prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v if_o the_o event_n do_v not_o answer_v his_o prediction_n i_o have_v deceive_v he_o or_o confute_v his_o vain_a lie_v prophecy_n and_o how_o will_v god_n deceive_v he_o that_o immediate_o follow_v i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o will_v destroy_v he_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n israel_n and_o they_o shall_v bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n both_o prophet_n and_o people_n this_o do_v effectual_o deceive_v they_o as_o be_v a_o terrible_a confutation_n of_o their_o prophecy_n and_o what_o god_n express_o threaten_v because_o they_o have_v seduce_v my_o people_n say_v peace_n and_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n 13._o ezek._n 8_o 9_o 10._o this_o be_v what_o god_n attribute_n to_o himself_o as_o his_o peculiar_a prerogative_n and_o glory_n that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o seer_n and_o make_v diviner_n mad_a by_o deceive_v they_o in_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n and_o confute_v their_o prophecy_n by_o his_o judgement_n 44._o isaiah_n 25._o as_o he_o express_o threaten_v against_o these_o lie_a prophet_n and_o diviner_n 3._o micah_n 5_o 6_o 7._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a comment_n upon_o this_o text._n as_o for_o what_o be_v object_v about_o david_n number_v the_o people_n it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a name_n â—_o sam._n 24._o â—_o it_o be_v say_v the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o israel_n and_o he_o move_v david_n against_o they_o to_o say_v go_v number_v the_o people_n but_o in_o 1_o chron._n 21._o 1._o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o satan_n stand_v up_o against_o israel_n and_o provoke_v david_n to_o number_n israel_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v in_o what_o sense_n this_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n when_o satan_n be_v the_o immediate_a tempter_n only_o because_o god_n in_o anger_n against_o israel_n suffer_v satan_n to_o tempt_v david_n to_o number_v they_o but_o that_o be_v more_o considerable_a that_o be_v object_v from_o st._n paul_n concern_v the_o heathen_n who_o god_n deliver_v up_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o idolatry_n they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n wherefore_o god_n also_o give_v they_o up_o to_o uncleanness_n through_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o dishonour_v their_o own_o body_n between_o themselves_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o even_o as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a be_v fill_v with_o all_o unrighteousness_n fornication_n wickedness_n covetousness_n etc._n etc._n now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n that_o because_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o one_o sin_n he_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o all_o other_o sin_n for_o can_v a_o holy_a god_n punish_v sin_n with_o sin_n can_v he_o who_o hate_v all_o wickedness_n contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o make_v man_n more_o wicked_a than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o need_v only_o consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n which_o signify_v no_o positive_a act_n of_o god_n but_o only_o his_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o power_n and_o management_n of_o those_o evil_a spirit_n who_o they_o idolatrous_o worship_v for_o most_o of_o these_o vice_n to_o which_o god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v they_o up_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o their_o idolatry_n be_v the_o sacred_a rite_n and_o mystery_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o if_o they_o will_v worship_v such_o god_n they_o must_v worship_v they_o as_o they_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o this_o corrupt_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o then_o they_o be_v prepare_v for_o any_o wickedness_n which_o their_o own_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o fortune_n or_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n can_v tempt_v they_o to_o this_o very_a account_n we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n etc._n where_o we_o have_v such_o another_o catalogue_n of_o vice_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v we_o charge_v upon_o their_o idolatry_n as_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o it_o now_o if_o man_n will_v worship_v such_o god_n as_o delight_v in_o uncleanness_n and_o impurity_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o who_o will_v be_v worship_v with_o the_o most_o infamous_a vice_n to_o the_o utmost_a reproach_n and_o contempt_n of_o human_a nature_n there_o be_v no_o avoid_v it_o but_o that_o their_o religion_n must_v corrupt_v their_o life_n they_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o god_n leave_v they_o in_o their_o hand_n for_o who_o shall_v have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o but_o the_o god_n they_o worship_n they_o reproach_n the_o divine_a nature_n by_o vile_a and_o sensible_a representation_n and_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n to_o dishonour_v their_o own_o nature_n they_o corrupt_v the_o natural_a notion_n they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n not_o to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil._n the_o devil_n have_v erect_v a_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o god_n think_v fit_a for_o some_o time_n to_o permit_v it_o till_o he_o send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o who_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o idolatry_n become_v his_o slave_n and_o vassal_n for_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n the_o spirit_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o this_o be_v god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n his_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o his_o protection_n when_o they_o have_v first_o renounce_v he_o and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o who_o they_o have_v give_v themselves_o so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o other_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o very_a impure_a spirit_n and_o affect_v divine_a honour_n to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o god_n suffer_v he_o to_o govern_v those_o who_o worship_v he_o and_o to_o seduce_v they_o into_o all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o a_o diabolical_a nature_n and_o yet_o that_o barbarous_a tyranny_n which_o the_o devil_n exercise_v over_o his_o votary_n that_o impure_a flagitious_a worship_n which_o he_o institute_v and_o that_o excess_n of_o wickedness_n wherewith_o he_o corrupt_v the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o 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which_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v human_a nature_n start_v and_o fly_v back_o the_o like_a objection_n be_v make_v from_o the_o antichristian_a state_n the_o appearance_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 1_o thess._n 2._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o just_a than_o this_o for_o god_n to_o suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o blind_v those_o man_n who_o
