o flame_n and_o hear_v he_o beg_v only_o for_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n can_v they_o see_v lazarus_n in_o abraham_n bosom_n no_o long_o beg_v a_o alm_n but_o entertain_v with_o all_o the_o delight_n of_o paradise_n can_v they_o see_v the_o punishment_n of_o tyrant_n persecutor_n and_o oppressor_n and_o the_o glorious_a crown_n of_o martyr_n will_v they_o then_o any_o long_o complain_v of_o providence_n will_v they_o think_v god_n too_o kind_a to_o bad_a man_n or_o too_o hard_a and_o severe_a to_o the_o good_a if_o the_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o next_o world_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n at_o all_o in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o some_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o good_a in_o this_o world_n for_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v so_o much_o for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o for_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v in_o it_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o who_o know_v not_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o unfit_a judge_n of_o this_o leave_v room_n for_o god_n as_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n shall_v direct_v to_o exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o bad_a man_n to_o make_v they_o the_o minister_n and_o executioner_n of_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o a_o wicked_a world_n or_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o sin_n and_o folly_n of_o good_a man_n to_o rectify_v the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o govern_v their_o passion_n to_o exercise_v and_o improve_v their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v bad_a man_n good_a and_o to_o make_v good_a man_n better_a and_o to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o government_n and_o providence_n by_o both_o so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n give_v a_o general_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o call_v any_o thing_n a_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n which_o the_o other_o world_n will_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n as_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o without_o another_o life_n we_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o know_v that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o if_o this_o life_n have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o next_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n in_o many_o case_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o next_o world_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o atheist_n dispute_v with_o a_o christian_a against_o providence_n if_o he_o will_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n he_o must_v dispute_v against_o providence_n upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o another_o life_n and_o prove_v that_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o world_n can_v vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o issue_n and_o they_o will_v find_v little_a to_o say_v which_o will_v give_v any_o trouble_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o answer_v but_o after_o all_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o the_o other_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o passage_n of_o providence_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o next_o world_n i_o say_v which_o relate_v to_o the_o next_o world_n which_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o all_o to_o good_a man_n the_o belief_n of_o another_o life_n will_v answer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n which_o concern_v this_o life_n but_o those_o difficulty_n which_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n it_o can_v answer_v but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v answer_v such_o difficulty_n viz._n because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v enough_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o they_o here_o but_o to_o stay_v till_o we_o come_v into_o the_o next_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o will_v be_v no_o difficulty_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o very_o great_a one_o and_o that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o life_n but_o the_o whole_a difficulty_n of_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o next_o life_n that_o since_o all_o man_n have_v immortal_a soul_n and_o must_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o god_n shall_v for_o so_o many_o age_n suffer_v the_o whole_a world_n except_v the_o jew_n to_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o in_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n that_o christ_n come_v so_o late_o into_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o that_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n still_o be_v pagan_n and_o mahometan_n nay_o that_o so_o little_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n retain_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n a_o great_a difficulty_n than_o any_o present_a evil_n and_o calamity_n because_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o reach_v to_o eternity_n but_o then_o the_o whole_a difficulty_n be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o we_o know_v not_o
