prerogative_n act_n and_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o we_o must_v seek_v no_o far_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o thing_n than_o the_o sovereign_n will_v of_o god_n as_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n while_o he_o keep_v within_o the_o legal_a exercise_n of_o his_o prerogative_n needs_o give_v no_o other_o account_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o will_v not_o be_v so_o civil_a to_o god_n as_o they_o be_v to_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n to_o take_v his_o sole_a will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n for_o a_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o quarrel_n about_o these_o prerogative_n act_n and_o ask_v a_o great_a many_o foolish_a question_n and_o make_v a_o great_a many_o impertinent_a objection_n even_o against_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o free_a and_o sovereign_a goodness_n now_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n the_o right_n of_o a_o sovereign_n to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o he_o beyond_o his_o own_o will_n for_o the_o act_n of_o pure_a sovereignty_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v grant_v these_o man_n that_o though_o in_o all_o such_o case_n we_o must_v ask_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o the_o mere_a will_n of_o god_n yet_o god_n never_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o some_o man_n do_v but_o have_v always_o wise_a and_o hide_a reason_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o though_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n a_o just_a satisfaction_n to_o other_o objection_n yet_o methinks_v where_o they_o ought_v to_o demand_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v abundant_o satisfy_v they_o to_o know_v that_o though_o this_o will_n of_o god_n be_v sovereign_a and_o unaccountable_a it_o be_v always_o guide_v by_o infinite_a and_o infallible_a wisdom_n that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o prerogative_n act_v of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n goodness_n indeed_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o sovereign_a act_n of_o goodness_n which_o no_o creature_n can_v challenge_v from_o god_n which_o god_n may_v not_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o have_v be_v very_o good_a and_o why_o god_n exercise_v such_o free_a and_o prerogative_n act_v of_o goodness_n must_v be_v resolve_v whole_o into_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will._n this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o that_o mysterious_a goodness_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v therefore_o every_o where_o in_o scripture_n call_v grace_n and_o free_a grace_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n tell_v we_o 38._o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o do_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o our_o redemption_n 11._o be_v call_v the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o thus_o be_v every_o part_n of_o our_o redemption_n 18._o as_o our_o new-birth_n of_o his_o own_o will_v he_o have_v beget_v we_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n 4._o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n 13._o all_o which_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o these_o be_v such_o prerogative_n act_v of_o goodness_n as_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n of_o but_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n now_o in_o such_o sovereign_a act_n of_o goodness_n as_o these_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o the_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o administration_n be_v all_o perfect_o free_a and_o voluntary_a where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v up_o himself_o by_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o god_n have_v very_o wise_a reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v but_o must_v not_o critical_o examine_v whether_o every_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o we_o can_v think_v on_o which_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o a_o great_a many_o foolish_a inquiry_n with_o which_o man_n perplex_v themselves_o and_o disparage_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o why_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n whether_o there_o be_v no_o other_o possible_a way_n to_o save_v sinner_n or_o whether_o this_o be_v absolute_o the_o best_a why_o god_n send_v christ_n so_o late_o into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o last_o day_n when_o it_o grow_v near_o its_o end_n and_o so_o many_o generation_n of_o man_n have_v perish_v in_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n before_o his_o appearance_n why_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n have_v never_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a question_n as_o these_o to_o all_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reply_v that_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v inquire_v no_o far_o than_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v god_n never_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n nor_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v for_o he_o do_v not_o owe_v such_o a_o saviour_n to_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o his_o gospel_n be_v not_o universal_o receive_v by_o mankind_n sovereign_n grace_n be_v free_a and_o unaccountable_a and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o such_o stupendous_a goodness_n be_v administer_v by_o as_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n unerring_a wisdom_n especial_o in_o such_o case_n where_o we_o have_v no_o right_a to_o inquire_v beyond_o his_o will._n when_o we_o receive_v all_o from_o god_n without_o his_o owe_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o good_a answer_n st._n paul_n give_v who_o have_v first_o give_v unto_o he_o 36._o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n thus_o the_o divine_a justice_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v punish_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n but_o then_o he_o execute_v justice_n with_o a_o free_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o manner_n of_o punish_v sinner_n as_o the_o inferior_a minister_n of_o justice_n be_v but_o when_o man_n have_v make_v themselves_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n than_o god_n may_v punish_v soon_o or_o late_a public_o or_o private_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v without_o give_v any_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o his_o own_o will._n god_n have_v more_o reason_n of_o punish_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n than_o mere_o to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o punish_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o may_v most_o advance_v his_o own_o name_n and_o glory_n and_o do_v most_o good_a in_o the_o world_n thus_o god_n tell_v pharaoh_n for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o raise_v thou_o up_o that_o be_v either_o advance_v thou_o to_o the_o throne_n or_o preserve_v thy_o life_n thus_o long_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o plague_n i_o have_v bring_v upon_o thy_o land_n for_o to_o show_v in_o thou_o my_o power_n and_o that_o my_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n 16._o that_o be_v to_o take_v such_o a_o remarkable_a vengeance_n on_o thou_o as_o may_v make_v all_o the_o earth_n confess_v my_o glory_n will_v man_n but_o allow_n god_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o sovereign_n who_o can_v spare_v and_o reprieve_v nay_o pardon_v in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o imputation_n of_o injustice_n it_o will_v answer_v all_o the_o cavil_v objection_n against_o providence_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o punishment_n of_o bad_a man_n god_n may_v then_o be_v allow_v to_o execute_v speedy_a vengeance_n upon_o some_o sinner_n and_o to_o delay_v the_o punishment_n of_o other_o and_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v prosperous_a for_o a_o great_a while_n without_o give_v any_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n god_n have_v always_o wise_a reason_n for_o these_o thing_n though_o we_o do_v not_o always_o know_v they_o but_o if_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v all_o this_o without_o any_o other_o