two_o distinct_a and_o different_a act_n of_o power_n to_o make_v and_o to_o preserve_v for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n know_v this_o who_o neither_o know_v how_o god_n create_v nor_o how_o he_o preserve_v thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o create_v be_v to_o give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o before_o to_o preserve_v be_v to_o continue_v that_o in_o be_v which_o be_v make_v before_o and_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v once_o create_v it_o can_v never_o be_v new_o create_v till_o it_o fall_v into_o nothing_o again_o for_o to_o create_v be_v to_o make_v out_o of_o nothing_o not_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n which_o already_o be_v but_o by_o what_o act_v of_o power_n either_o of_o these_o be_v do_v we_o can_v tell_v nor_o be_v we_o concern_v to_o know_v for_o what_o way_n soever_o this_o be_v do_v we_o equal_o depend_v on_o god_n we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o he_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o act_n of_o preservation_n which_o consist_v in_o uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v be_v fix_v by_o a_o perpetual_a and_o unchangeable_a decree_n that_o though_o god_n will_v dissolve_v this_o present_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o it_o may_v be_v cast_v the_o world_n into_o a_o new_a mould_n yet_o nothing_o that_o be_v make_v neither_o matter_n nor_o spirit_n shall_v be_v annihilate_v or_o reduce_v into_o nothing_o again_o this_o i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v from_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o suppose_v that_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v live_v for_o ever_o the_o one_o to_o be_v happy_a the_o other_o to_o be_v miserable_a to_o eternity_n and_o then_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o world_n whatever_o change_v it_o may_v suffer_v will_v continue_v as_o long_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o do_v this_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o what_o we_o call_v preserve_v providence_n to_o uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v in_o distinction_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o from_o those_o several_a act_n of_o preservation_n which_o concern_v a_o govern_v providence_n a_o second_o act_n of_o preserve_v providence_n be_v what_o the_o school_n call_v god_n co-operation_n and_o concourse_n with_o creature_n in_o all_o their_o action_n that_o we_o not_o only_o live_v and_o have_v our_o be_v but_o that_o we_o move_v in_o god_n that_o whatever_o we_o do_v we_o do_v by_o a_o natural_a power_n receive_v from_o god_n and_o this_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o we_o have_v our_o be_v in_o he_o for_o if_o we_o live_v we_o must_v move_v in_o he_o but_o then_o whether_o god_n co_n operation_n and_o concourse_n be_v a_o different_a act_n from_o his_o preserve_v the_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n of_o action_n be_v a_o nice_a and_o more_o intricate_a speculation_n and_o neither_o the_o thing_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v natural_a power_n be_v internal_a principle_n of_o action_n when_o a_o creature_n act_n from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o nature_n but_o if_o these_o natural_a power_n while_o they_o be_v preserve_v in_o their_o full_a force_n and_o vigour_n by_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o themselves_o without_o a_o new_a extrinsic_a determine_v motion_n from_o god_n than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o natural_a power_n for_o they_o can_v act_v by_o nature_n if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o fire_n do_v burn_v by_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n preserve_v its_o nature_n it_o can_v burn_v without_o some_o new_a cooperate_a power_n which_o be_v not_o in_o its_o nature_n a_o man_n dont_fw-fr reason_n and_o judge_n choose_v and_o refuse_v by_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n preserve_v his_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n yet_o he_o can_v neither_o understand_v nor_o will_n unless_o he_o be_v move_v act_v determine_v by_o god_n this_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n a_o mere_a apparition_n and_o empty_a scene_n which_o have_v nothing_o real_a whatever_o we_o see_v do_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o do_v by_o creature_n who_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o act_v like_o machine_n not_o from_o the_o internal_a principle_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o external_n motion_n but_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n himself_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n even_o all_o the_o contradiction_n and_o contrariety_n we_o see_v in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difficulty_n which_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o creature_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v that_o they_o ever_o act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o god_n co-operate_v only_o to_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o action_n that_o be_v that_o he_o only_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n without_o change_v influence_a determine_v their_o nature_n otherwise_o than_o these_o natural_a power_n will_v natural_o act_v for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o action_n when_o god_n have_v create_v the_o natural_a power_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o co-operation_n that_o can_v belong_v to_o god_n as_o the_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n whatever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o as_o i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o that_o god_n do_v it_o belong_v to_o a_o govern_n not_o to_o a_o preserve_v providence_n god_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o mere_o cooperate_v with_o our_o natural_a power_n to_o perform_v natural_a action_n but_o this_o he_o do_v as_o a_o governor_n not_o mere_o as_o a_o preserver_n the_o not_o distinguish_v of_o which_o have_v occasion_v great_a mistake_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o god_n have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o such_o natural_a power_n and_o virtue_n as_o may_v answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v he_o have_v make_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v to_o enlighten_v and_o refresh_v the_o world_n the_o fire_n to_o burn_v the_o earth_n to_o bring_v forth_o all_o sort_n of_o herb_n and_o grass_n and_o corn_n and_o fruit_n the_o vapour_n to_o ascend_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n to_o purge_v and_o fan_v the_o air_n with_o wind_n and_o to_o fall_v down_o again_o in_o fruitful_a shower_n every_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o tree_n have_v its_o peculiar_a seed_n to_o propagate_v its_o kind_a as_o all_o live_a creature_n have_v now_o as_o it_o have_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n for_o god_n to_o have_v make_v a_o world_n without_o uphold_v it_o in_o be_v for_o creature_n can_v no_o more_o preserve_v than_o they_o can_v make_v themselves_o so_o it_o have_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o such_o virtue_n and_o power_n as_o belong_v to_o their_o several_a nature_n without_o such_o a_o natural_a co-operation_n whatever_o that_o be_v as_o shall_v enable_v their_o natural_a power_n to_o act_n