will_v not_o see_v to_o deceive_v those_o with_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n who_o do_v not_o love_v the_o trath_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n who_o endeavour_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o desire_v to_o be_v deceive_v for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n that_o god_n suffer_v the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o erect_v his_o kingdom_n 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 when_o man_n be_v in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o love_v the_o truth_n because_o it_o discover_v and_o reprove_v their_o sin_n they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o crafty_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o god_n grace_n he_o force_v truth_n on_o no_o man_n but_o those_o who_o love_v the_o truth_n shall_v find_v it_o those_o who_o cry_v after_o knowledge_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n for_o understanding_n who_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n they_o shall_v understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 2._o prov._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o but_o if_o man_n wilful_o shut_v their_o own_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n god_n suffer_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n to_o blind_v they_o as_o st._n paul_n teach_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o which_o shall_v make_v we_o all_o afraid_a of_o prejudice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n which_o bar_v up_o the_o mind_n against_o truth_n and_o by_o degree_n betray_v we_o to_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n there_o be_v some_o other_o text_n which_o do_v indeed_o attribute_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o human_a action_n to_o god_n but_o without_o charge_v his_o providence_n with_o man_n sin_n 16._o prov._n 9_o a_o man_n heart_n devise_v his_o way_n but_o the_o lord_n direct_v his_o step_n 19_o 21._o there_o be_v many_o device_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n nevertheless_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v 20._o 24._o man_n go_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n how_o then_o can_v a_o man_n understand_v his_o own_o way_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o man_n advise_v and_o deliberate_a and_o choose_v free_o what_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o action_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o they_o can_v bring_v nothing_o to_o pass_v but_o what_o god_n will_v god_n can_v change_v their_o counsel_n or_o can_v disappoint_v they_o when_o they_o be_v ripe_a for_o action_n or_o can_v make_v what_o they_o do_v serve_v quite_o another_o end_n than_o what_o they_o intend_v now_o this_o only_a prove_n what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n man_n may_v choose_v what_o they_o please_v but_o they_o shall_v do_v only_o what_o god_n see_v fit_a and_o what_o he_o order_v for_o wise_a end_n god_n do_v not_o act_v immediate_o but_o make_v use_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o of_o the_o ministries_n of_o man_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n man_n choose_v and_o act_v free_o and_o pursue_v their_o own_o design_n and_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o the_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o the_o action_n be_v their_o own_o and_o god_n do_v as_o free_o with_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n over-rule_v all_o event_n which_o be_v therefore_o god_n do_v as_o well_o as_o man_n be_v direct_v by_o he_o to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n in_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n or_o nation_n as_o they_o deserve_v thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v examine_v most_o of_o those_o text_n which_o have_v be_v think_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 and_o i_o hope_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n intend_v in_o they_o and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o argument_n concern_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v some_o few_o practical_a inference_n by_o way_n of_o application_n 1._o not_o to_o attribute_v our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n sin_n to_o god_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v 1._o james_z 13_o 14._o this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o without_o it_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n if_o god_n can_v influence_n man_n mind_n to_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o counsel_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v hate_v wickedness_n or_o be_v so_o holy_a as_o many_o holy_a man_n be_v who_o will_v no_o more_o incline_v or_o tempt_v other_o man_n to_o sin_n than_o they_o will_v sin_v themselves_o and_o who_o will_v hate_v sin_n or_o think_v that_o god_n will_v love_v he_o ever_o the_o less_o for_o be_v a_o sinner_n who_o believe_v this_o if_o god_n want_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o counsel_n they_o must_v either_o be_v very_o unholy_a counsel_n which_o can_v be_v accomplish_v without_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n or_o he_o must_v be_v a_o weak_a or_o unskilful_a be_v which_o be_v downright_a blasphemy_n for_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v can_v do_v whatever_o be_v wise_a and_o holy_a without_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n it_o be_v excellent_a wisdom_n indeed_o when_o man_n do_v and_o will_v sin_n for_o god_n to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a and_o gracious_a counsel_n by_o their_o sin_n but_o to_o incline_v or_o tempt_v or_o over-rule_v or_o