thing_n as_o happiness_n here_o below_o and_o yet_o this_o opinion_n have_v so_o universal_o possess_v mankind_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o teach_v with_o too_o general_a a_o consent_n that_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v only_o in_o another_o world_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o common_o think_v to_o have_v the_o countenance_n and_o patronage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n these_o false_a persuasion_n have_v not_o a_o little_a obstruct_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n deter_v man_n at_o once_o from_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o true_a happiness_n i_o will_v therefore_o first_o endeavour_v to_o free_v this_o assertion_n that_o happiness_n be_v attainable_a in_o this_o world_n from_o that_o prejudice_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n seem_v to_o some_o to_o bring_v upon_o it_o by_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n in_o this_o point_n second_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o plain_a and_o obvious_a proof_n three_o i_o will_v answer_v this_o and_o what_o other_o objection_n may_v be_v start_v from_o a_o imaginary_a incapacity_n of_o happiness_n cause_v by_o fortune_n fate_n or_o nature_n sect_n i._o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n in_o this_o point_n happiness_n religion_n deny_v not_o the_o possibility_n of_o present_a happiness_n religion_n ever_o have_v and_o always_o must_v have_v the_o character_n of_o its_o author_n visible_o stamp_v upon_o it_o nothing_o that_o be_v not_o infinite_o kind_a and_o infinite_o wise_a can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o revelation_n true_o divine_a from_o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o conclude_v that_o the_o great_a aim_n of_o god_n in_o the_o establish_n religion_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o to_o advance_v it_o in_o a_o method_n consonant_a to_o those_o natural_a principle_n he_o have_v implant_v in_o he_o nor_o do_v any_o one-inspir'd-author_n ever_o think_v otherwise_o 29._o prov._n 29._o he_o that_o â—eepeth_v the_o law_n say_v solomon_n happy_a be_v he_o 119._o psal_n 119._o great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o 3_o prov._n 3_o happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n and_o the_o man_n that_o get_v understanding_n that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o actual_a and_o present_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n be_v apparent_a from_o what_o follow_v a_o little_a after_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n she_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o those_o that_o lay_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o tho'_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a dispensation_n do_v propose_v to_o we_o as_o our_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n life_n and_o immortality_n yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v we_o from_o happiness_n here_o but_o rather_o do_v establish_v it_o upon_o proper_a and_o firm_a foundation_n and_o fence_n it_o about_o with_o impregnable_a bulwark_n 14.27_o john_n 14.27_o peace_n i_o leave_v with_o you_o my_o peace_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o not_o as_o the_o world_n give_v give_v i_o unto_o you_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v neither_o let_v it_o be_v afraid_a 5.22_o gal._n 5.22_o now_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v joy_n peace_n etc._n etc._n 15._o rom._n 15._o now_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v and_o make_v you_o abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n have_v promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v nor_o can_v i_o indeed_o conceive_v how_o the_o state_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a soul_n shall_v be_v other_o than_o a_o happy_a and_o bless_a one_o the_o belief_n and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o a_o heaven_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o transport_v and_o ravish_v than_o the_o rich_a fancy_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o security_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o and_o a_o future_a life_n which_o a_o good_a man_n enjoy_v in_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n who_o be_v almighty_a immutable_a etc._n etc._n must_v infinite_o exceed_v any_o thing_n that_o a_o sinner_n can_v attain_v to_o and_o must_v exclude_v those_o uneasy_a fear_n which_o do_v frequent_o interrupt_v the_o sinner_n enjoyment_n and_o over_o cast_v his_o hope_n he_o that_o love_v god_n and_o virtue_n can_v but_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o daily_a practice_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o