what_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o man_n be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n who_o live_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o this_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o believe_v so_o well_o of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v very_o persuade_v can_v we_o see_v what_o their_o state_n be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o account_n and_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n then_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n only_o because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o ignorant_a heathen_n in_o the_o next_o world_n if_o we_o know_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o these_o man_n and_o know_v that_o he_o deal_v hardly_o by_o they_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v this_o will_v be_v a_o difficulty_n but_o what_o difficulty_n be_v there_o in_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n for_o if_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v and_o judge_v nothing_o of_o it_o neither_o man_n must_v be_v very_o much_o incline_v to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n who_o will_v raise_v objection_n from_o what_o they_o confess_v they_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o yet_o i_o can_v guess_v how_o they_o shall_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o state_n of_o ignorant_a heathen_n in_o the_o next_o world_n since_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n for_o we_o can_v look_v into_o the_o other_o world_n the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o some_o man_n without_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n confident_o affirm_v that_o ignorant_a heathen_n shall_v suffer_v the_o same_o condemnation_n which_o christ_n have_v threaten_v against_o wilful_a infidel_n and_o wicked_a christian_n and_o than_o it_o may_v well_o be_v think_v a_o great_a difficulty_n that_o god_n shall_v as_o severe_o punish_v man_n for_o not_o know_v christ_n when_o he_o be_v never_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o possible_a way_n of_o know_v he_o as_o he_o will_v punish_v those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n preach_v to_o they_o but_o refuse_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o or_o have_v profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o live_v very_o wicked_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n but_o it_o be_v a_o difficulty_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o much_o more_o safe_a for_o ourselves_o and_o much_o more_o honourable_a for_o god_n to_o confess_v our_o ignorance_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o we_o have_v no_o possible_a way_n to_o know_v and_o to_o refer_v all_o such_o unknown_a case_n to_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n than_o to_o pretend_v to_o know_v what_o we_o can_v know_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o raise_v such_o objection_n as_o we_o can_v answer_v whatever_o difficulty_n immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v be_v content_v shall_v remain_v difficulty_n till_o we_o go_v thither_o for_o we_o know_v so_o little_a in_o particular_a about_o the_o other_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a either_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o or_o other_o in_o such_o matter_n but_o these_o be_v not_o proper_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n for_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n as_o of_o the_o next_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o large_a show_v not_o only_o that_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n make_v he_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o our_o narrow_a understanding_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o all_o the_o wise_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o receive_v it_o this_o indeed_o be_v so_o plain_a at_o the_o first_o hear_n to_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n that_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v insist_v so_o long_o on_o it_o do_v not_o all_o man_n know_v who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o dispute_n that_o most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n be_v owe_v whole_o to_o this_o cause_n that_o man_n will_v not_o allow_v god_n to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o the_o best_a way_n i_o can_v take_v to_o teach_v these_o man_n more_o modesty_n in_o censure_v providence_n be_v to_o show_v they_o particular_o that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n wise_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n which_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o then_o it_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v in_o many_o case_n give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o particular_a reason_n of_o providence_n five_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v in_o what_o case_n this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n give_v no_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o this_o enquiry_n that_o no_o man_n may_v presume_v to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o unaccountable_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o those_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o some_o modern_a controversy_n in_o religion_n i_o need_v instance_n at_o present_a only_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a and_o absolute_a election_n and_o reprobation_n on_o which_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a unaccountable_a doctrine_n depend_v that_o god_n create_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o eternal_o miserable_a or_o at_o least_o as_o other_o state_z it_o that_o he_o order_v and_o decree_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n effectual_o permit_v the_o sin_n and_o fall_n of_o adam_n that_o he_o may_v glorify_v his_o mercy_n in_o choose_v some_o few_o out_o of_o the_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v vessel_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o glorify_v his_o justice_n in_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o all_o other_o even_o of_o reprobated_a infant_n as_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o adam_n sin_n now_o thus_o far_o i_o confess_v