determine_v man_n to_o sin_n on_o purpose_n to_o serve_v himself_o by_o their_o sin_n this_o will_v be_v a_o just_a impeachment_n both_o of_o his_o holiness_n his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o power_n and_o a_o god_n who_o be_v neither_o holy_a wise_a nor_o powerful_a will_v be_v no_o very_o fit_a object_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o say_v that_o god_n decree_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n to_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n in_o save_v some_o few_o and_o in_o condemn_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a misery_n be_v so_o senseless_a a_o representation_n both_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o destroy_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o all_o for_o if_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a machine_n who_o move_v as_o he_o be_v move_v how_o can_v he_o deserve_v either_o well_o or_o ill_n necessity_n destroy_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n both_o which_o suppose_v a_o free_a choice_n and_o election_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n nor_o vice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o place_n neither_o for_o justice_n nor_o mercy_n and_o than_o god_n can_v neither_o glorify_v his_o mercy_n nor_o his_o justice_n in_o forgive_a sin_n or_o in_o punish_v the_o sinner_n how_o can_v any_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v overrule_v by_o god_n to_o do_v all_o the_o evil_a he_o do_v ever_o be_v a_o true_a penitent_n or_o hearty_o beg_v god_n pardon_n or_o reverence_v his_o judgement_n or_o endeavour_v to_o do_v better_o all_o religion_n be_v found_v in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o god_n hate_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a there_o be_v no_o pretence_n for_o religion_n and_o if_o god_n make_v none_o there_o be_v none_o and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o what_o be_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o of_o what_o be_v good_a he_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o 2_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n teach_v we_o never_o to_o do_v any_o evil_a to_o serve_v providence_n under_o pretext_n of_o do_v some_o great_a good_a by_o it_o which_o we_o think_v may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n god_n never_o need_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o can_v never_o approve_v they_o whatever_o good_a end_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o serve_v god_n indeed_o do_v many_o time_n bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a but_o he_o allow_v no_o man_n to_o do_v evil_a that_o
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 convince_v mankind_n what_o sort_n of_o god_n they_o worship_v and_o do_v make_v the_o wise_a heathen_n ashamed_a of_o their_o god_n and_o of_o their_o worship_n and_o as_o learning_n and_o civility_n increase_v they_o reform_v their_o worship_n and_o allegorize_v away_o their_o god_n which_o dispose_v they_o for_o the_o more_o ready_a reception_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n wickedness_n be_v its_o own_o punishment_n and_o many_o time_n prove_v its_o own_o cure_n and_o god_n can_v not_o have_v inflict_v a_o more_o just_a punishment_n upon_o the_o idolatrous_a world_n than_o to_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n who_o they_o worship_v and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o fatal_a error_n than_o those_o inhuman_a and_o impious_a rite_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o excess_n of_o wickedness_n which_o their_o idolatry_n betray_v they_o to_o 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
the_o sweat_n of_o thy_o face_n shall_v thou_o eat_v bread_n till_o thou_o return_v unto_o the_o ground_n for_o out_o of_o it_o waste_v thou_o take_v for_o dust_n thou_o be_v and_o unto_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v 3._o gen._n 17_o 18_o 19_o this_o be_v a_o very_a severe_a sentence_n which_o deprive_v man_n of_o immortality_n and_o of_o the_o easy_a and_o happy_a life_n of_o paradise_n condemn_v he_o to_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n while_o he_o live_v and_o then_o to_o return_v unto_o dust_n and_o yet_o the_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v 1._o he_o shall_v be_v immortal_a in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o industrious_a and_o laborious_a life_n be_v the_o best_a and_o happy_a state_n for_o fall_v man_n 8._o as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v at_o large_a we_o know_v little_o more_o than_o this_o of_o the_o antediluvian_n world_n till_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o earth_n be_v fill_v with_o violence_n for_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o earth_n insomuch_o that_o it_o repent_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v make_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o grieve_v he_o at_o his_o heart_n 6._o gen._n this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o corruption_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o three_o son_n and_o therefore_o god_n resolve_v to_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o with_o a_o universal_a deluge_n except_v that_o one_o righteous_a family_n who_o he_o preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n which_o he_o appoint_v noah_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o justice_n of_o this_o no_o man_n can_v dispute_v for_o if_o all_o flesh_n corrupt_v its_o way_n god_n may_v as_o just_o destroy_v a_o whole_a world_n of_o sinner_n as_o he_o can_v punish_v or_o cut_v off_o any_o one_o single_a sinner_n but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v for_o