than_o to_o command_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o forbid_v all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v all_o wicked_a practice_n as_o much_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o human_a action_n will_v allow_v that_o god_n do_v all_o this_o wherein_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n consist_v i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o deny_v as_o wicked_a as_o mankind_n be_v it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n unto_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a unto_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o 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man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v that_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n govern_v the_o world_n must_v confess_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v do_v abundant_o enough_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n for_o it_o be_v visible_a enough_o how_o many_o misery_n be_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a as_o be_v common_o think_v a_o reproach_n to_o providence_n but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v only_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n mortality_n and_o death_n and_o consequent_o all_o those_o infirmity_n and_o decay_n of_o nature_n all_o those_o pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o which_o we_o do_v not_o inherit_v from_o our_o more_o immediate_a parent_n as_o a_o entail_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n which_o bring_v death_n upon_o himself_o and_o 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from_o our_o own_o man_n who_o be_v very_o favourable_a to_o their_o own_o vice_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o learn_v to_o hate_v to_o condemn_v to_o punish_v they_o by_o feel_v what_o they_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n when_o they_o lose_v their_o own_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o violence_n or_o their_o good_a name_n by_o reproach_n and_o defamation_n or_o be_v injure_v in_o the_o chastity_n of_o their_o wife_n and_o daughter_n by_o other_o man_n lust_n this_o give_v they_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o injustice_n defamation_n and_o lust_n and_o make_v they_o condemn_v these_o vice_n in_o themselves_o how_o well_o soever_o they_o love_v they_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o human_a government_n which_o keep_v mankind_n in_o order_n and_o lay_v great_a restraint_n upon_o
man_n lust_n for_o do_v not_o all_o mankind_n suffer_v by_o one_o another_o sin_n i_o doubt_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a man_n will_v be_v so_o zealous_o concern_v to_o punish_v and_o suppress_v vice_n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v not_o have_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o discourage_v wickedness_n than_o to_o make_v all_o mankind_n sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n by_o make_v they_o all_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o feel_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v by_o their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o be_v all_o man_n convince_v and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n will_v not_o convince_v they_o that_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o misery_n of_o life_n be_v owe_v to_o sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v happy_a without_o reform_v themselves_o and_o other_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v what_o more_o powerful_a argument_n can_v providence_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o reform_v 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be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o event_n for_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o these_o judgement_n be_v not_o order_v by_o god_n that_o we_o can_v find_v some_o immediate_a cause_n for_o they_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v owe_v to_o natural_a cause_n other_o to_o man_n other_o to_o some_o surprise_v and_o unusual_a or_o it_o may_v be_v usual_a accident_n for_o whoever_o believe_v a_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o therefore_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n immediate_o by_o his_o own_o power_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o second_o cause_n either_o natural_a or_o free_a agent_n or_o what_o we_o call_v accident_n but_o he_o be_v only_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n govern_v all_o second_o cause_n to_o produce_v such_o effect_n as_o he_o see_v fit_a that_o all_o nature_n move_v at_o god_n command_n that_o fire_n and_o hail_n snow_n and_o vapour_n wind_n and_o storm_n fulfil_v his_o word_n 148._o psal._n 8._o v._n that_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v under_o his_o government_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o what_o seem_v perfect_a chance_n to_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n and_o than_o whatever_o evil_n we_o suffer_v and_o whatever_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o they_o be_v we_o must_v ascribe_v they_o all_o to_o god_n especial_o when_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o judgement_n which_o have_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o immediate_a cause_n be_v attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o we_o whenever_o such_o judgement_n befall_v we_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o i_o need_v not_o dispute_v here_o whether_o all_o those_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v sinner_n be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o till_o they_o can_v prove_v à _fw-la priori_fw-la by_o direct_a and_o positive_a argument_n that_o 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holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o forbid_v and_o discourage_v all_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v this_o point_n