they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o these_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a doctrine_n for_o to_o make_v creature_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o just_a and_o good_n but_o though_o we_o ready_o confess_v that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a yet_o man_n must_v not_o think_v upon_o this_o pretence_n to_o attribute_v what_o they_o please_v to_o god_n how_o absurd_a unreasonable_a unjust_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o then_o shelter_v themselves_o against_o all_o objection_n by_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o unaccountable_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o god_n have_v no_o such_o unaccountable_a will_n as_o this_o be_v to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o manifest_o contradict_v all_o the_o notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n abhor_v all_o such_o imputation_n as_o these_o as_o infinite_o injurious_a to_o he_o and_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o justify_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o whole_a 18_o chapter_n of_o ezekiel_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o this_o where_o god_n complain_v of_o that_o proverb_n as_o reflect_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o providence_n 2._o the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n that_o be_v that_o the_o child_n be_v punish_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o father_n how_o unreasonable_a a_o imputation_n this_o be_v god_n prove_v from_o that_o equal_a right_n which_o he_o have_v in_o parent_n and_o child_n 4._o which_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o such_o partiality_n behold_v all_o soul_n be_v i_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o father_n so_o also_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o son_n be_v i_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v and_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o a_o good_a man_n who_o do_v what_o be_v just_a and_o right_a shall_v sure_o live_v that_o if_o
reason_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o what_o god_n do_v when_o we_o know_v that_o he_o execute_v judgement_n and_o restrain_v and_o punish_v wickedness_n and_o govern_v bad_a man_n with_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n 3_o that_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o difficulty_n which_o concern_v such_o matter_n as_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o great_a many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o i_o need_v not_o repeat_v and_o indeed_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a ignorant_a man_n who_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o he_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v discover_v and_o which_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o say_v that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v above_o our_o knowledge_n and_o to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o we_o can_v know_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o only_a remedy_n that_o be_v leave_v we_o and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o rid_v our_o mind_n of_o such_o perplex_v difficulty_n as_o be_v owe_v to_o our_o own_o unavoidable_a ignorance_n of_o thing_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n not_o only_o as_o our_o absolute_a lord_n but_o as_o the_o infinite_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v and_o must_v be_v unaccountable_a and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a answer_n to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o all_o be_v not_o to_o strive_v with_o god_n not_o to_o quarrel_v at_o his_o providence_n but_o to_o reverence_v his_o unsearchable_a judgement_n to_o bear_v whatever_o he_o lay_v on_o we_o with_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o to_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o firm_a trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o in_o the_o most_o cross_a and_o threaten_a event_n it_o be_v think_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o wit_n to_o be_v able_a to_o start_v some_o new_a objection_n against_o providence_n and_o to_o find_v a_o great_a many_o fault_n in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o the_o great_a irreverence_n to_o god_n do_v such_o man_n believe_v a_o god_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o most_o despicable_a ignorance_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o not_o to_o know_v they_o be_v ignorant_a for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o judge_n and_o censure_v infinite_a wisdom_n chap._n v._n the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n he_o must_v govern_v it_o righteous_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o formidable_a objection_n against_o providence_n that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v with_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o can_v this_o be_v evident_o and_o convince_o prove_v i_o will_v allow_v the_o conclusion_n that_o then_o god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v what_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n government_n be_v to_o charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o any_o one_o plain_a and_o notorious_a act_n of_o injustice_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o these_o objection_n be_v a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n government_n and_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o when_o this_o be_v true_o state_v all_o such_o objection_n will_v need_v no_o answer_n justice_n be_v common_o divide_v into_o commutative_a and_o distributive_a justice_n the_o first_o respect_v mens_fw-la right_n and_o property_n the_o second_o their_o desert_n the_o first_o consist_v in_o give_v every_o man_n what_o be_v his_o own_o by_o some_o natural_a or_o acquire_v right_n the_o second_o consist_v in_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n as_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o their_o action_n deserve_v and_o upon_o both_o these_o account_v some_o man_n impeach_v the_o divine_a providence_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o injustice_n do_v in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o great_a many_o man_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n and_o property_n by_o fraud_n injustice_n or_o open_a violence_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o and_o righteous_o govern_v which_o they_o think_v in_o the_o last_o issue_n must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n if_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o that_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o just_o and_o equal_o distribute_v that_o some_o bad_a man_n be_v great_o reward_v and_o some_o good_a man_n great_o punish_v which_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o distributive_a justice_n of_o providenc_n now_o the_o plain_a and_o short_a way_n of_o answer_v these_o and_o all_o such_o like_a objection_n be_v to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v and_o what_o justice_n require_v of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o low_a world_n for_o if_o god_n may_v govern_v the_o world_n very_o righteous_o without_o do_v what_o some_o man_n think_v justice_n require_v he_o to_o do_v and_o without_o hinder_v