be_v to_o show_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n and_o what_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o now_o though_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v yet_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o this_o world_n nor_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o to_o raise_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n from_o a_o righteous_a seed_n and_o to_o make_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n a_o stand_a warn_v and_o a_o visible_a lesson_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o new_a and_o a_o few_o observation_n will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o wise_o design_v for_o this_o purpose_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n without_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v too_o soon_o to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o world_n which_o he_o have_v so_o late_o make_v without_o reproach_v his_o own_o wisdom_n in_o make_v it_o there_o have_v be_v very_o little_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n yet_o see_v but_o one_o act_n and_o that_o conclude_v in_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o have_v god_n leave_v off_o here_o and_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o very_a ill_a spectacle_n to_o the_o angelical_a world_n to_o see_v a_o whole_a species_n of_o reasonable_a being_n so_n soon_o destroy_v the_o old_a serpent_n who_o deceive_v our_o first_o parent_n will_v have_v glory_v in_o his_o voctory_n that_o he_o have_v utter_o spoil_v and_o ruin_v the_o best_a part_n of_o this_o visible_a creation_n and_o even_o force_v god_n to_o destroy_v the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n he_o have_v make_v on_o earth_n but_o god_n have_v threaten_v the_o serpent_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v his_o head_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a posterity_n of_o eve_n must_v not_o be_v destroy_v but_o a_o righteous_a seed_n must_v be_v preserve_v to_o new-people_n the_o world_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n be_v intend_v as_o a_o warn_n to_o the_o new_a it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o live_a witness_n both_o of_o the_o destruction_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o world_n to_o assure_v their_o posterity_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o to_o all_o generation_n of_o which_o more_o present_o 2_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o delay_v so_o terrible_a a_o execution_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o destroy_v a_o world_n carry_v great_a horror_n with_o it_o and_o make_v a_o frightful_a representation_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o all_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o soften_a circumstance_n and_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v justify_v providence_n in_o it_o except_v the_o last_o judgement_n when_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o this_o world_n but_o the_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o some_o new_a method_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o god_n delay_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n till_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v which_o must_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v too_o by_o the_o universal_a wickedness_n of_o the_o age._n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o though_o noah_n may_v have_v preserve_v his_o own_o integrity_n and_o have_v teach_v his_o own_o family_n that_o fear_v and_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o can_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n but_o his_o sermon_n have_v no_o effect_n it_o be_v general_o conclude_v by_o the_o ancient_n that_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n in_o build_v the_o ark_n and_o all_o this_o while_n he_o give_v visible_a warning_n to_o they_o of_o the_o approach_a deluge_n now_o when_o it_o be_v impossible_a by_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n what_o remain_v but_o to_o destroy_v that_o corrupt_a and_o incurable_a generation_n and_o to_o preserve_v righteous_a noah_n and_o his_o son_n to_o propagate_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v he_o delay_v a_o little_a long_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v have_v be_v corrupt_a without_o one_o righteous_a man_n in_o it_o and_o then_o he_o must_v either_o have_v maintain_v or_o preserve_v a_o world_n of_o atheist_n and_o profligate_v sinner_n or_o must_v have_v destroy_v they_o all_o but_o it_o more_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n when_o religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o one_o family_n to_o defer_v vengeance_n no_o long_o while_o he_o have_v one_o righteous_a family_n to_o save_v to_o preserve_v the_o race_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o restore_v lose_v piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o world_n 3_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o one_a for_o first_o it_o be_v a_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a cause_n in_o nature_n to_o do_v this_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o nature_n some_o man_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o disparage_v the_o moysaicall_a account_n of_o the_o deluge_n if_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o it_o and_o other_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o story_n think_v themselves_o much_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o it_o without_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n and_o a_o supernatural_a power_n which_o they_o say_v unbecome_v philosopher_n but_o if_o it_o unbecome_v philosopher_n to_o believe_v miracle_n i_o doubt_v they_o will_v think_v it_o very_o much_o below_o they_o to_o be_v christian_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v who_o do_v not_o believe_v miracle_n and_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o miracle_n in_o any_o case_n methinks_v they_o shall_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o attribute_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a power_n the_o comfort_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v drown_v because_o we_o can_v tell_v by_o what_o natural_a cause_n it_o may_v be_v drown_v but_o