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 we_o ought_v to_o say_v and_o judge_v nothing_o of_o it_o neither_o man_n must_v be_v very_o much_o incline_v to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n who_o will_v raise_v objection_n from_o what_o they_o confess_v they_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o yet_o i_o can_v guess_v how_o they_o shall_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o state_n of_o ignorant_a heathen_n in_o the_o next_o world_n since_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n for_o we_o can_v look_v into_o the_o other_o world_n the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o some_o man_n without_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n confident_o affirm_v that_o ignorant_a heathen_n shall_v suffer_v the_o same_o condemnation_n which_o christ_n have_v threaten_v against_o wilful_a infidel_n and_o wicked_a christian_n and_o than_o it_o may_v well_o be_v think_v a_o great_a difficulty_n that_o god_n shall_v as_o severe_o punish_v man_n for_o not_o know_v christ_n when_o he_o be_v never_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o possible_a way_n of_o know_v he_o as_o he_o will_v punish_v those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n preach_v to_o they_o but_o refuse_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o or_o have_v profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o live_v very_o wicked_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n but_o it_o be_v a_o difficulty_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o much_o more_o safe_a for_o ourselves_o and_o much_o more_o honourable_a for_o god_n to_o confess_v our_o ignorance_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o we_o have_v no_o possible_a way_n to_o know_v and_o to_o refer_v all_o such_o unknown_a case_n to_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n than_o to_o pretend_v to_o know_v what_o we_o can_v know_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o raise_v such_o objection_n as_o we_o can_v answer_v whatever_o difficulty_n immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v be_v content_v shall_v remain_v difficulty_n till_o we_o go_v thither_o for_o we_o know_v so_o little_a in_o particular_a about_o the_o other_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a either_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o or_o other_o in_o such_o matter_n but_o these_o be_v not_o proper_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n for_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n as_o of_o the_o next_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o large_a show_v not_o only_o that_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n make_v he_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o our_o narrow_a understanding_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o all_o the_o wise_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o receive_v it_o this_o indeed_o be_v so_o plain_a at_o the_o first_o hear_n to_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n that_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v insist_v so_o long_o on_o it_o do_v not_o all_o man_n know_v who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o dispute_n that_o most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n be_v owe_v whole_o to_o this_o cause_n that_o man_n will_v not_o allow_v god_n to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o the_o best_a way_n i_o can_v take_v to_o teach_v these_o man_n more_o modesty_n in_o censure_v providence_n be_v to_o show_v they_o particular_o that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n wise_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n which_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o then_o it_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v in_o many_o case_n give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o particular_a reason_n of_o providence_n five_o let_v we_o now_o 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 but_o though_o we_o ready_o confess_v that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a yet_o man_n must_v not_o think_v upon_o this_o pretence_n to_o attribute_v what_o they_o please_v to_o god_n how_o absurd_a unreasonable_a unjust_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o then_o shelter_v themselves_o against_o all_o objection_n by_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o unaccountable_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o god_n have_v no_o such_o unaccountable_a will_n as_o this_o be_v to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o manifest_o contradict_v all_o the_o notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n abhor_v all_o such_o imputation_n as_o these_o as_o infinite_o injurious_a to_o he_o and_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o justify_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o whole_a 18_o chapter_n of_o ezekiel_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o this_o where_o god_n complain_v of_o 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
than_o to_o command_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o forbid_v all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v all_o wicked_a practice_n as_o much_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o human_a action_n will_v allow_v that_o god_n do_v all_o this_o wherein_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n consist_v i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o deny_v as_o wicked_a as_o mankind_n be_v it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n unto_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a unto_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o 19_o psal._n 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o great_a complaint_n be_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v too_o holy_a for_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o most_o man_n think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o too_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o perform_v now_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n law_n be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n whether_o we_o consider_v these_o law_n as_o a_o copy_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n much_o more_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o both_o as_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o will_n as_o all_o moral_a law_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o necessary_a goodness_n in_o they_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n unless_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will._n nay_o law_n themselves_o be_v