and_o to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o god_n establish_v this_o natural_a concourse_n and_o co-operation_n to_o actuate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n by_o a_o perpetual_a law_n which_o be_v that_o blessing_n god_n bestow_v upon_o all_o creature_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o though_o this_o blessing_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v and_o to_o replenish_v the_o sea_n and_o air_n and_o earth_n which_o preserve_v and_o invigorate_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v express_v only_o of_o live_a creature_n the_o fish_n and_o fowl_n and_o beast_n and_o man_n yet_o it_o equal_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a creation_n as_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v and_o make_v nature_n regular_a and_o constant_a in_o all_o its_o motion_n and_o production_n but_o there_o be_v other_o act_n belong_v to_o god_n government_n even_o of_o the_o material_a world_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o more_o hereafter_o as_o to_o direct_v the_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o suspend_v and_o restrain_v they_o to_o make_v the_o earth_n fruitful_a or_o barren_a the_o air_n wholesome_a or_o pestilential_a to_o withhold_v the_o dew_n and_o shower_n of_o heaven_n or_o to_o give_v the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n in_o its_o season_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o rain_v upon_o one_o city_n and_o not_o upon_o another_o and_o so_o to_o temper_v the_o influence_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o punish_v the_o wickedness_n or_o to_o reward_v the_o obedience_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v act_n of_o government_n and_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a kind_n from_o actuate_a the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o to_o do_v what_o they_o be_v make_v for_o thus_o to_o consider_v the_o rational_a world_n god_n have_v endow_v man_n
upon_o mount_n zion_n and_o on_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o proud_a look_n 10._o isai._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o a_o great_a many_o example_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o different_a intention_n god_n and_o man_n have_v in_o the_o same_o action_n and_o how_o easy_o god_n can_v defeat_v what_o man_n intend_v and_o accomplish_v by_o they_o his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n which_o they_o never_o think_v of_o when_o god_n have_v no_o particular_a end_n of_o providence_n to_o serve_v by_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o evil_a design_n of_o man_n he_o common_o disappoint_v they_o that_o when_o they_o intend_v evil_a and_o imagine_v a_o mischievous_a device_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o 21._o psal._n 11._o or_o he_o turn_v the_o evil_a upon_o their_o own_o head_n the_o heathen_a be_v sink_v down_o in_o the_o pit_n that_o they_o make_v in_o the_o net_n which_o they_o hide_v be_v their_o own_o foot_n take_v the_o lord_n be_v know_v by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v the_o wicked_a be_v snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n 9_o psal._n 15_o 16._o or_o he_o double_o disappoint_v their_o malice_n not_o only_o by_o defeat_v the_o evil_n they_o intend_v but_o by_o turn_v it_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o those_o it_o be_v intend_v against_o which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o case_n of_o haman_n who_o malice_n against_o mordecai_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o sake_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v his_o own_o ruin_n but_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o mordecai_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v thus_o brief_o show_v what_o government_n god_n have_v both_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o action_n of_o man_n how_o easy_o he_o can_v alter_v their_o counsel_n and_o manage_v their_o passion_n make_v they_o do_v what_o good_a they_o never_o intend_v and_o disappoint_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o do_v intend_v or_o turn_v it_o into_o good_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n how_o absolute_a the_o divine_a providence_n be_v for_o he_o who_o have_v such_o a_o absolute_a government_n of_o nature_n of_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o of_o the_o will_n and_o action_n of_o man_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o but_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o god_n government_n of_o mankind_n to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o providence_n i_o shall_v more_o particular_o but_o very_o brief_o state_n this_o matter_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o good_a and_o to_o bad_a man_n 1._o as_o for_o good_a man_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o their_o case_n for_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o a_o good_a and_o beneficent_a providence_n they_o do_v good_a out_o of_o temper_n and_o inclination_n and_o a_o habit_n and_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o obey_v every_o extraordinary_a impression_n to_o excite_v and_o determine_v they_o to_o such_o particular_a good_a office_n as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o employ_v they_o in_o and_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o honourable_a for_o god_n and_o what_o become_v good_a man_n for_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o glory_n of_o human_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o good_a man_n will_v observe_v the_o law_n of_o virtue_n in_o do_v good_a and_o while_o good_a be_v do_v by_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a mean_n there_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n 2_o but_o as_o bad_a man_n be_v most_o difficulty_n govern_v so_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v in_o vindicate_a providence_n in_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ministries_n of_o bad_a man_n for_o it_o be_v common_o think_v a_o great_a blemish_n to_o providence_n when_o glorious_a and_o admirable_a design_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n now_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v a_o great_a mistake_n as_o if_o god_n can_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o providence_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n sin_n for_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n nor_o reasonable_a pretence_n of_o a_o objection_n against_o god_n make_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n serve_v wise_a and_o good_a end_n if_o he_o can_v do_v this_o without_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o man_n sin_n it_o be_v the_o great_a glory_n of_o providence_n to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o while_o all_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v just_o and_o righteous_a and_o holy_a and_o wise_a and_o such_o as_o become_v a_o god_n it_o be_v much_o more_o admirable_a to_o consider_v that_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v while_o there_o be_v so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o short_a be_v this_o god_n never_o suggest_v any_o evil_a design_n to_o man_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o their_o own_o wicked_a heart_n