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
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which_o be_v my_o refuge_n even_o the_o most_o high_a thy_o habitation_n there_o shall_v no_o evil_n befall_v thou_o neither_o shall_v any_o plague_n come_v nigh_o thy_o dwell_n this_o psalm_n indeed_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o the_o height_n and_o latitude_n of_o the_o expression_n be_v applicable_a only_o to_o he_o but_o yet_o it_o give_v a_o general_a security_n to_o all_o who_o trust_v in_o god_n of_o protection_n from_o all_o evil_a this_o no_o man_n can_v promise_v himself_o who_o do_v not_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o how_o be_v providence_n concern_v for_o they_o who_o expect_v nothing_o from_o it_o nay_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v disappoint_v and_o fall_v into_o misery_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o no_o human_a strength_n or_o policy_n can_v save_v they_o but_o trust_v in_o god_n make_v we_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n do_v govern_v 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that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o 11._o heb._n 6._o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o that_o this_o god_n do_v take_v care_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a favour_n for_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o for_o if_o god_n neither_o take_v any_o care_n of_o we_o or_o take_v no_o more_o care_n of_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o than_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o but_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o suppose_n that_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a for_o worship_v be_v a_o reasonable_a foundation_n for_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n as_o allow_v no_o peculiar_a reward_n and_o benefit_n to_o worshipper_n be_v certain_o false_a how_o philosophical_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v and_o impious_a too_o because_o they_o shut_v all_o religious_a worship_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o some_o man_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n understand_v for_o what_o reason_n they_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n they_o comply_v with_o the_o superstitious_a custom_n of_o the_o country_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o public_a censure_n but_o think_v they_o may_v as_o well_o let_v it_o alone_o as_o for_o any_o advantage_n they_o hope_v for_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o have_v as_o good_a not_o be_v present_a at_o prayer_n as_o not_o to_o pray_v for_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v to_o any_o advantage_n who_o despise_v prayer_n it_o will_v therefore_o be_v high_o necessary_a plain_o to_o state_n this_o matter_n and_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n lay_v the_o strong_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n the_o scripture-proof_n of_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o at_o large_a repeat_v they_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n we_o be_v more_o frequent_o command_v none_o we_o be_v more_o earnest_o exhort_v to_o than_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a man_n for_o it_o and_o of_o christ_n himself_o who_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n and_o we_o have_v the_o encouragement_n of_o as_o express_v promise_n as_o any_o in_o scripture_n that_o if_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n he_o will_v hear_v and_o answer_v we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o encouragement_n we_o can_v desire_v for_o our_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v 65._o psal._n 2._o to_o thou_o they_o shall_v pray_v because_o thou_o hear_v prayer_n for_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n to_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n will_v i_o call_v upon_o thou_o for_o thou_o will_v answer_v i_o 86._o psal._n 5_o 7._o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o also_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o 145._o psal._n 18_o 19_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o express_a than_o our_o saviour_n promise_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v 7._o matt._n 7_o 8._o and_o what_o great_a thing_n be_v attribute_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o power_n of_o prayer_n st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o and_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o example_n of_o elias_n who_o be_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v and_o he_o pray_v earnest_o that_o it_o may_v not_o rain_v and_o it_o rain_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n and_o he_o pray_v again_o and_o the_o heaven_n give_v rain_v and_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n 5._o james_n 17_o 18._o and_o all_o those_o wonder_n which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n attribute_n to_o faith_n belong_v to_o this_o prayer_n of_o faith_n 11._o heb._n 32_o 33_o 34._o for_o this_o