not_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o obdience_n to_o subject_n but_o of_o government_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o prince_n not_o to_o govern_v by_o his_o own_o law_n as_o it_o be_v in_o subject_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o prince_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o miscarriage_n but_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o the_o law_n he_o give_v to_o we_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n and_o then_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n prove_v that_o his_o government_n and_o providence_n must_v be_v very_o holy_a and_o indeed_o we_o have_v very_o visible_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o that_o care_n he_o take_v to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o those_o great_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o by_o those_o terrible_a threaten_n which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o mean_v for_o man_n can_v despise_v both_o promise_n and_o threaten_n if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o be_v much_o the_o most_o considerable_a be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o affect_v bad_a man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v here_o be_v how_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o providence_n encourage_v virtue_n and_o discourage_v wickedness_n and_o vice_n now_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n or_o reward_n of_o sin_n as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n nay_o as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v that_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n govern_v the_o world_n must_v confess_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v do_v abundant_o enough_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n for_o it_o be_v visible_a enough_o how_o many_o misery_n be_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a as_o be_v common_o think_v a_o reproach_n to_o providence_n but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v only_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n mortality_n and_o death_n and_o consequent_o all_o those_o infirmity_n and_o decay_n of_o nature_n all_o those_o pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o which_o we_o do_v not_o inherit_v from_o our_o more_o immediate_a parent_n as_o a_o entail_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n which_o bring_v death_n upon_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n and_o such_o a_o curse_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o have_v entail_v labour_n and_o sorrow_n on_o we_o as_o for_o many_o other_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n they_o be_v visible_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n sin_n such_o as_o want_v and_o poverty_n infamy_n and_o reproach_n sedition_n and_o tumult_n violent_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o government_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o desolation_n of_o war._n take_v a_o survey_n in_o your_o thought_n of_o all_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o tell_v i_o what_o place_n they_o can_v find_v here_o by_o what_o possible_a mean_n they_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n be_v sin_n banish_v out_o of_o it_o what_o misery_n can_v disturb_v human_a life_n be_v all_o man_n just_o and_o honest_a and_o charitable_a do_v they_o love_v one_o another_o as_o themselves_o perfect_a virtue_n be_v not_o only_o a_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a but_o a_o very_a beneficial_a thing_n it_o do_v no_o hurt_n but_o all_o the_o good_a it_o can_v both_o to_o itself_o and_o other_o and_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o hurt_v we_o neither_o within_o nor_o without_o we_o can_v suffer_v no_o hurt_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n have_v so_o order_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v wicked_a they_o shall_v be_v miserable_a can_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n more_o discourage_v man_n from_o sin_n or_o make_v they_o more_o zealous_a to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n than_o so_o many_o daily_a and_o sensible_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o expectation_n of_o a_o secure_a state_n of_o rest_n and_o happiness_n while_o either_o they_o themselves_o or_o other_o man_n with_o who_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n converse_v or_o have_v something_o to_o do_v be_v wicked_a for_o you_o must_v remember_v that_o i_o be_o not_o now_o a_o vindicate_a the_o justice_n but_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o many_o time_n virtuous_a and_o innocent_a man_n suffer_v very_o great_o by_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o this_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o account_v for_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n but_o a_o great_a justification_n of_o it_o for_o the_o more_o effectual_a care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o give_v all_o mankind_n a_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o more_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n government_n and_o this_o be_v more_o effectual_o do_v by_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n wickedness_n than_o from_o our_o own_o man_n who_o be_v very_o favourable_a to_o their_o own_o vice_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o learn_v to_o hate_v to_o condemn_v to_o punish_v they_o by_o feel_v what_o they_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n when_o they_o lose_v their_o own_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o violence_n or_o their_o good_a name_n by_o reproach_n and_o defamation_n or_o be_v injure_v in_o the_o chastity_n of_o their_o wife_n and_o daughter_n by_o other_o man_n lust_n this_o give_v they_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o injustice_n defamation_n and_o lust_n and_o make_v they_o condemn_v these_o vice_n in_o themselves_o how_o well_o soever_o they_o love_v they_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o human_a government_n which_o keep_v mankind_n in_o order_n and_o lay_v great_a restraint_n upon_o