most_o delight_n in_o and_o he_o last_o that_o have_v subdue_v his_o passion_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n can_v choose_v but_o reap_v the_o daily_a fruit_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o conquest_n and_o be_v constant_o entertain_v with_o please_a reflection_n and_o delightful_a prospect_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v nothing_o else_o that_o sovereignty_n liberty_n magnanimity_n and_o divine_a charity_n and_o enlargement_n of_o soul_n which_o he_o thereby_o gain_v be_v a_o abundant_a reward_n of_o his_o victory_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o a_o good_a man_n have_v the_o best_a title_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o another_o he_o enjoy_v this_o world_n with_o as_o great_a security_n as_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n and_o have_v a_o assure_a hope_n of_o a_o far_o better_a when_o he_o quit_v this_o the_o anticipation_n of_o which_o by_o faith_n love_n and_o hope_v do_v at_o once_o facilitate_v and_o confirm_v his_o conquest_n over_o all_o unworthy_a lust_n and_o entertain_v he_o with_o unexpressible_a satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o do_v in_o this_o chapter_n discourse_n of_o happiness_n without_o that_o immediate_a regard_n to_o another_o life_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v not_o judge_v myself_o oblige_v either_o to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o or_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o embrace_v misery_n during_o the_o space_n of_o this_o short_a life_n in_o expectation_n of_o that_o perfect_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v promise_v hereafter_o since_o i_o see_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o providence_n the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o incompatible_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o that_o wherein_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o true_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n do_v consist_v be_v but_o a_o necessary_a introduction_n to_o or_o qualification_n of_o we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o which_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n already_o appear_v and_o will_v much_o more_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n 16.24_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n no_o obstruction_n of_o this_o life_n happiness_n math._n 16.24_o but_o what_o become_v now_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n this_o be_v a_o very_a soft_a and_o mild_a commentary_n upon_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o formidable_a a_o objection_n as_o it_o may_v at_o first_o sight_n seem_v it_o be_v true_a suffer_v through_o all_o the_o progress_n and_o stage_n of_o evil_n even_o to_o the_o last_o that_o be_v death_n itself_o be_v a_o common_a nay_o almost_o a_o universal_a duty_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n the_o obligation_n of_o that_o duty_n have_v long_o ago_o cease_v and_o all_o that_o i_o can_v think_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v here_o in_o pursuance_n of_o my_o design_n be_v that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o those_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n do_v far_o outweigh_v their_o suffering_n while_o they_o live_v that_o when_o they_o suffer_v death_n itself_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o they_o must_v exchange_v temporal_a for_o eternal_a happiness_n nor_o do_v this_o at_o all_o infringe_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o proposition_n which_o do_v not_o vain_o assert_v a_o eternal_a duration_n of_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n but_o only_o teach_v the_o possibility_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o i_o think_v the_o death_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n be_v rather_o a_o great_a confirmation_n than_o confutation_n of_o this_o opinion_n teach_v we_o plain_o that_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o calamity_n it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a to_o live_v but_o to_o die_v happy_o which_o last_o be_v no_o small_a accession_n to_o temporal_a happiness_n from_o this_o little_a i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o shape_v a_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v object_v from_o st._n paul_n 15._o 1_o