what_o they_o think_v justice_n require_v he_o to_o hinder_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n whatever_o other_o objection_n they_o may_v make_v against_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v state_n this_o as_o plain_o and_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v 1._o first_o then_o i_o suppose_v i_o may_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o hinder_v all_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o violence_n there_o may_v be_v great_a violence_n and_o injustice_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o god_n may_v govern_v the_o world_n with_o great_a righteousness_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o say_v that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a and_o yet_o god_n be_v very_o just._n as_o for_o god_n permit_v so_o much_o evil_a to_o be_v commit_v that_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n than_o against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o shall_v be_v particular_o consider_v under_o that_o head_n but_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o hinder_v man_n from_o sin_v but_o in_o punish_v they_o when_o they_o do_v be_v it_o unjust_a in_o god_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o do_v any_o injustice_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a kind_n of_o justice_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o it_o for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o justice_n of_o punish_v sin_n will_v be_v found_v in_o the_o injustice_n of_o permit_v it_o and_o god_n must_v be_v first_o unjust_a in_o permit_v injustice_n before_o he_o can_v be_v just_o in_o punish_v it_o which_o show_v how_o absurd_a it_o will_v be_v to_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o injustice_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o unjust_a man_n who_o do_v many_o unjust_a thing_n 2._o for_o god_n may_v do_v that_o very_o just_o which_o man_n can_v do_v without_o great_a injustice_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v be_v very_o unjust_a and_o god_n very_o just_a as_o for_o instance_n god_n may_v very_o just_o take_v away_o any_o man_n estate_n when_o no_o man_n can_v do_v it_o without_o injustce_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o respect_n to_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o life_n itself_o for_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o proprietor_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v all_o his_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v be_v he_o we_o may_v have_v a_o right_n to_o our_o life_n and_o liberty_n estate_n honour_n and_o power_n against_o all_o human_a claim_n but_o we_o have_v no_o right_n against_o god_n he_o may_v give_v riches_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n to_o who_o he_o please_v and_o take_v they_o away_o again_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a without_o be_v chargeable_a with_o any_o injustice_n for_o what_o he_o give_v and_o what_o he_o take_v away_o be_v his_o own_o and_o may_v not_o he_o do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o there_o can_v be_v no_o commutative_a justice_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n where_o there_o be_v no_o right_o but_o on_o one_o side_n for_o he_o who_o have_v no_o right_a can_v suffer_v no_o wrong_n and_o he_o in_o who_o the_o whole_a right_n be_v can_v do_v no_o wrong_n in_o give_v or_o take_v away_o what_o be_v his_o own_o and_o therefore_o legal_a right_n and_o property_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o commutative_a justice_n can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o
imperfect_a can_v with_o such_o great_a probability_n almost_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o certainty_n foresee_v many_o event_n which_o depend_v also_o upon_o free_a and_o contingent_a cause_n and_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v that_o god_n prescience_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o neither_o make_v nor_o prove_v any_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o event_n if_o we_o say_v indeed_o as_o some_o man_n do_v that_o god_n foreknow_v all_o thing_n because_o he_o have_v absolute_o decree_v whatever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v this_o i_o grant_v do_v infer_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o god_n foreknowledge_n but_o his_o decree_n which_o create_v the_o necessity_n all_o thing_n upon_o this_o supposition_n be_v necessary_a not_o because_o god_n foreknow_v they_o but_o because_o by_o his_o unalterable_a decree_n he_o have_v make_v they_o necessary_a he_o foreknow_v because_o they_o be_v necessary_a 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no_o such_o perfection_n as_o prescience_n belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o to_o foreknow_v thing_n in_o a_o decree_n or_o only_o in_o necessary_a cause_n be_v no_o more_o that_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o call_v prescience_n than_o it_o be_v prescience_n in_o we_o to_o know_v what_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v to_o morrow_n or_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v to_o morrow_n but_o that_o god_n foreknowledge_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o event_n and_o therefore_o can_v prove_v any_o such_o necessity_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n this_o foreknowledge_n to_o god_n do_v also_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n charge_v man_n sin_n and_o final_a ruin_n on_o themselves_o set_v before_o they_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o now_o how_o difficult_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o reconcile_v prescience_n and_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o necessity_n and_o liberty_n can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v and_o therefore_o if_o man_n act_n free_o they_o do_v not_o act_v necessary_o and_o if_o god_n do_v foreknow_v what_o man_n will_v do_v and_o yet_o man_n act_v free_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n foreknow_v what_o man_n will_v free_o do_v that_o be_v that_o foreknowledge_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o necessity_n but_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v all_o christian_n who_o can_v reason_v nice_o about_o these_o matter_n that_o this_o argument_n from_o prescience_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o human_a action_n and_o consequent_o to_o charge_v man_n sin_n upon_o god_n must_v be_v fallacious_a and_o deceitful_a because_o the_o scripture_n teach_v the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o man_n sin_n upon_o themselves_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n we_o must_v believe_v both_o these_o and_o then_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o prescience_n do_v not_o destroy_v liberty_n two_o another_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n be_v this_o that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o foreknow_v but_o decree_v such_o event_n as_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o at_o least_o in_o such_o case_n he_o must_v decree_v man_n sin_n too_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a example_n of_o this_o in_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n never_o be_v there_o a_o more_o wicked_a action_n commit_v and_o yet_o st._n