imperfect_a can_v with_o such_o great_a probability_n almost_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o certainty_n foresee_v many_o event_n which_o depend_v also_o upon_o free_a and_o contingent_a cause_n and_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v that_o god_n prescience_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o neither_o make_v nor_o prove_v any_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o event_n if_o we_o say_v indeed_o as_o some_o man_n do_v that_o god_n foreknow_v all_o thing_n because_o he_o have_v absolute_o decree_v whatever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v this_o i_o grant_v do_v infer_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o god_n foreknowledge_n but_o his_o decree_n which_o create_v the_o necessity_n all_o thing_n upon_o this_o supposition_n be_v necessary_a not_o because_o god_n foreknow_v they_o but_o because_o by_o his_o unalterable_a decree_n he_o have_v make_v they_o necessary_a he_o foreknow_v because_o they_o be_v necessary_a 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no_o such_o perfection_n as_o prescience_n belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o to_o foreknow_v thing_n in_o a_o decree_n or_o only_o in_o necessary_a cause_n be_v no_o more_o that_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o call_v prescience_n than_o it_o be_v prescience_n in_o we_o to_o know_v what_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v to_o morrow_n or_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v to_o morrow_n but_o that_o god_n foreknowledge_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o event_n and_o therefore_o can_v prove_v any_o such_o necessity_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n this_o foreknowledge_n to_o god_n do_v also_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n charge_v man_n sin_n and_o final_a ruin_n on_o themselves_o set_v before_o they_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o now_o how_o difficult_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o reconcile_v prescience_n and_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o 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that_o prescience_n do_v not_o destroy_v liberty_n two_o another_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n be_v this_o that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o foreknow_v but_o decree_v such_o event_n as_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o at_o least_o in_o such_o case_n he_o must_v decree_v man_n sin_n too_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a example_n of_o this_o in_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n never_o be_v there_o a_o more_o wicked_a action_n commit_v and_o yet_o st._n peter_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o decree_n he_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n you_o have_v take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v 2._o act_n 23._o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o word_n careful_o this_o very_a text_n will_v answer_v the_o objection_n for_o what_o do_v st._n peter_n say_v be_v do_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n do_v they_o take_v he_o and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v he_o by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o say_v but_o he_o be_v deliver_v that_o be_v put_v into_o their_o power_n by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o then_o they_o take_v he_o and_o with_o wicked_a hand_n slay_v he_o and_o then_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o here_o be_v two_o distinct_a act_n of_o god_n relate_v to_o this_o event_n the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o will_n or_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v foreordain_v and_o praedetermine_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v that_o christ_n shall_v die_v a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o such_o stupendous_a wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n and_o justice_n that_o nothing_o can_v more_o become_v god_n than_o such_o counsel_n and_o decree_n but_o then_o by_o his_o infinite_a prescience_n and_o foreknowledge_n he_o see_v by_o what_o mean_v this_o will_v be_v do_v if_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o permit_v it_o viz._n by_o the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n by_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o by_o the_o compliance_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n and_o this_o he_o determine_v to_o permit_v and_o to_o deliver_v he_o up_o into_o their_o hand_n the_o certain_a effect_n of_o which_o will_v be_v that_o they_o will_v take_v he_o and_o with_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v he_o and_o slay_v he_o so_o that_o though_o god_n do_v decree_n that_o christ_n shall_v die_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o decree_n that_o judas_n shall_v betray_v he_o or_o that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n shall_v condemn_v and_o crucify_v he_o but_o this_o he_o foresee_v and_o this_o he_o decree_v to_o permit_v and_o to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n by_o such_o wicked_a instrument_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o unbecoming_a the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o all_o other_o event_n which_o be_v decree_v by_o god_n he_o never_o decree_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o though_o he_o many_o time_n accomplish_v his_o wise_a decree_n by_o the_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o never_o decree_v their_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o foresight_n and_o wonderful_a wisdom_n so_o dispose_v and_o order_n thing_n as_o to_o make_v their_o sin_n which_o they_o free_o and_o resolve_o commit_v and_o which_o nothing_o but_o a_o irresistible_a