which_o a_o good_a god_n design_v to_o bring_v he_o through_o virtue_n to_o glory_n and_o then_o at_o last_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n a_o distract_a mind_n and_o a_o most_o melancholy_a miserable_a death_n be_v the_o consequence_n and_o end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o progress_n which_o our_o voluntary_a sin_n and_o folly_n make_v we_o can_v think_v that_o a_o good_a god_n can_v direct_v or_o necessitate_v we_o to_o these_o course_n they_o be_v as_o repugnant_a to_o his_o law_n as_o to_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o same_o time_n we_o forfeit_v our_o happiness_n we_o disappoint_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o god_n be_v kind_a and_o gracious_a and_o wise_a and_o rational_a inanimate_a body_n do_v not_o desert_v those_o office_n he_o have_v prescribe_v they_o animal_n move_v regular_o by_o those_o instinct_n he_o have_v implant_v in_o they_o and_o so_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o do_v necessary_o serve_v those_o excellent_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v create_v but_o man_n have_v no_o necessity_n but_o liberty_n weave_v into_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o have_v no_o compulsory_a but_o only_o direct_v law_n prescribe_v he_o have_v pervert_v his_o own_o way_n abuse_v his_o liberty_n and_o make_v that_o his_o ruin_n which_o 〈◊〉_d well-used_a have_v enhance_v his_o merit_n and_o reward_n this_o be_v the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o man_n misery_n it_o impute_v it_o whole_o to_o himself_o and_o represent_v his_o obstinacy_n as_o ungrateful_a and_o displease_v to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v fatal_a to_o himself_o 38._o hos_fw-la 13._o ezek._n 38._o o_o israel_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o as_o i_o live_v i_o delight_v not_o bâ—_n the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n turn_v you_o into_o you_o 23._o math._n 23._o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o which_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o heâ—_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o nor_o be_v this_o account_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v â—s_a any_o other_o than_o that_o which_o be_v general_o embrace_v by_o the_o heathen_n this_o be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o particular_a prepossession_n or_o private_a opinion_n instill_a by_o custom_n or_o education_n but_o of_o natural_a reason_n and_o fair_o and_o easy_o deduce_v from_o those_o notion_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o be_v universal_o entertain_v by_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a heathen_n and_o how_o scandalous_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o if_o that_o comfortable_a and_o heavenly_a truth_n which_o the_o darkness_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o superstitious_a can_v not_o extinguish_v in_o the_o pagan_a world_n shall_v be_v reject_v or_o suppress_v by_o christian_n 1._o jamblichus_n de_fw-fr vitâ_fw-la pythag._n l._n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o god_n 2._o idem_fw-la l._n 2._o but_o the_o luxury_n and_o riot_n of_o man_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o evil_n which_o infest_v the_o body_n etc._n etc._n hence_o that_o charitable_a piece_n of_o heathen_a devotion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d o_o father_n jove_n from_o numerous_a evil_n free_a mankind_n or_o show_v they_o their_o ruin_n not_o from_o thou_o a_o gracious_a and_o benign_a deity_n but_o from_o themselves_o i_o will_v here_o add_v a_o testimony_n of_o apuleius_n as_o contain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o platonic_a philosophy_n in_o this_o point_n of_o god_n government_n of_o mankind_n platonis_fw-la apul._n the_o dogmate_n platonis_fw-la omnia_fw-la quae_fw-la naturaliter_fw-la &_o propterea_fw-la rectè_fw-la feruntur_fw-la providentiae_fw-la custodiâ_fw-la gubernantur_fw-la nec_fw-la ullius_fw-la mali_fw-la causa_fw-la deo_fw-la poterit_fw-la ascribi_fw-la all_o the_o motion_n of_o providence_n be_v wise_a and_o regular_a nor_o must_v any_o evil_a be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n as_o its_o cause_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o gain_v from_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n infinite_a goodness_n that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v any_o harm_n or_o mischief_n from_o he_o that_o he_o can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o misery_n but_o we_o may_v confident_o persuade_v ourselves_o on_o the_o other_o side_n second_o that_o he_o be_v most_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o further_o and_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o our_o endeavour_n after_o happiness_n and_o now_o methinks_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o question_v the_o possibility_n of_o attain_v happiness_n that_o i_o begin_v already_o to_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v it_o i_o see_v the_o day_n break_v in_o upon_o i_o from_o above_o how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o