peter_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o decree_n he_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n you_o have_v take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v 2._o act_n 23._o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o word_n careful_o this_o very_a text_n will_v answer_v the_o objection_n for_o what_o do_v st._n peter_n say_v be_v do_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n do_v they_o take_v he_o and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v he_o by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o say_v but_o he_o be_v deliver_v that_o be_v put_v into_o their_o power_n by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o then_o they_o take_v he_o and_o with_o wicked_a hand_n slay_v he_o and_o then_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o here_o be_v two_o distinct_a act_n of_o god_n relate_v to_o this_o event_n the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o will_n or_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v foreordain_v and_o praedetermine_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v that_o christ_n shall_v die_v a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o such_o stupendous_a wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n and_o justice_n that_o nothing_o can_v more_o become_v god_n than_o such_o counsel_n and_o 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wicked_a instrument_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o unbecoming_a the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o all_o other_o event_n which_o be_v decree_v by_o god_n he_o never_o decree_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o though_o he_o many_o time_n accomplish_v his_o wise_a decree_n by_o the_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o never_o decree_v their_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o foresight_n and_o wonderful_a wisdom_n so_o dispose_v and_o order_n thing_n as_o to_o make_v their_o sin_n which_o they_o free_o and_o resolve_o commit_v and_o which_o nothing_o but_o a_o irresistible_a power_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o commit_v serve_v the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n this_o be_v wisdom_n too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o but_o thus_o we_o know_v it_o may_v be_v and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v 3_o another_o pretence_n for_o charge_v god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v from_o some_o obscure_a expression_n of_o scripture_n which_o when_o expound_v to_o a_o strict_a literal_a sense_n as_o some_o man_n expound_v they_o seem_v to_o attribute_v to_o god_n some_o kind_n of_o causality_n and_o efficiency_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v the_o scripture_n contradict_v itself_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o few_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n be_v misunderstand_v because_o not_o only_o some_o few_o particular_a text_n but_o all_o the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n and_o three_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n either_o direct_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n prove_v the_o contrary_n and_o suppose_v then_o that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o tolerable_a account_n of_o such_o text_n be_v it_o not_o more_o reasonable_a
to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v only_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o eastern_a language_n and_o phrase_n which_o make_v they_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o we_o than_o to_o expound_v they_o to_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o contradict_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v this_o for_o a_o answer_n or_o as_o some_o will_v call_v it_o a_o evasion_n but_o shall_v consider_v these_o text_n particular_o and_o the_o first_o place_n relate_v to_o god_n harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o let_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n go_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o moses_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n 4._o exod._n 21._o where_o god_n express_o tell_v moses_n that_o he_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o in_o the_o story_n itself_o it_o be_v several_a time_n express_v that_o god_n do_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o he_o who_o harden_v the_o heart_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o such_o a_o hard_a heart_n commit_v now_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o which_o have_v give_v so_o much_o trouble_v to_o divine_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n and_o signify_v such_o a_o firmness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o temper_n or_o resolution_n as_o will_v yield_v to_o no_o motive_n or_o persuasion_n that_o will_v no_o more_o receive_v any_o impression_n than_o a_o hard_a and_o impenetrable_a rock_n and_o therefore_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o give_v it_o such_o a_o stiffness_n and_o obstinacy_n as_o will_v not_o yield_v but_o then_o there_o be_v several_a way_n of_o harden_v man_n heart_n and_o some_o of_o they_o very_o innocent_a and_o holy_a as_o well_o as_o just_o and_o before_o we_o charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v know_v in_o what_o way_n god_n harden_v immediate_o to_o infuse_v into_o man_n heart_n a_o unrelenting_a hardness_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o will_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n but_o though_o god_n say_v he_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o will_v infuse_v hardness_n into_o pharaoh_n heart_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o man_n who_o have_v first_o harden_v themselves_o take_v the_o most_o innocent_a occasion_n to_o grow_v hard_a nay_o be_v harden_v by_o such_o usage_n as_o will_v either_o break_v or_o soften_v other_o man_n and_o those_o who_o treat_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o their_o wicked_a heart_n abuse_v to_o harden_v themselves_o may_v be_v say_v to_o harden_v they_o as_o in_o common_a speech_n we_o charge_v those_o with_o undo_n and_o harden_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o have_v spoil_v they_o by_o too_o much_o indulgence_n or_o by_o too_o great_a severity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o account_n that_o origen_n give_v of_o it_o and_o indeed_o when_o man_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v themselves_o as_o pharaoh_n be_v often_o say_v to_o harden_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o yet_o god_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o account_n give_v of_o it_o but_o this_o that_o man_n take_v occasion_n from_o what_o god_n do_v take_v occasion_n where_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o harden_v themselves_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v the_o jew_n do_v from_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a 2._o rome_n 4_o 5._o or_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long_o suffer_v not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n i.e._n shall_v lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n not_o harden_v thou_o in_o sin_n though_o it_o have_v another_o effect_n through_o thy_o own_o wickedness_n but_o after_o thy_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n