and_o i_o must_v desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o these_o be_v direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n such_o as_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v and_o can_v avoid_v the_o evidence_n of_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o difficulty_n object_v against_o they_o for_o our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o which_o we_o so_o certain_o know_v but_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o objection_n as_o we_o can_v easy_o and_o satisfactory_o answer_v but_o one_o plain_a positive_a proof_n be_v a_o better_a reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n than_o a_o hundred_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v it_o because_o since_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a it_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v what_o we_o do_v know_v and_o what_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n because_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o same_o subject_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o objection_n be_v as_o positive_a and_o evident_a as_o the_o proof_n be_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o yet_o may_v very_o reasonable_o believe_v on_o as_o we_o do_v 2_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o government_n do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o and_o i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n make_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n daily_o commit_v in_o the_o world_n now_o if_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n this_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o it_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o mankind_n be_v very_o wicked_a but_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o that_o god_n can_v be_v holy_a nor_o his_o providence_n holy_a because_o man_n be_v wicked_a we_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n such_o conceit_n as_o these_o tempt_v some_o ancient_a heretic_n to_o assert_v two_o principle_n a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a god_n because_o they_o think_v that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o he_o very_o good_a there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v any_o man_n think_v this_o a_o good_a argument_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o government_n that_o he_o have_v many_o wicked_a subject_n and_o how_o then_o do_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n to_o state_n this_o in_o a_o few_o word_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n permit_v sin_n we_o either_o mean_v the_o internal_a or_o the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n 1._o the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o will_n when_o man_n choose_v that_o which_o be_v wicked_a and_o full_o resolve_v and_o purpose_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n this_o make_v we_o guilty_a before_o god_n who_o know_v our_o heart_n though_o human_a law_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o it_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o already_o in_o his_o
exalt_v with_o the_o king_n favour_n and_o that_o queen_n esther_n have_v admit_v none_o to_o the_o banquet_n with_o the_o king_n but_o himself_o but_o still_o mordecai_n who_o refuse_v to_o bow_v before_o he_o be_v a_o great_a grievance_n and_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n he_o build_v a_o gallow_n fifty_o cubit_n high_a and_o resolve_v that_o night_n to_o beg_v of_o the_o king_n that_o mordecai_n may_v be_v hang_v on_o it_o and_o have_v he_o come_v in_o time_n his_o petition_n have_v be_v certain_o grant_v but_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o that_o very_a night_n the_o king_n can_v not_o sleep_v and_o he_o call_v for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o chronicle_n and_o there_o they_o find_v write_v that_o mordecai_n have_v discover_v the_o treason_n of_o two_o of_o the_o king_n chamberlain_n against_o he_o and_o find_v upon_o enquiry_n that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v reward_v for_o it_o he_o resolve_v to_o do_v he_o honour_n and_o make_v haman_n who_o be_v at_o 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it_o which_o may_v abate_v the_o pride_n and_o selfconfidence_n of_o man_n and_o teach_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a and_o mighty_a a_o religious_a veneration_n of_o god_n who_o can_v with_o so_o much_o ease_n pull_v down_o the_o mighty_a from_o their_o seat_n and_o advance_v those_o of_o low_a degree_n 3_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v god_n government_n of_o moral_a cause_n or_o free_a agent_n that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o man_n consider_v as_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n which_o god_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n most_o of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v do_v by_o man_n if_o god_n reward_v or_o if_o he_o punish_v we_o usual_o man_n be_v his_o minister_n in_o both_o to_o execute_v his_o vengeance_n or_o to_o dispense_v his_o blessing_n and_o therefore_o god_n must_v have_v as_o absolute_a a_o government_n over_o mankind_n of_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o 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reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o necessity_n of_o allow_v this_o if_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v a_o providence_n and_o the_o plain_a testimony_n and_o example_n of_o this_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a government_n which_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n have_v make_v some_o man_n deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n and_o represent_v mankind_n to_o be_v as_o mere_a machine_n as_o a_o watch_n or_o clock_n which_o move_v as_o they_o be_v move_v and_o then_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o bring_v religion_n and_o