be_v happy_a who_o be_v the_o love_n the_o care_n of_o god_n i_o may_v walk_v like_o peter_n on_o the_o wave_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o storm_n i_o know_v i_o shall_v never_o sink_v while_o that_o god_n uphold_v i_o who_o call_v i_o this_o way_n to_o he_o i_o can_v now_o easy_o believe_v that_o my_o temper_n may_v be_v transform_v my_o corruption_n may_v be_v put_v off_o and_o i_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n since_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v dwell_v with_o i_o the_o light_n of_o god_n will_v always_o shine_v upon_o i_o and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n will_v always_o succour_v and_o aid_v i_o can_v i_o imagine_v as_o much_o as_o any_o colour_n or_o pretext_n why_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o a_o excellent_a state_n of_o virtue_n or_o why_o this_o virtue_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o vanquish_v all_o those_o difficulty_n that_o oppose_v my_o happiness_n since_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o refuse_v i_o his_o spirit_n if_o i_o ask_v it_o and_o that_o his_o grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o you_o see_v of_o what_o vast_a importance_n this_o truth_n be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v every_o man_n in_o his_o endeavour_n after_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o tho'_o it_o stand_v here_o as_o a_o necessary_a and_o undeniable_a conclusion_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n tho'_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v amount_v to_o a_o little_a less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o for_o 22._o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d max._n tyrius_n disser_n 22._o beneficence_n to_o his_o creature_n be_v as_o necessary_o include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n as_o perfection_n be_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n yet_o as_o well_o for_o my_o own_o pleasure_n as_o that_o interest_n which_o be_v near_o concern_v in_o this_o truth_n i_o will_v dwell_v a_o little_a long_o on_o the_o confirmation_n and_o illustration_n of_o it_o there_o be_v three_o eminent_a act_n of_o divine_a assistance_n the_o first_o be_v such_o a_o direction_n of_o the_o event_n of_o secular_a affair_n that_o they_o may_v tend_v to_o our_o good_a the_o second_o be_v his_o assistance_n of_o we_o in_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o three_o be_v his_o recruit_v we_o by_o fresh_a supply_n of_o strength_n in_o all_o our_o hazardous_a conflict_n and_o extraordinary_a trial_n now_o tho'_o i_o can_v not_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n perform_v this_o kind_a work_n of_o his_o providence_n yet_o ought_v not_o that_o to_o dissuade_v i_o from_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o because_o we_o know_v that_o our_o comprehension_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o divine_a perfection_n nor_o the_o narrow_a bound_n of_o our_o imagination_n be_v the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o the_o almighty_n power_n however_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a so_o to_o explain_v this_o assistance_n of_o god_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o may_v free_v it_o from_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o first_o as_o to_o his_o direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o temporal_a event_n how_o easy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o conceive_v this_o possible_a to_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o that_o god_n can_v form_v what_o impression_n he_o please_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o inspire_v they_o with_o what_o affection_n he_o shall_v think_v most_o serviceable_a to_o his_o design_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o pretext_n or_o colour_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v any_o more_o exempt_a from_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n than_o the_o body_n or_o that_o god_n can_v do_v that_o which_o the_o great_a or_o the_o cunning_a or_o the_o eloquent_a nay_o the_o popular_a and_o ambitious_a do_v seldom_o fail_v to_o do_v raise_v what_o passion_n he_o please_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n or_o if_o we_o consider_v second_o that_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o nature_n be_v whole_o in_o his_o