grow_v more_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a by_o god_n forbearance_n and_o treasure_a up_o unto_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o god_n harden_v pharaoh_n or_o thus_o pharaoh_n take_v occasion_n to_o harden_v himself_o from_o those_o judgement_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v soften_v he_o and_o god_n foresee_v that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o say_z i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n not_o i_o will_v infuse_v hardness_n into_o he_o but_z i_o will_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o i_o certain_o know_v his_o hard_a and_o wicked_a heart_n will_v improve_v into_o new_a occasion_n and_o new_a degree_n of_o hardness_n for_o it_o be_v no_o reason_n either_o for_o god_n or_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v what_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n direct_v to_o be_v do_v because_o harden_a sinner_n will_v harden_v themselves_o the_o more_o by_o it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n appear_v from_o the_o whole_a story_n that_o which_o harden_v pharaoh_n and_o make_v he_o so_o resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n be_v the_o great_a advantage_n he_o make_v of_o their_o service_n and_o bondage_n which_o make_v he_o impatient_a to_o think_v of_o send_v away_o a_o people_n which_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o he_o to_o conquer_v this_o obstinate_a humour_n god_n send_v moses_n to_o deliver_v israel_n with_o a_o mighty_a arm_n and_o outstretch_v hand_n moses_n wrought_v such_o mighty_a wonder_n and_o inflict_v such_o miraculous_a and_o terrible_a judgement_n on_o egypt_n as_o any_o one_o will_v have_v think_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n not_o to_o have_v harden_v but_o to_o have_v break_v and_o subdue_v the_o most_o harden_a heart_n but_o this_o have_v a_o contrary_a effect_n upon_o a_o harden_a pharaoh_n and_o it_o be_v visible_a what_o it_o be_v that_o harden_a he_o some_o of_o these_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v imitate_v by_o the_o magician_n as_o turn_v their_o rod_n into_o serpent_n and_o water_n into_o blood_n and_o bring_v frog_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o upon_o this_o he_o harden_v his_o heart_n though_o the_o plague_n of_o frog_n be_v so_o grievous_a that_o it_o make_v he_o somewhat_o relent_v and_o promise_v to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v and_o sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o frog_n may_v be_v remove_v but_o than_o god_n goodness_n in_o remove_v this_o plague_n harden_v he_o as_o it_o be_v express_o observe_v that_o when_o pharaoh_n see_v there_o be_v respite_n he_o harden_v his_o heart_n 8._o exod._n 15._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o succeed_a judgement_n while_o any_o judgement_n be_v upon_o he_o he_o yield_v and_o promise_v fair_a to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v that_o have_v any_o one_o of_o those_o judgement_n continue_v on_o he_o till_o he_o have_v part_v with_o israel_n he_o have_v certain_o send_v they_o away_o long_o before_o but_o when_o he_o see_v one_o judgement_n remove_v after_o another_o he_o think_v there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o at_o last_o and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o endure_v a_o while_n than_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n and_o thus_o god_n harden_v his_o heart_n and_o he_o harden_v his_o own_o heart_n till_o the_o death_n of_o all_o the_o first-born_a put_v he_o and_o his_o servant_n and_o all_o the_o people_n into_o such_o a_o terrible_a fright_n that_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o get_v rid_v of_o israel_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n and_o to_o complete_a all_o god_n still_o harden_a pharaoh_n heart_n to_o pursue_v after_o israel_n that_o he_o may_v overthrow_v he_o and_o all_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o for_o that_o end_n god_n lead_v the_o people_n about_o through_o the_o way_n of_o the_o wilderness_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n that_o pharaoh_n may_v say_v they_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o land_n the_o wilderness_n have_v shut_v they_o in_o and_o it_o be_v tell_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n that_o the_o people_n flee_v and_o the_o heart_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o of_o his_o servant_n be_v turn_v against_o the_o people_n and_o they_o say_v why_o have_v we_o do_v this_o that_o we_o have_v let_v israel_n go_v from_o serve_v we_o 14._o exod._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o the_o report_n of_o their_o fly_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o wilderness_n make_v pharaoh_n and_o his_o servant_n quick_o forget_v what_o they_o have_v suffer_v in_o egypt_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o service_n of_o israel_n which_o harden_v they_o to_o a_o new_a pursuit_n and_o be_v order_v by_o god_n to_o that_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v honour_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o upon_o all_o his_o host._n this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n which_o contain_v nothing_o that_o unbecome_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o holy_a be_v for_o though_o it_o can_v
be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v a_o more_o general_a communication_n among_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o spread_v a_o wholesome_a as_o well_o as_o a_o pestilential_a contagion_n and_o since_o commerce_n and_o traffic_n be_v not_o so_o general_a in_o those_o day_n as_o it_o be_v now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o ready_a way_n to_o do_v this_o as_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n which_o unite_v a_o great_a many_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n into_o one_o which_o beside_o all_o other_o advantage_n convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o memorable_a action_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n now_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o great_a empire_n for_o though_o the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n begin_v long_o before_o yet_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v the_o golden_a head_n of_o that_o image_n which_o represent_v the_o four_o monarchy_n god_n carry_v judah_n captive_a into_o babylon_n 38._o and_o thereby_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n over_o all_o the_o babylonish_n empire_n the_o first_o occasion_n god_n take_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v in_o babylon_n be_v nebuchadnezzar_n dream_n which_o he_o have_v forget_v and_o none_o of_o the_o magician_n or_o astrologer_n or_o sorcerer_n of_o chaldaean_n can_v show_v the_o king_n his_o dream_n much_o less_o tell_v he_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o but_o daniel_n do_v both_o which_o make_v nabuchadnezzar_n acknowledge_v to_o daniel_n of_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o your_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lord_n of_o king_n and_o a_o revealer_n of_o secret_n since_o thou_o can_v reveal_v this_o secret_a 2._o dan._n 47._o and_o this_o advance_a daniel_n to_o great_a authority_n for_o the_o king_n make_v he_o ruler_n over_o the_o whole_a province_n of_o