power_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o commit_v serve_v the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n this_o be_v wisdom_n too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o but_o thus_o we_o know_v it_o may_v be_v and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v 3_o another_o pretence_n for_o charge_v god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v from_o some_o obscure_a expression_n of_o scripture_n which_o when_o expound_v to_o a_o strict_a literal_a sense_n as_o some_o man_n expound_v they_o seem_v to_o attribute_v to_o god_n some_o kind_n of_o causality_n and_o efficiency_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v the_o scripture_n contradict_v itself_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o few_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n be_v misunderstand_v because_o not_o only_o some_o few_o particular_a text_n but_o all_o the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n and_o three_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n either_o direct_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n prove_v the_o contrary_n and_o suppose_v then_o that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o tolerable_a account_n of_o such_o text_n be_v it_o not_o more_o reasonable_a
and_o raise_v a_o expectation_n even_o among_o the_o roman_n of_o some_o great_a prince_n who_o be_v to_o rise_v in_o the_o east_n as_o tacitus_n observe_v and_o though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o reform_v nation_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o make_v a_o great_a many_o private_a convert_v who_o secret_o forsake_v the_o idolatry_n of_o their_o country_n and_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v it_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o we_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v wise_o design_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o some_o few_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o we_o know_v may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o on_o the_o famous_a day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v on_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o visible_a appearance_n of_o cleave_a tongue_n like_o as_o of_o fire_n there_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n great_a number_n not_o only_o of_o jew_n but_o of_o proselyte_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n parthian_n and_o mede_n and_o elamites_n and_o the_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n and_o in_o judaea_n and_o cappadocia_n in_o pontus_n and_o asia_n phrygia_n and_o pamphilia_n in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o part_n of_o lybia_n about_o cyrene_n and_o stranger_n of_o rome_n jew_n and_o proselyte_n cretes_n and_o arabian_n 2._o act_n 9_o 10_o 11._o whether_o these_o be_v circumcise_a or_o uncircumcised_a proselyte_n be_v not_o say_v but_o proselyte_n they_o be_v out_o of_o all_o these_o nation_n who_o come_v up_o at_o the_o feast_n to_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o all_o nation_n make_v great_a number_n of_o proselyte_n who_o either_o undertake_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n by_o circumcision_n and_o become_v jew_n or_o at_o least_o renounce_v all_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o worship_v no_o other_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o number_n of_o these_o last_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o circumcise_a proselyte_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v some_o learned_a man_n there_o be_v frequent_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o in_o scripture_n under_o the_o name_n of_o worship_v greek_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o those_o which_o fear_v god_n when_o saint_n paul_n preach_v at_o thessalonica_n there_o consort_v with_o paul_n and_o silas_n of_o the_o devout_a greek_n a_o great_a multitude_n 17._o act_n 24._o the_o very_a name_n of_o greek_n prove_v they_o to_o be_v gentile_n not_o jew_n who_o be_v always_o distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d devout_a or_o worship_a greek_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o that_o title_n be_v never_o give_v in_o scripture_n to_o idolater_n and_o their_o frequent_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n sufficient_o prove_v it_o for_o no_o gentile_n resort_v thither_o but_o those_o who_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n of_o this_o number_n be_v lydia_n 16._o act_n 14._o and_o cornelius_n the_o roman_a centurion_n who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o devout_a man_n and_o one_o who_o fear_v god_n himself_o but_o all_o his_o family_n be_v so_o too_o 10._o act_n 2._o and_o the_o eunuch_n 8._o act_n 27._o and_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n where_o st._n paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n we_o find_v great_a number_n of_o these_o worship_a gentile_n at_o thessalonica_n and_o philippi_n as_o you_o have_v see_v at_o corinth_n 18._o act_n 4._o at_o antioch_n of_o pisidia_n 13._o act_n 43._o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o other_o place_n which_o show_v what_o a_o great_a effect_n the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o all_o these_o country_n have_v in_o make_v proselyte_n some_o to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o many_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n which_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n when_o be_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o frequent_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o first_o gentile_n convert_v be_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o more_o ready_o embrace_v the_o faith_n than_o the_o jew_n themselves_o for_o they_o have_v all_o the_o preparation_n for_o christianity_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v but_o none_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la neither_o a_o fondness_n for_o their_o ceremonial_a worship_n nor_o for_o