or_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o other_o wicked_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a spirit_n but_o when_o man_n have_v form_v any_o wicked_a design_n he_o sometime_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v change_v their_o purpose_n or_o deter_v they_o from_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n and_o when_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o proceed_v to_o action_n he_o either_o shameful_o disappoint_v they_o or_o serve_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n by_o what_o they_o wicked_o do_v and_o if_o providence_n consist_v in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o mankind_n how_o can_v god_n govern_v mankind_n better_o than_o to_o permit_v bad_a man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o hurt_n than_o what_o he_o can_v turn_v to_o good_a god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o a_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a power_n but_o govern_v man_n by_o man_n and_o make_v they_o help_v and_o defend_v reward_n and_o punish_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinary_a way_n of_o punish_v bad_a man_n except_v the_o civil_a sword_n which_o reach_v but_o a_o few_o criminal_n but_o to_o punish_v they_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o bad_a man_n and_o what_o can_v more_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o to_o make_v bad_a man_n the_o minister_n and_o executioner_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n upon_o each_o other_o which_o be_v one_o great_a end_n god_n serve_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v the_o government_n of_o bad_a man_n that_o they_o can_v do_v so_o much_o hurt_v as_o they_o will_v and_o that_o the_o mischief_n god_n permit_v they_o to_o do_v be_v direct_v to_o fall_v on_o such_o person_n as_o either_o want_n correction_n or_o deserve_v punishment_n for_o this_o be_v another_o thing_n very_o observable_a in_o god_n government_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n of_o man_n that_o as_o in_o the_o government_n of_o natural_a cause_n god_n direct_v where_o and_o when_o and_o in_o what_o proportion_n nature_n shall_v exert_v its_o influence_n that_o it_o shall_v rain_v upon_o one_o city_n and_o not_o upon_o another_o so_o god_n do_v not_o only_o excite_v man_n to_o do_v good_a but_o direct_v and_o determine_v they_o where_o to_o do_v it_o choose_v out_o such_o person_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v good_a to_o and_o appoint_v what_o good_a they_o shall_v do_v and_o in_o what_o measure_n and_o proportion_n they_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o he_o not_o only_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n but_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a to_o permit_v their_o wickedness_n he_o direct_v where_o the_o hurt_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o shall_v light_v we_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v god_n care_n of_o his_o creature_n for_o that_o require_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o man_n do_v to_o such_o particular_a person_n as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o do_v good_a to_o or_o to_o afflict_v and_o punish_v which_o be_v the_o most_o material_a and_o most_o necessary_a exercise_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n suffer_v man_n to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n at_o random_n without_o direct_v they_o to_o fit_v and_o proper_a object_n the_o fortune_n of_o particular_a man_n will_v depend_v upon_o as_o great_a a_o chance_n as_o the_o mutable_a lust_n and_o passion_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n the_o only_a use_v i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o at_o present_a be_v to_o convince_v you_o how_o perfect_o we_o be_v in_o god_n hand_n and_o how_o secure_a we_o be_v in_o his_o
nor_o happy_a state_n after_o this_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a to_o come_v into_o this_o world_n and_o live_v as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v here_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o life_n and_o though_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o happy_a life_n after_o this_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n as_o general_o make_v even_o good_a man_n very_o well_o content_v to_o stay_v here_o as_o long_o as_o god_n please_v 2_o but_o still_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o though_o man_n may_v live_v very_o happy_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o if_o we_o only_o compare_v the_o sensible_a advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o life_n may_v make_v death_n much_o more_o desirable_a than_o life_n i_o praise_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n which_o be_v yet_o alive_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o say_n which_o must_v not_o be_v strict_o and_o philosophical_o examine_v nor_o stretch_v to_o the_o utmost_a sense_n the_o word_n will_v bear_v it_o have_v some_o truth_n and_o something_o of_o figure_n and_o rhetoric_n in_o it_o as_o many_o of_o our_o common_a and_o proverbial_a speech_n have_v which_o must_v be_v expound_v to_o a_o qualify_a sense_n we_o must_v observe_v then_o that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n be_v not_o to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o life_n but_o to_o cure_v our_o vain_a expectation_n of_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n to_o convince_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o mere_a external_a enjoyment_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o life_n but_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o moderate_v our_o love_n to_o present_a thing_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o happiness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n for_o this_o be_v the_o application_n of_o all_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n not_o only_o his_o duty_n but_o his_o happiness_n too_o for_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a 12._o eccl._n 13_o 14._o among_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o expect_v a_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n the_o wiseman_n instance_n in_o the_o many_o oppression_n and_o suffering_n which_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o and_o which_o sometime_o befall_v they_o which_o may_v be_v so_o sore_a and_o grievous_a and_o make_v life_n so_o uneasy_a and_o troublesome_a as_o may_v tempt_v man_n who_o only_o consult_v their_o own_o sensible_a satisfaction_n to_o prefer_v death_n before_o life_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v all_o that_o the_o wiseman_n mean_v that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o such_o a_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a state_n of_o thing_n that_o the_o mere_a external_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n can_v recompense_v the_o trouble_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o his_o design_n require_v he_o to_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o external_a enjoyment_n and_o if_o ever_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o a_o wiseman_n will_v choose_v rather_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o to_o leave_v all_o these_o enjoyment_n behind_o he_o than_o to_o endure_v the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n