it_o do_v so_o general_o obtain_v through_o the_o pagan_a world_n to_o attribute_v all_o the_o surprise_v excellency_n or_o extraordinary_a exploit_n of_o their_o hero_n and_o eminent_a man_n to_o the_o immediate_a favour_n and_o patronage_n of_o their_o go_n rom._n hist_o rom._n must_v vespasian_n restore_v life_n to_o the_o expire_a state_n of_o rome_n prodigy_n and_o miracle_n shall_v prepare_v his_o way_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a mark_n of_o some_o divine_a assistance_n shall_v consecrate_v and_o destine_v he_o to_o this_o great_a work_n must_v alexander_n conquer_v the_o eastern_a world_n miracle_n shall_v attend_v his_o march_n as_o it_o do_v that_o of_o moses_n josephus_n josephus_n &_o the_o pamphylian_a sea_n retreat_n before_o the_o one_o as_o the_o red_a sea_n do_v before_o the_o other_o nor_o let_v any_o one_o think_v that_o this_o be_v usual_a only_o among_o the_o barbarous_a people_n athens_n itself_o athens_n the_o very_a abode_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n do_v attribute_v the_o perfection_n of_o eleusinian_n melesagoras_n and_o cretan_a epimenides_n to_o the_o instruction_n of_o some_o divine_a be_v and_o those_o of_o socrates_n to_o his_o guardian_n angel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scythian_n those_o of_o their_o zamolxis_n or_o they_o of_o proconesus_n those_o of_o aristeas_n to_o the_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o god_n nor_o ought_v it_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o work_n of_o hesiod_n homer_n or_o other_o poet_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n since_o those_o of_o aholiab_n and_o bezaleel_n be_v by_o moses_n himself_o ascribe_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o poem_n of_o the_o former_a can_v not_o but_o seem_v to_o the_o heathen_n as_o rich_a a_o piece_n of_o fancy_n as_o the_o embroidery_n of_o the_o latter_a do_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o excellent_a argument_n maximus_n tyrius_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v virtue_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o assistance_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n if_o art_n say_v he_o less_o excellent_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o less_o useful_a in_o their_o end_n be_v owe_v to_o god_n how_o much_o more_o virtue_n the_o divine_a guide_n and_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n if_o there_o be_v no_o good_a that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o 22._o max._n tyr._n dissert_n 22._o much_o less_o sure_o the_o chief_a and_o sovereign_n good_a of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o far_o i_o have_v proceed_v to_o show_v you_o what_o the_o heathen_n think_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a assistance_n particular_o in_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n for_o as_o to_o secular_a matter_n and_o temporal_a event_n their_o sense_n of_o the_o overrule_a power_n and_o influence_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v into_o question_n the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o it_o seem_v so_o inseparable_a that_o the_o epicurean_a who_o deny_v the_o latter_a can_v never_o find_v belief_n when_o he_o profess_v himself_o to_o own_o the_o former_a nay_o even_o those_o very_a man_n who_o can_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o a_o providence_n by_o the_o bounty_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n in_o his_o chastisement_n of_o sin_n hence_o that_o bold_a and_o brisk_a tho'_o not_o very_o religious_a reflection_n of_o tacitus_n upon_o the_o misery_n be_v the_o roman_a empire_n suffer_v under_o galba_n otho_n and_o vitellius_n nec_fw-la enim_fw-la unquam_fw-la atrocioribus_fw-la populi_fw-la romani_fw-la cladibus_fw-la hist_o tacit._n l._n 1._o hist_o magisuè_fw-la justis_fw-la judiciis_fw-la approbatum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la curae_fw-la diis_fw-la securitatem_fw-la nostram_fw-la esse_fw-la ultionem_fw-la the_o justice_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o plague_n abundant_o evince_v the_o god_n concern_v tho'_o not_o for_o our_o prosperity_n yet_o for_o our_o punishment_n such_o be_v man_n disingenuous_a temper_n that_o he_o be_v more_o easy_o convince_v by_o the_o wideness_n and_o fatality_n of_o a_o wound_n that_o it_o be_v inflict_v by_o a_o almighty_a arm_n than_o he_o be_v by_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n he_o receive_v that_o they_o be_v distribute_v by_o a_o divine_a munificence_n tho'_o the_o number_n and_o infinite_a value_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o receive_v be_v in_o itself_o a_o much_o clear_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n than_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v can_v be_v for_o these_o we_o can_v create_v ourselves_o those_o none_o but_o a_o god_n can_v bestow_v there_o need_v then_o nothing_o to_o be_v say_v to_o convince_v you_o what_o the_o heathen_n think_v of_o providence_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a and_o temporal_a thing_n nor_o be_v it_o i_o