babylon_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o governor_n over_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o babylon_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o use_v his_o authority_n especial_o among_o the_o wiseman_n of_o babylon_n who_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o other_o to_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n among_o they_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o same_o king_n god_n magnify_v his_o power_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n from_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n which_o occasion_v a_o decree_n that_o give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o dispose_v all_o man_n to_o think_v very_o honourable_o of_o their_o god_n that_o every_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n which_o speak_v any_o thing_n amiss_o against_o the_o god_n of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a shall_v be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o their_o house_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o dunghill_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n that_o can_v deliver_v after_o this_o sort_n 3._o dan._n 28_o 29._o and_o that_o experience_n nabuchadnezzar_n have_v of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o person_n extort_a from_o he_o as_o devout_a praise_n of_o god_n and_o as_o orthodox_n a_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o he_o as_o any_o jew_n can_v have_v make_v 4_o dan._n thus_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o belshazzar_n who_o with_o his_o prince_n his_o wife_n and_o concubine_n drink_v wine_n out_o of_o the_o golden_a vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n god_n give_v a_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o handwriting_n on_o the_o wall_n which_o as_o daniel_n expound_v it_o and_o the_o event_n that_o very_a night_n confirm_v foretell_v the_o immediate_a overthrow_n of_o his_o empire_n by_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n this_o be_v a_o very_a sudden_a vengeance_n for_o their_o idolatrous_a revel_n and_o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o daniel_n very_o free_o acquaint_v the_o king_n 5_o dan._n and_o though_o his_o advancement_n by_o belshazzar_n who_o make_v he_o the_o three_o ruler_n in_o the_o kingdom_n be_v but_o of_o a_o very_a short_a continuance_n the_o king_n be_v slay_v that_o night_n yet_o it_o so_o recommend_v he_o to_o darius_n who_o begin_v the_o second_o monarchy_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n that_o he_o advance_v daniel_n to_o the_o same_o or_o great_a honour_n and_o power_n he_o be_v make_v the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o precedent_n who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o prince_n who_o darius_n set_v over_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o new_a monarchy_n god_n give_v a_o fresh_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n in_o deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n den_n for_o which_o reason_n darius_n make_v a_o decree_n that_o in_o every_o dominion_n of_o his_o kingdom_n man_n fear_v and_o tremble_v before_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n 6._o dan._n 25_o 26_o 27._o so_o that_o by_o the_o captivity_n of_o judah_n god_n make_v himself_o know_v over_o all_o the_o babylonian_a and_o persian_a monarchy_n and_o this_o dispose_v cyrus_n the_o seventy_o year_n of_o their_o captivity_n be_v accomplish_v to_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o return_v into_o their_o own_o country_n and_o to_o publish_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o rebuilding_n the_o city_n and_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o still_o to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n among_o they_o the_o divine_a providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o when_o all_o have_v liberty_n to_o return_v great_a number_n stay_v behind_o in_o babylon_n where_o they_o free_o profess_v and_o exercise_v their_o religion_n which_o together_o with_o the_o civil_a dependence_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n on_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n preserve_v a_o constant_a correspondence_n and_o intercourse_n between_o they_o and_o that_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o their_o god_n the_o grecian_a empire_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o persian_a make_v the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n still_o more_o know_v to_o the_o world_n alexander_n the_o great_a come_v to_o jerusalem_n treat_v the_o jew_n with_o great_a kindness_n consult_v the_o record_n of_o their_o prophet_n offer_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o not_o only_o confirm_v their_o old_a but_o grant_v new_a privilege_n to_o they_o and_o thus_o god_n become_v know_v not_o only_o to_o the_o babylonian_a and_o persian_a but_o to_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n and_o when_o after_o alexander_n death_n the_o empire_n be_v divide_v this_o cause_v a_o new_a dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n especial_o into_o syria_n and_o egypt_n ptolemy_n the_o king_n of_o egypt_n have_v surprise_v jerusalem_n carry_v great_a number_n of_o they_o into_o egypt_n and_o have_v entertain_v a_o kind_a opinion_n of_o they_o there_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o army_n and_o garrison_n and_o make_v they_o citizen_n of_o alexandria_n his_o son_n ptolemy_n philadelphus_n procure_v the_o translation_n of_o their_o law_n into_o greek_a which_o be_v a_o new_a publication_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o after_o this_o onias_n build_v a_o temple_n in_o egypt_n in_o all_o thing_n like_v to_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n that_o god_n be_v now_o as_o much_o know_v in_o egypt_n as_o he_o be_v in_o judaea_n and_o to_o let_v pass_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o world_n to_o complete_a all_o the_o power_n and_o oppression_n of_o the_o assyrian_a monarch_n force_v the_o jew_n to_o pray_v the_o alliance_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o roman_n which_o end_v as_o such_o powerful_a alliance_n very_o often_o do_v in_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o roman_a power_n who_o first_o govern_v they_o by_o king_n and_o tetrarch_n and_o at_o last_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o roman_a province_n and_o thus_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o god_n and_o their_o religion_n become_v know_v over_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n these_o four_o successive_a monarchy_n do_v gradual_o increase_v and_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o kingdom_n which_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n tell_v we_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n will_v set_v up_o which_o shall_v never_o be_v destroy_v 2._o dan._n 44._o for_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n make_v no_o public_a reformation_n of_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n yet_o it_o great_o dispose_v man_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o it_o visible_o reform_v their_o philosophy_n and_o give_v they_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a be_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n of_o those_o age_n though_o they_o still_o worship_v their_o country_n god_n it_o give_v they_o some_o obscure_a knowledge_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n