wherewith_o they_o be_v attend_v they_o be_v vain_a indeed_o but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o a_o wiseman_n ought_v to_o despise_v life_n for_o the_o trouble_n of_o it_o that_o he_o shall_v choose_v to_o run_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v ease_v of_o its_o trouble_n or_o that_o a_o wiseman_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o trouble_n can_v make_v himself_o easy_a and_o happy_a in_o it_o and_o consequent_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o a_o wiseman_n in_o such_o case_n shall_v prefer_v death_n before_o life_n though_o it_o may_v reasonable_o enough_o cure_v his_o fondness_n for_o life_n and_o make_v he_o welcome_a death_n whenever_o god_n please_v to_o send_v it_o let_v we_o then_o brief_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o 1._o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o trouble_n and_o disorder_n which_o may_v make_v a_o wiseman_n willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o the_o external_a enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o trouble_n of_o it_o and_o make_v he_o think_v those_o man_n happy_a who_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o this_o world_n or_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v into_o it_o king_n solomon_n the_o preacher_n give_v we_o two_o account_n of_o this_o the_o first_o before_o the_o second_o immediate_o after_o this_o text._n in_o the_o one_a verse_n he_o tell_v we_o so_o i_o return_v and_o consider_v all_o the_o oppression_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n and_o behold_v the_o tear_n of_o such_o as_o be_v oppress_v and_o they_o have_v no_o comforter_n and_o on_o the_o side_n of_o their_o oppressor_n there_o be_v power_n but_o they_o have_v no_o comforter_n and_o hence_o he_o conclude_v wherefore_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a that_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n who_o be_v yet_o alive_a which_o signify_v the_o public_a oppression_n either_o of_o the_o supreme_a power_n or_o of_o subordinate_a magistrate_n the_o second_o relate_v to_o private_a faction_n envy_n emulation_n which_o many_o time_n make_v life_n as_o uneasy_a as_o the_o public_a miscarriage_n of_o government_n again_o i_o consider_v all_o travel_n and_o every_o right_a work_n that_o for_o this_o a_o man_n be_v envy_v of_o his_o neighbour_n this_o be_v also_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n v_o 4._o these_o two_o contain_v most_o of_o those_o evil_n in_o they_o which_o disturb_v and_o distract_v human_a life_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o discourse_v this_o matter_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o method_n but_o shall_v beg_v leave_n to_o give_v you_o a_o short_a view_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o may_v make_v a_o man_n who_o consult_v only_o his_o own_o ease_n very_o content_v to_o slip_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o leave_v foolish_a mortal_n to_o end_v the_o scuffle_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v in_o a_o strong_a convulsion_n assault_v by_o powerful_a enemy_n abroad_o and_o divide_v by_o busy_a and_o restless_a faction_n at_o home_n when_o man_n live_v in_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o suspense_n know_v not_o what_o to_o call_v their_o own_o nor_o how_o long_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o when_o some_o man_n think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o ruin_v themselves_o their_o country_n and_o their_o religion_n other_o will_v sacrifice_v their_o country_n and_o consequent_o themselves_o too_o to_o private_a ambition_n resentment_n or_o revenge_n and_o try_v their_o fortune_n over_o again_o in_o some_o new_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o government_n when_o such_o public_a dispute_n as_o these_o influence_n all_o inferior_a society_n and_o as_o sometime_o they_o have_v do_v corrupt_v public_a justice_n dissolve_v the_o most_o intimate_v friendship_n make_v conversation_n uneasy_a or_o dangerous_a set_v every_o man_n sword_n or_o which_o be_v almost_o as_o fatal_a every_o man_n tongue_n against_o his_o brother_n when_o no_o man_n fame_n no_o man_n life_n be_v secure_a but_o a_o slander_v tongue_n may_v blast_v one_o and_o a_o perjure_a tongue_n destroy_v the_o other_o when_o zeal_n and_o faction_n make_v character_n of_o man_n dispose_n of_o life_n of_o honour_n of_o estate_n and_o religion_n itself_o serve_v for_o little_a else_o but_o to_o inspire_v man_n with_o zeal_n and_o faction_n when_o we_o can_v live_v in_o the_o world_n without_o see_v or_o hear_v or_o feel_v ten_o thousand_o villainy_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o it_o what_o shall_v make_v any_o man_n fond_a of_o life_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o come_v to_o good_a old_a simeon_n nunc_fw-la dimittis_fw-la lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n such_o a_o troublesome_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n must_v needs_o make_v all_o consider_v man_n think_v of_o a_o better_a and_o as_o glad_a to_o get_v out_o of_o this_o as_o a_o mariner_n be_v to_o recover_v the_o haven_n after_o a_o violent_a storm_n at_o sea_n thus_o i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o present_a advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o life_n for_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o care_n strife_n and_o contention_n oppression_n injustice_n defamation_n etc._n
though_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o often_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n do_v not_o prove_v life_n to_o be_v a_o contemptible_a state_n or_o worse_o than_o not_o be_v yet_o they_o do_v prove_v life_n to_o be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a state_n that_o the_o mere_a sensible_a pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o life_n together_o with_o these_o great_a allay_v be_v but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n wise_a man_n see_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o expect_v it_o for_o how_o can_v this_o world_n make_v we_o happy_a which_o though_o it_o have_v its_o pleasure_n have_v its_o trouble_n and_o care_n and_o disappointment_n too_o be_v a_o insecure_a and_o mutable_a state_n expose_v to_o chance_n and_o accident_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v always_o chequer_a with_o prosperous_a and_o adverse_a event_n have_v always_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o many_o time_n the_o evil_n be_v the_o prevail_a ingredient_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o natural_a love_n of_o life_n and_o the_o many_o sweet_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o reconcile_v very_o miserable_a people_n to_o live_v yet_o a_o wise_a man_n see_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o state_n much_o less_o to_o dream_v of_o perfect_a and_o last_a happiness_n in_o it_o 2_o the_o many_o trouble_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n to_o be_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a brag_n of_o the_o stoic_n that_o virtue_n alone_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a that_o their_o wiseman_n can_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o phalaris_n bull_n for_o virtue_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o clothes_n can_v cure_v bodily_a pain_n