think_v now_o to_o be_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v their_o opinion_n that_o the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n nor_o will_v i_o add_v a_o word_n more_o but_o that_o the_o word_n of_o hierocles_n on_o this_o subject_n carry_v in_o they_o not_o only_o so_o full_a a_o conviction_n but_o also_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o relish_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o religious_a humility_n that_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o myself_o to_o pass_v they_o by_o carm._n hierocles_n in_o pythagori_n aurea_fw-la carm._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v we_o need_v no_o motive_n or_o incentive_a to_o vice_n but_o our_o own_o inclination_n but_o to_o make_v we_o virtuous_a we_o stand_v in_o need_n 〈◊〉_d the_o aid_n of_o god_n join_v with_o that_o 〈◊〉_d reason_n and_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o god_n assistance_n spring_v not_o only_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o also_o of_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o order_n beauty_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o fix_a and_o constant_a return_v of_o fruitful_a season_n the_o fill_a man_n heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n be_v the_o only_a testimony_n which_o god_n give_v the_o gentile_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o care_n for_o mankind_n when_o i_o read_v that_o angel_n be_v the_o minister_a spirit_n of_o god_n when_o i_o read_v in_o daniel_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o grecia_n and_o persia_n and_o find_v that_o province_n be_v commit_v to_o angel_n as_o the_o vice-roys_n and_o lieutenant_n of_o god_n i_o can_v think_v that_o these_o devout_a and_o charitable_a spirit_n do_v with_o less_o zeal_n in_o their_o province_n labour_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n than_o evil_a spirit_n do_v the_o dishonour_v of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o other_o and_o unless_o the_o frequent_a appearance_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o beginning_n have_v possess_v man_n mind_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a commerce_n maintain_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o that_o spirit_n very_o frequent_o do_v visible_o engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o protection_n and_o assistance_n of_o man_n i_o can_v as_o much_o as_o imagine_v what_o foundation_n there_o can_v be_v for_o the_o numerous_a imposture_n of_o oracle_n or_o upon_o what_o ground_n the_o custom_n of_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o patronage_n of_o some_o tutelary_a spirit_n can_v so_o general_o have_v prevail_v in_o the_o pagan_a world_n without_o this_o supposition_n the_o poetry_n of_o homer_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v entertain_v as_o sacred_a and_o inspire_a that_o it_o have_v be_v universal_o contemn_v and_o dislike_v as_o a_o idle_a rhapsody_n of_o un-natural_a incredible_a and_o fulsome_a character_n of_o their_o god_n how_o can_v any_o man_n who_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o spirit_n nay_o who_o can_v not_o conceive_v any_o other_o notion_n of_o such_o fancy_n than_o as_o something_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a ever_o digest_v the_o gross_a confidence_n of_o a_o poet_n bring_v in_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o stage_n at_o every_o turn_n i_o do_v not_o therefore_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o gentile_a world_n receive_v very_o many_o good_a office_n and_o advantage_n from_o good_a angel_n as_o well_o as_o suffer_v many_o mischief_n from_o evil_a one_o and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v with_o good_a probability_n believe_v that_o every_o good_a heathen_a as_o well_o as_o socrates_n have_v the_o assistance_n of_o a_o good_a spirit_n very_o frequent_o nor_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n the_o only_a assistance_n that_o god_n afford_v the_o gentil_n world_n but_o in_o every_o age_n he_o raise_v up_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o be_v his_o prophet_n or_o interpreter_n of_o nature_n law_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o know_v st._n austin_n do_v in_o two_o place_n at_o least_o of_o his_o retractation_n censure_v and_o condemn_v that_o charity_n which_o he_o