the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n 4._o and_o therefore_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n expound_v that_o text_n 13._o act_n 48._o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v of_o these_o devout_a and_o worship_a gentile_n that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ready_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a life_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n who_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n to_o consider_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n relate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o concern_v my_o present_a argument_n but_o if_o we_o take_v a_o brief_a review_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n for_o he_o come_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o world_n be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v he_o for_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n who_o complain_v that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v too_o long_o delay_v to_o tell_v i_o in_o what_o soon_o period_n it_o have_v be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o appear_v in_o every_o age_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v god_n take_v the_o wise_a method_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n will_v at_o that_o time_n allow_v to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o if_o christ_n appear_v at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o his_o appearance_n he_o appear_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v if_o we_o will_v allow_v god_n to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n wise_o that_o he_o do_v so_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v who_o believe_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v to_o give_v you_o a_o fair_a representation_n of_o all_o those_o wise_a advances_n god_n make_v to_o this_o last_o complete_n and_o stupendous_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n god_n have_v promise_v our_o first_o parent_n immediate_o upon_o the_o fall_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n all_o true_o good_a man_n be_v save_v by_o christ_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o more_o to_o recommend_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o seem_v very_o congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o all_o other_o method_n shall_v be_v first_o try_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o mankind_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o world_n be_v best_o prepare_v to_o receive_v he_o and_o as_o little_a as_o we_o understand_v of_o the_o unsearchable_a counsel_n of_o god_n it_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o upon_o both_o these_o account_v christ_n appear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_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 the_o only_a probable_a mean_n of_o restore_a piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o world_n be_v to_o destroy_v all_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o preserve_v that_o righteous_a family_n to_o new-people_n the_o world_n when_o that_o new_a generation_n begin_v to_o corrupt_v themselves_o god_n separate_v they_o from_o each_o other_o by_o confound_v their_o language_n and_o form_v they_o into_o distinct_a society_n and_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o stop_v the_o infection_n and_o to_o force_v on_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o moral_a and_o civil_a virtue_n when_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o all_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n god_n choose_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o give_v they_o his_o law_n commit_v to_o
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 for_o the_o scripture_n have_v take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o inform_v we_o that_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a and_o unbodied_a spirit_n without_o shape_n or_o figure_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o be_v only_o allusive_a and_o metaphorical_a expression_n which_o represent_v the_o power_n by_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o action_n see_v by_o eye_n and_o hear_v by_o ear_n but_o these_o affection_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n be_v not_o instrument_n but_o power_n and_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o a_o mind_n as_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n a_o pure_a mind_n must_v have_v pure_a and_o intellectual_a affection_n which_o move_v with_o great_a strength_n and_o certainty_n though_o without_o the_o disturbance_n of_o humane_a passion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v a_o mind_n without_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n or_o to_o conceive_v wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n without_o a_o intellectual_a approbation_n and_o abhorrence_n for_o perfect_a wisdom_n must_v 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 own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o mankind_n that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o a_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o and_o be_v sensible_a that_o all_o we_o receive_v be_v his_o gift_n to_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o man_n ungoverned_a lust_n and_o appetite_n that_o they_o may_v never_o expect_v success_n without_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o may_v never_o dare_v attempt_v any_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o pray_v these_o be_v wise_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v not_o give_v unless_o we_o ask_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n it_o be_v our_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o we_o have_v no_o title_n to_o his_o protection_n without_o it_o let_v we_o then_o in_o all_o condition_n make_v our_o humble_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n and_o recommend_v ourselves_o and_o