providence_n will_n and_o can_v have_v no_o effect_n upon_o we_o the_o psalmist_n complain_v of_o those_o wicked_a man_n who_o regard_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n 28._o psal._n 5._o and_o a_o great_a many_o such_o there_o be_v who_o have_v a_o general_a notion_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n but_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o god_n do_v or_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o god_n in_o what_o be_v do_v most_o man_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o attribute_v all_o event_n to_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n and_o though_o at_o other_o time_n they_o will_v own_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n yet_o as_o to_o particular_a event_n take_v as_o little_a notice_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o it_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o providence_n as_o this_o be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o in_o religion_n it_o neither_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n nor_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n but_o if_o we_o will_v own_o providence_n to_o the_o true_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o general_a belief_n of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n but_o whatever_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v or_o whatever_o extraordinary_a good_a or_o evil_n happen_v to_o we_o we_o must_v receive_v all_o as_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v poor_a we_o must_v own_v this_o to_o be_v god_n will_n and_o appointment_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v poor_a if_o we_o be_v rich_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v god_n blessing_n which_o make_v rich_a if_o we_o lose_v our_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v as_o job_n do_v the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o and_o whatever_o evil_n and_o misery_n befall_v we_o we_o must_v say_v with_o good_a old_a eli_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a or_o with_o david_n i_o be_v dumb_a and_o open_v not_o 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ourselves_o in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o how_o to_o make_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a use_n of_o whatever_o happen_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v this_o for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o teach_v man_n their_o duty_n to_o providence_n till_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o attribute_v all_o particular_a event_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o live_v under_o a_o constant_a sense_n and_o regard_n of_o it_o two_o when_o we_o have_v thus_o affect_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o we_o must_v in_o the_o next_o place_n take_v care_n to_o compose_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o quiet_a and_o humble_a submission_n to_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n all_o man_n confess_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o all_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v god_n do_n and_o what_o god_n do_v be_v his_o will_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v and_o reason_n tell_v we_o it_o must_v be_v unless_o god_n do_v any_o thing_n against_o his_o own_o will_n than_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n in_o all_o event_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o command_a will_n of_o god_n in_o obey_v his_o law_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n require_v this_o of_o we_o for_o we_o be_v his_o and_o he_o may_v dispose_v of_o our_o condition_n and_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n as_o he_o please_v the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n make_v it_o both_o prudent_a and_o necessary_a 4._o for_o who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o he_o and_o prosper_v that_o be_v against_o his_o providential_a will_v for_o that_o whole_a dispute_n be_v about_o providence_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n make_v it_o both_o reasonable_a and_o our_o interest_n to_o submit_v to_o he_o for_o all_o his_o providence_n how_o severe_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v be_v order_v for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o do_v submit_v to_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v because_o he_o be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n whether_o we_o will_v submit_v or_o no_o we_o must_v suffer_v his_o will_n because_o we_o can_v resist_v his_o power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o submit_v to_o god_n for_o he_o will_v consult_v our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n and_o do_v better_o for_o we_o than_o we_o can_v choose_v for_o ourselves_o this_o be_v plain_a enough_o but_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o various_a act_n of_o that_o submission_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n or_o to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n and_o i_o shall_v distinct_o inquire_v what_o submission_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n under_o all_o the_o evil_n affliction_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o in_o those_o several_a state_n condition_n and_o relation_n of_o life_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o 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god_n be_v not_o to_o put_v off_o the_o sense_n and_o passion_n of_o human_a nature_n it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o our_o opinion_n about_o they_o affliction_n be_v affliction_n still_o and_o will_v be_v feel_v and_o though_o we_o must_v bear_v they_o in_o submission_n to_o god_n yet_o we_o must_v bear_v they_o as_o affliction_n can_v be_v bear_v and_o as_o human_a nature_n can_v bear_v they_o with_o pain_n and_o grief_n and_o reluctancy_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o complaint_n with_o vehement_a and_o importunate_a desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o help_v and_o deliver_v we_o we_o have_v frequent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o scripture_n the_o psalm_n of_o david_n as_o they_o abound_v with_o all_o dutiful_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o they_o be_v very_o full_a of_o complaint_n and_o of_o the_o most_o passionate_a sense_n of_o suffering_n represent_v so_o as_o to_o be_v feel_v in_o such_o a_o strain_n of_o move_a eloquence_n as_o not_o art_n but_o afflict_a nature_n teach_v but_o we_o have_v one_o example_n above_o all_o other_o and_o that_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o suffer_v with_o fear_n and_o reluctancy_n and_o with_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o his_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a our_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n and_o aversion_n be_v the_o great_a be_v our_o submission_n to_o god_n it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o great_a weakness_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o our_o suffering_n but_o it_o argue_v the_o great_a strength_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o more_o glorious_a victory_n over_o self_n to_o make_v our_o very_a