practice_n of_o excellent_a man_n none_o be_v ever_o so_o much_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n that_o its_o gift_n grow_v up_o in_o they_o like_o corn_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o golden_a age_n without_o culture_n or_o dress_n inspiration_n itself_o do_v not_o exempt_a man_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o industry_n but_o oblige_v he_o to_o a_o great_a thus_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o prophetic_a life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o great_a strictness_n and_o retirement_n than_o that_o of_o other_o and_o in_o the_o new_a not_o to_o mention_v the_o watch_n the_o fast_n the_o retirement_n the_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n that_o account_n of_o himself_o which_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o will_v inform_v we_o not_o only_o what_o his_o life_n be_v but_o what_o it_o be_v expect_v the_o life_n of_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v that_o share_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ministry_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o apostle_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v ourselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n in_o labour_n 6._o 2_o cor._n 6._o in_o watch_n by_o pureness_n by_o knowledge_n among_o the_o heathen_n whatever_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n they_o attribute_v to_o humane_a nature_n whatever_o they_o attribute_v to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o contexture_n and_o frame_n of_o nature_n more_o than_o common_a whatever_o last_o they_o attribute_v to_o the_o favour_n the_o extraordinary_a favour_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v they_o always_o judge_v a_o strict_a life_n and_o indefatigable_a industry_n necessary_a to_o the_o acquire_v of_o true_a philosophy_n and_o happiness_n their_o pythagoras_n so_o dear_a to_o their_o god_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o doubt_n amongst_o they_o whether_o he_o be_v not_o himself_o a_o god_n incarnate_a not_o content_a to_o have_v be_v the_o scholar_n first_o of_o pherecydes_n syrus_n and_o afterward_o of_o hermodamas_n travail_v first_o into_o egypt_n and_o afterward_o to_o babylon_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whither_o pursue_v wisdom_n and_o happiness_n with_o great_a industry_n and_o as_o great_a abstinence_n socrates_n however_o inspire_v by_o his_o genius_n do_v yet_o learn_v music_n of_o connus_n poetry_n of_o evenus_n agriculture_n of_o ischomachus_n geometry_n of_o theodorus_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o all_o this_o he_o add_v the_o religious_a discipline_n of_o mortification_n even_o to_o a_o voluntary_a poverty_n what_o shall_v i_o multiply_v instance_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n among_o the_o gentile_n remarkable_a for_o wisdom_n or_o virtue_n that_o be_v not_o as_o remarkable_a for_o that_o travail_n and_o self-denial_n by_o which_o he_o purchase_v both_o i_o add_v self-denial_n industry_n alone_o be_v not_o judge_v sufficient_a for_o second_o it_o be_v easy_a in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o infer_v from_o the_o sanctity_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o expect_v his_o assistance_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a it_o be_v virtue_n that_o constitute_v a_o man_n a_o subject_a of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o a_o favourite_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v this_o that_o give_v he_o the_o best_a claim_n to_o his_o protection_n and_o patronage_n vice_n be_v a_o state_n of_o rebellion_n and_o defiance_n against_o god_n and_o he_o that_o have_v put_v off_o his_o allegiance_n can_v expect_v rational_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o government_n which_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v under_o it_o be_v true_a the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o clemency_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o vanquish_v by_o man_n ingratitude_n may_v pursue_v such_o a_o man_n with_o repeat_v overture_n &_o tender_v of_o grace_n and_o pardon_v and_o may_v leave_v he_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o common_a benefit_n such_o as_o health_n plenty_n friend_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n will_v never_o confer_v upon_o he_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n the_o mark_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n and_o particular_a favour_n he_o will_v withdraw_v from_o he_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o a_o blind_a indigent_a and_o forlorn_a creature_n 1._o wisd_v 1._o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v fly_v deceit_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o unrighteousness_n come_v in_o which_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o what_o the_o heathen_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v affirm_v concern_v his_o genius_n â—6_n max._n tyr._n dissert_n â—6_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wicked_a soul_n have_v no_o good_a angel_n sojourn_v with_o they_o or_o