and_o sickness_n nor_o satisfy_v the_o appetite_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n and_o while_o a_o wise_a man_n live_v in_o a_o mortal_a body_n he_o must_v feel_v the_o want_n and_o pain_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o pain_n be_v not_o happiness_n but_o yet_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o when_o we_o must_v encounter_v with_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o life_n nothing_o can_v give_v we_o any_o degree_n of_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o such_o trouble_n as_o will_v sour_a all_o our_o other_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o bear_v up_o our_o spirit_n which_o sink_v under_o their_o own_o weight_n under_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n be_v torment_v with_o fear_n with_o disappointment_n with_o envy_n with_o rage_n and_o when_o they_o can_v bear_v themselves_o can_v bear_v nothing_o else_o nor_o relish_v their_o wont_a pleasure_n but_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v that_o virtue_n have_v its_o proper_a pleasure_n in_o the_o great_a difficulty_n inspire_v we_o with_o prudent_a counsel_n to_o disentangle_v ourselves_o animate_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o bravery_n to_o resist_v the_o evil_a or_o to_o bear_v it_o sweeten_v our_o labour_n with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o great_a and_o generous_a action_n for_o the_o public_a good_a keep_v our_o own_o passion_n under_o government_n and_o triumph_n over_o a_o adverse_a fortune_n by_o raise_v the_o mind_n above_o it_o by_o such_o help_n as_o these_o a_o good_a man_n may_v enjoy_v some_o competent_a measure_n of_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o worst_a condition_n but_o when_o such_o trouble_v surprise_v a_o mind_n unarm_v and_o unfortified_a with_o virtue_n unable_a to_o resist_v and_o unable_a to_o bear_v we_o may_v then_o with_o great_a truth_n and_o reason_n apply_v this_o text_n to_o he_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a who_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n who_o be_v yet_o alive_a be_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n always_o easy_a and_o prosperous_a there_o will_v be_v little_a need_n of_o passive_a virtue_n though_o virtue_n in_o general_n be_v always_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a but_o all_o man_n must_v be_v sensible_a how_o necessary_a passive_a and_o suffer_a virtue_n be_v for_o a_o inconstant_a troublesome_a and_o suffer_a state_n which_o be_v always_o in_o some_o degree_n the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o will_v convince_v those_o who_o will_v consider_v it_o how_o necessary_a the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a 3_o though_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o life_n be_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v hasten_v his_o escape_n out_o of_o this_o world_n before_o his_o time_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o make_v he_o content_v to_o leave_v this_o world_n whenever_o god_n call_v he_o out_o of_o it_o for_o though_o virtue_n will_v sweeten_v labour_n and_o difficulty_n yet_o no_o man_n will_v choose_v always_o to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o war._n ease_n and_o rest_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o refresh_a after_o labour_n though_o a_o prince_n be_v glorious_a in_o the_o field_n cover_v with_o dust_n and_o sweat_n and_o sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o enemy_n yet_o the_o triumph_n of_o a_o secure_a and_o quiet_a throne_n be_v great_a and_o more_o desirable_a and_o this_o make_v the_o grave_a too_o in_o some_o degree_n acceptable_a after_o the_o toil_n and_o labour_n of_o virtue_n that_o there_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n especial_o since_o this_o rest_n be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n for_o all_o the_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o ease_n and_o rest_n of_o know_v and_o feeling_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o nothing_o which_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o a_o stone_n and_o of_o thing_n without_o life_n not_o the_o rest_n of_o a_o man._n but_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n follow_v they_o they_o rest_v in_o a_o peaceful_a and_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o endless_a happiness_n they_o rest_v from_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o virtue_n and_o enjoy_v its_o reward_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v what_o exact_o become_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n such_o a_o mix_a state_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o may_v wean_v we_o from_o the_o tempt_a vanity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a happiness_n to_o be_v find_v here_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o raise_v our_o heart_n above_o this_o world_n and_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o which_o be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o perfect_a ease_n and_o rest_n and_o since_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o future_a happiness_n nothing_o can_v be_v better_o for_o we_o than_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o shall_v make_v virtue_n necessary_a to_o our_o present_a happiness_n and_o since_o we_o must_v leave_v this_o world_n and_o death_n be_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n whatever_o reconcile_v we_o to_o death_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a may_v be_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o security_n of_o human_a life_n second_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o those_o many_o evil_n and_o calamity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o human_a life_n be_v owe_v to_o man_n own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o make_v those_o evil_n a_o objection_n against_o providence_n which_o man_n wilful_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o thus_o the_o wiseman_n long_o since_o state_v this_o question_n the_o foolishness_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o the_o lord_n 19_o prov._n 3_o man_n make_v themselves_o miserable_a and_o then_o reproach_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o their_o misery_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o that_o mankind_n undo_v themselves_o and_o that_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a subject_n for_o a_o satyr_n against_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n but_o need_v no_o proof_n if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o many_o misery_n of_o human_a life_n and_o resolve_v they_o into_o their_o immediate_a and_o natural_a cause_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o most_o man_n take_v great_a care_n to_o leave_v very_o little_a for_o god_n to_o do_v in_o the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v but_o two_o visible_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o