the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o natural_a justice_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n into_o their_o scheme_n for_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o fate_n other_o to_o avoid_v these_o difficulty_n be_v afraid_a of_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o providence_n or_o have_v such_o confuse_a and_o perplex_v notion_n about_o it_o that_o there_o be_v few_o case_n wherein_o they_o can_v secure_o depend_v on_o god_n but_o i_o think_v this_o difficulty_n will_v be_v easy_o remove_v if_o we_o distinguish_v between_o god_n government_n of_o man_n as_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n and_o his_o government_n of_o they_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n the_o first_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o own_o private_a and_o natural_a capacity_n the_o second_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n which_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o reason_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o government_n man_n consider_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a government_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o give_v he_o law_n that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o choose_v and_o what_o to_o refuse_v
and_o in_o annex_v such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o observation_n or_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n as_o may_v reasonable_o invite_v he_o to_o obedience_n and_o deter_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o as_o this_o degenerate_a state_n require_v in_o lay_v such_o external_a restraint_n on_o he_o and_o afford_v he_o such_o internal_a assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v proportion_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v it_o become_v god_n to_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o reward_v or_o punish_v he_o as_o he_o deserve_v for_o a_o force_a virtue_n deserve_v no_o reward_n and_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v will_v reasonable_o excuse_v from_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n represent_v it_o as_o very_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o deserve_v reward_n or_o punishment_n as_o far_o as_o he_o himself_o be_v only_o concern_v in_o it_o but_o when_o we_o consider_v man_n in_o society_n the_o case_n be_v alter_v for_o when_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o their_o action_n extend_v beyond_o themselves_o to_o do_v good_a or_o hurt_n to_o other_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n become_v concern_v either_o to_o hinder_v or_o to_o permit_v and_o order_v it_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o government_n as_o those_o other_o man_n who_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o better_a or_o the_o worse_a for_o it_o have_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o of_o god_n though_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o free_a agent_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o he_o have_v make_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o he_o himself_o can_v govern_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o that_o god_n can_v when_o he_o please_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n turn_v man_n heart_n and_o chain_v up_o their_o passion_n and_o alter_v their_o counsel_n the_o only_a question_n be_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o do_v this_o and_o no_o man_n can_v question_v the_o fitness_n of_o it_o when_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o god_n make_v no_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a virtuous_a or_o vicious_a by_o a_o perpetual_a and_o irresistible_a force_n for_o this_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o require_v a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o choice_n but_o god_n may_v by_o a_o secret_a and_o irresistible_a influence_n upon_o man_n mind_n even_o force_v they_o to_o do_v that_o good_a which_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o do_v and_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v that_o evil_a which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v which_o do_v not_o make_v they_o good_a man_n but_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v good_a to_o man_n and_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o creature_n may_v when_o he_o see_v fit_a press_v those_o man_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v to_o his_o service_n who_o will_v not_o do_v good_a upon_o choice_n this_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o government_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n the_o first_o have_v relation_n to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n to_o make_v man_n good_a to_o change_v their_o nature_n and_o sinful_a inclination_n into_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o admit_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n respect_v the_o external_a happiness_n or_o misery_n reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o man_n or_o nation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n god_n may_v use_v what_o instrument_n he_o please_v and_o exercise_v such_o authority_n over_o nature_n or_o man_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n of_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v this_o distinction_n because_o the_o confound_a these_o two_o have_v occasion_v great_a difficulty_n and_o mistake_n both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n let_v we_o then_o now_o more_o particular_o consider_v how_o god_n govern_v mankind_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a and_o we_o must_v not_o expectful_o to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n government_n but_o something_o we_o may_v know_v of_o this_o enough_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o reverence_n god_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o to_o vindicate_v his_o providence_n from_o the_o