preside_v over_o they_o our_o soul_n like_o temple_n must_v be_v prepare_v and_o consecrate_v to_o he_o if_o we_o will_v have_v god_n dwell_v in_o they_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o charm_n and_o captivate_v god_n nothing_o else_o can_v invite_v he_o to_o dwell_v with_o man_n this_o very_a reason_n maximus_n tyrius_n assign_v for_o the_o residence_n and_o abode_n of_o a_o daemon_n with_o socrates_n after_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n ibid._n idem_fw-la ibid._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v thou_o wonder_v that_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n shall_v dwell_v with_o socrates_n so_o intimate_o unite_v so_o friendly_a so_o inseparable_a that_o he_o seem_v only_a not_o mix_v and_o become_v one_o with_o his_o own_o mind_n with_o socrates_n who_o purity_n of_o body_n charity_n and_o goodness_n of_o soul_n strictness_n of_o conversation_n depth_n of_o judgement_n melody_n and_o perswasiveness_n of_o speech_n religion_n towards_o god_n and_o integrity_n towards_o man_n render_v he_o worthy_a of_o such_o a_o guest_n such_o a_o friend_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a three_o what_o different_a rate_n we_o be_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o different_a gift_n of_o god_n â—_o james_n â—_o every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n come_v down_o frâ—m_n above_o but_o every_o gift_n be_v not_o equal_o good_a equal_o perfect_a be_v neither_o equal_o necessary_a nor_o profitable_a wealth_n power_n friend_n relation_n health_n strength_n beauty_n wit_n discretion_n virtue_n be_v all_o good_a but_o not_o all_o equal_a their_o value_n be_v different_a and_o therefore_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o importunity_n and_o of_o our_o faith_n or_o reliance_n upon_o god_n must_v be_v proportion_v according_o a_o confident_a faith_n and_o a_o almost_o impatient_a zeal_n do_v well_o become_v we_o when_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o when_o we_o seek_v of_o god_n the_o divine_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n but_o a_o humble_a modesty_n and_o a_o most_o profound_a submission_n be_v the_o ornament_n and_o beauty_n of_o those_o who_o be_v petitioner_n for_o inferior_a temporal_a blessing_n for_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o former_a to_o all_o that_o earnest_o sue_v for_o they_o peremptory_o and_o without_o any_o tacit_fw-la reservation_n but_o his_o promise_n of_o the_o latter_a do_v always_o imply_v this_o condition_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o our_o good_a for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v moral_a and_o immutable_a beauty_n but_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o all_o the_o gaudy_a thing_n of_o fortune_n be_v like_o the_o fade_a beauty_n of_o a_o flower_n the_o heat_n scorch_v it_o the_o cold_a nip_v it_o every_o little_a chance_n crack_v the_o stalk_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o child_n will_v serve_v to_o crop_v it_o nothing_o therefore_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o the_o modesty_n of_o our_o petition_n for_o these_o good_a thing_n and_o the_o fervency_n of_o they_o for_o the_o other_o nothing_o more_o delightful_a to_o he_o unless_o the_o grant_n of_o they_o the_o thing_n therefore_o that_o we_o be_v to_o beg_v of_o god_n not_o only_o with_o the_o great_a importunity_n but_o also_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v those_o which_o maximus_n tyrius_n think_v the_o subject_n of_o socrates_n his_o prayer_n 30._o max._n tyr._n dissert_n 30._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v these_o a_o virtuous_a mind_n a_o quiet_a state_n a_o unblameable_a life_n and_o a_o cheerful_a death_n full_a of_o good_a hope_n these_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o request_n not_o wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o popularity_n or_o power_n or_o sovereignty_n this_o at_o once_o bring_v to_o my_o thought_n another_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o possibility_n of_o attain_v happiness_n and_o instruct_v i_o how_o to_o answer_v it_o a_o second_o thing_n which_o man_n charge_v obj._n 2_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o ruin_n be_v fortune_n i_o may_v pass_v over_o this_o point_n slight_o because_o affliction_n will_v come_v more_o proper_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o three_o volume_n where_o i_o treat_v of_o indolence_n and_o because_o i_o have_v already_o clear_v two_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v of_o themselves_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o baffle_v and_o defeat_v this_o trifle_a objection_n namely_o first_o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n wisdom_n