because_o moses_n have_v record_v it_o in_o his_o write_n who_o we_o know_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o we_o know_v also_o that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o satisfactory_a account_n give_v yet_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n how_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v be_v drown_v at_o lest_o none_o that_o will_v agree_v with_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n either_o of_o the_o creation_n or_o of_o the_o deluge_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v no_o account_n than_o such_o a_o account_n as_o confute_v moses_n can_v any_o such_o be_v give_v for_o this_o confute_v or_o at_o least_o discredit_v the_o story_n itself_o for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o authentic_a authority_n when_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n be_v lose_v but_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o service_n to_o religion_n to_o seek_v after_o natural_a cause_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o resolve_v the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n into_o natural_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v great_a good_a nature_n in_o man_n to_o own_o a_o god_n if_o they_o can_v make_v and_o destroy_v a_o world_n without_o he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o natural_a cause_n till_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o every_o thing_n endow_v with_o its_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o unite_v into_o a_o regular_a frame_n with_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o connexion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o make_v the_o world_n by_o natural_a cause_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o natural_a cause_n till_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o nature_n must_v move_v unnatural_o and_o be_v put_v into_o a_o universal_a disorder_n before_o the_o world_n can_v be_v destroy_v for_o while_o natural_a cause_n keep_v their_o natural_a course_n they_o will_v preserve_v not_o destroy_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o natural_a cause_n but_o to_o preternatural_a disorder_n and_o what_o philosophy_n can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o what_o can_v put_v nature_n into_o such_o a_o universal_a disorder_n but_o the_o same_o divine_a power_n which_o put_v it_o into_o order_n and_o give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o god_n intend_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n to_o give_v a_o visible_a and_o last_a proof_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n to_o the_o new_a by_o such_o a_o miraculous_a deluge_n as_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n that_o universal_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v lose_v among_o they_o or_o if_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o that_o shall_v be_v when_o the_o world_n by_o computation_n be_v not_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n old_a and_o lamech_v noah_n father_n live_v fifty_o year_n with_o adam_n himself_o that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o the_o tradition_n of_o god_n create_v the_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v lose_v in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n yet_o at_o least_o they_o can_v have_v no_o sense_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o providence_n they_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n take_v any_o notice_n of_o their_o action_n or_o will_v execute_v such_o a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o one_o act_n of_o judgement_n which_o god_n exercise_v before_o the_o flood_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o his_o spare_a cain_n when_o he_o have_v kill_v his_o brother_n abel_n may_v encourage_v they_o with_o hope_n of_o impunity_n whatever_o wickedness_n they_o commit_v and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v it_o necessary_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o old_a and_o to_o begin_v the_o new_a world_n with_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o not_o only_o make_v the_o world_n but_o have_v once_o destroy_v it_o and_o therefore_o can_v destroy_v it_o again_o with_o all_o its_o wicked_a inhabitant_n whenever_o he_o please_v now_o to_o make_v this_o a_o last_a proof_n of_o god_n power_n and_o justice_n it_o must_v be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v god_n do_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v destroy_v the_o world_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n as_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n for_o it_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n to_o attribute_v nothing_o to_o god_n which_o they_o can_v ascribe_v to_o any_o visible_a cause_n have_v all_o mankind_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n be_v destroy_v by_o plague_n or_o famine_n or_o wild_a beast_n though_o such_o a_o general_a destruction_n will_v have_v convince_v wise_a and_o reasonable_a man_n that_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n be_v in_o it_o yet_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o wonderful_a improvement_n in_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n which_o our_o modern_a atheist_n have_v make_v they_o will_v think_v scorn_n to_o attribute_v plague_n or_o famine_n or_o such_o like_a evil_a accident_n to_o god_n though_o all_o mankind_n be_v destroy_v by_o they_o but_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o a_o world_n drown_v and_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v water_n to_o drown_v it_o without_o a_o miraculous_a dissolution_n of_o nature_n they_o must_v either_o laugh_v at_o the_o story_n which_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n can_v well_o do_v or_o they_o must_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n but_o whatever_o shift_n the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n may_v make_v to_o disbelieve_v the_o universal_a deluge_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a wise_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o convince_v that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n while_o the_o uncorrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o deluge_n be_v preserve_v 2_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v see_v in_o destroy_v that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n without_o destroy_v the_o earth_n god_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v again_o inhabit_v by_o a_o new_a generation_n and_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n be_v best_o fit_v to_o this_o purpose_n which_o do_v no_o hurt_n to_o the_o earth_n when_o it_o be_v dry_v up_o again_o but_o rather_o moisten_v and_o impregnate_v it_o with_o new_a seed_n and_o principle_n of_o life_n there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n we_o know_v of_o to_o destroy_v this_o earth_n either_o by_o water_n or_o fire_n it_o have_v already_o be_v destroy_v by_o water_n and_o will_v be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o this_o be_v not_o accident_n but_o a_o wise_a design_n to_o consider_v that_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o purge_v and_o reform_v the_o world_n but_o fire_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o it_o whereas_o have_v this_o order_n be_v invert_v as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v have_v it_o be_v mere_a chance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o earth_n can_v neither_o have_v be_v preserve_v from_o fire_n nor_o utter_o destroy_v by_o water_n without_o a_o perpetual_a deluge_n a_o deluge_n of_o water_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o earth_n nor_o make_v it_o uninhabitable_a after_o the_o deluge_n cease_v but_o fire_n destroy_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o melt_v all_o into_o one_o confuse_a mass_n there_o be_v some_o defence_n against_o a_o deluge_n noah_n and_o his_o son_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n to_o people_n the_o new_a world_n but_o there_o be_v no_o defence_n against_o flame_n the_o whole_a earth_n and_o all_o the_o wicked_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o must_v burn_v together_o and_o this_o be_v one_o wise_a reason_n why_o god_n choose_v to_o drown_v the_o world_n not_o to_o burn_v it_o because_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v 3_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o ark_n from_o perish_v by_o water_n for_o first_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o race_n of_o mankind_n to_o new-people_n the_o world_n which_o much_o more_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o to_o have_v create_v man_n anew_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n it_o become_v god_n to_o try_v new_a method_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n for_o this_o open_v new_a and_o surprise_v scene_n of_o providence_n and_o display_v such_o a_o multifarious_a wisdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n as_o be_v much_o more_o wonderful_a
supreme_a god_n and_o of_o a_o sovereign_a providence_n than_o to_o see_v a_o whole_a nation_n worship_v this_o one_o supreme_a god_n which_o at_o least_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o such_o a_o be_v but_o be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o examine_v their_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o several_a go_n especial_o when_o they_o see_v this_o nation_n plant_v in_o a_o particular_a country_n allot_v they_o by_o their_o god_n and_o the_o old_a wicked_a inhabitant_n destroy_v and_o drive_v out_o from_o before_o they_o by_o such_o a_o series_n of_o miracle_n as_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n as_o all_o the_o god_n of_o these_o country_n be_v not_o able_a to_o oppose_v and_o that_o this_o nation_n receive_v their_o law_n both_o for_o worship_n and_o polity_n and_o conversation_n immediate_o from_o god_n be_v govern_v by_o man_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o direct_v in_o all_o great_a 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only_o nay_o not_o one_o family_n 2._o for_o terah_n abraham_n father_n be_v a_o idolater_n and_o probable_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o family_n except_v abraham_n for_o though_o he_o be_v not_o express_o except_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o neither_o be_v he_o necessary_o include_v and_o god_n command_v he_o to_o leave_v his_o country_n gen._n and_o his_o kindred_n and_o his_o father_n house_n and_o his_o ready_a compliance_n with_o this_o command_n be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o family_n who_o have_v preserve_v himself_o from_o all_o idolatrous_a worship_n however_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o easy_o curable_a if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o idolater_n that_o god_n think_v he_o the_o fit_a person_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o and_o to_o begin_v a_o new_a reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n god_n destroy_v all_o that_o 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the_o case_n be_v this_o when_o that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n have_v universal_o corrupt_v themselves_o with_o idolatry_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mean_v god_n have_v use_v to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o last_a sense_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o wilful_a blindness_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n who_o they_o have_v make_v their_o god_n till_o he_o can_v recover_v they_o from_o this_o apostasy_n by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o do_v this_o be_v to_o establish_v his_o worship_n in_o some_o one_o nation_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o visible_a proof_n both_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o nation_n then_o in_o the_o world_n he_o make_v a_o nation_n on_o purpose_n and_o allot_v they_o a_o country_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o signalise_v they_o by_o extraordinary_a providence_n as_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o new_a beginning_n of_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o idolatrous_a world_n as_o noah_n flood_n put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o wicked_a generation_n but_o yet_o do_v propagate_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n in_o it_o who_o shall_v in_o time_n put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o universal_a idolatry_n and_o make_v a_o new_a world_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o new_a advance_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n make_v towards_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n when_o adam_n have_v sin_v he_o and_o his_o whole_a posterity_n become_v mortal_a and_o be_v condemn_v to_o a_o laborious_a life_n that_o in_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n they_o shall_v eat_v their_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o ease_n and_o sloth_n and_o luxury_n when_o notwithstanding_o this_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n god_n destroy_v that_o wicked_a generation_n with_o a_o universal_a deluge_n and_o thereby_o give_v a_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n to_o the_o new_a world_n when_o this_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n grow_v corrupt_a god_n confound_v their_o language_n and_o disperse_v they_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o form_v they_o into_o distinct_a body_n and_o society_n which_o prevent_v a_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n teach_v they_o civil_a justice_n and_o many_o moral_a virtue_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n and_o defence_n of_o human_a society_n but_o when_o they_o all_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n which_o will_v endanger_v a_o new_a and_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n by_o those_o impure_a ceremony_n with_o which_o wicked_a spirit_n will_v choose_v to_o be_v worship_v some_o new_a and_o more_o effectual_a mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v to_o cure_v this_o evil_n the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n have_v so_o abundant_o convince_v they_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o creature_n as_o a_o atheist_n know_v among_o they_o till_o their_o ridiculous_a idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o mean_a creature_n and_o vile_a man_n with_o ludicrous_a or_o abominable_a rite_n tempt_v some_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o thought_n rather_o to_o own_v no_o god_n than_o such_o god_n as_o the_o heathen_n worship_v but_o though_o these_o extraordinary_a event_n be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n yet_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o think_v so_o express_v and_o direct_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n at_o least_o not_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o the_o worship_n of_o inferior_a deity_n