cavil_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v useful_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o two_o general_a head_n 1._o the_o government_n of_o man_n mind_n of_o their_o will_n their_o passion_n and_o counsel_n 2._o the_o government_n of_o their_o action_n 1._o god_n government_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n their_o will_n and_o passion_n and_o counsel_n for_o these_o be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o as_o free_v a_o principle_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v it_o be_v not_o ungovernable_a it_o may_v be_v govern_v and_o that_o without_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n against_o its_o own_o bias_n and_o without_o change_v its_o inclination_n and_o what_o may_v be_v do_v certain_o god_n can_v do_v and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o providence_n we_o may_v conclude_v he_o will_v do_v it_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o bend_v upon_o any_o project_n yet_o hope_v or_o fear_n some_o present_a great_a advantage_n or_o great_a inconvenience_n the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o friend_n a_o sudden_a change_n of_o circumstance_n the_o improbability_n of_o success_n the_o irreparable_a mischief_n of_o a_o defeat_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o consideration_n will_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o god_n to_o imprint_v such_o thought_n upon_o man_n mind_n with_o a_o irresistible_a vigour_n and_o brightness_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o than_o to_o resist_v all_o the_o charm_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n than_o to_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o to_o choose_v misery_n and_o ruin_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o 21._o prov._n 1_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n he_o turn_v it_o whither_o soever_o he_o will_v and_o if_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o he_o have_v all_o other_o man_n heart_n in_o his_o hand_n also_o and_o can_v turn_v and_o change_v they_o as_o he_o please_v thus_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_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 16._o prov._n 9_o man_n consult_v and_o advise_v what_o to_o do_v but_o after_o all_o god_n steer_v and_o direct_v they_o which_o way_n he_o please_v for_o though_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 19_o prov._n 21._o which_o make_v the_o wise_a man_n conclude_v man_n go_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n how_o then_o shall_v a_o man_n understand_v his_o own_o way_n 20._o prov._n 24._o that_o be_v god_n have_v such_o a_o absolute_a government_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o action_n of_o man_n when_o his_o providence_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o event_n that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o know_v what_o he_o himself_o shall_v choose_v and_o do_v for_o god_n can_v in_o a_o instant_n alter_v his_o mind_n and_o make_v he_o steer_v a_o very_a different_a course_n from_o what_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n assure_v we_o i_o know_v that_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n 10._o jer_n 23._o and_o solomon_n tell_v we_o something_o more_o strange_a than_o this_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o man_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n 16._o prov._n 1._o or_o as_o the_o hebrew_n seem_v to_o signify_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o man_n a_o man_n premeditate_v and_o resolve_v what_o he_o will_v say_v but_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v he_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n please_v which_o say_n must_v not_o be_v expound_v to_o a_o universal_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v always_o thus_o but_o that_o
kind_n of_o wickedness_n be_v call_v folly_n and_o sinner_n fool_n and_o to_o learn_v wisdom_n be_v prescribe_v as_o the_o only_a remedy_n against_o vice_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n prove_v it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o all_o man_n who_o do_v wicked_o must_v either_o mistake_v their_o rule_n or_o mistake_v their_o interest_n must_v either_o call_v vice_n virtue_n and_o virtue_n vice_n or_o think_v to_o make_v themselves_o happy_a by_o be_v wicked_a which_o be_v a_o stupid_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n now_o if_o all_o wickedness_n be_v ignorance_n and_o folly_n infinite_a and_o perfect_a wisdom_n must_v be_v perfect_a rectitude_n justice_n and_o goodness_n it_o can_v never_o do_v any_o wrong_n because_o it_o can_v never_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o great_a 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reasonable_a to_o attribute_v such_o work_n as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o to_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o wise_a cause_n because_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o though_o we_o can_v discern_v such_o wisdom_n in_o they_o as_o no_o human_a art_n or_o wisdom_n can_v imitate_v indeed_o the_o passion_n of_o admiration_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o all_o man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o utter_o vain_a be_v a_o plain_a natural_a indication_n that_o there_o be_v something_o above_o our_o natural_a understanding_n which_o we_o must_v admire_v but_o can_v comprehend_v for_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o admiration_n be_v art_n and_o wisdom_n a_o wisdom_n vast_o great_a than_o our_o own_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o natural_a passion_n have_v a_o natural_a object_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n great_a than_o our_o own_o which_o no_o human_a understanding_n can_v comprehend_v such_o a_o wisdom_n as_o 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satisfy_v we_o in_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n even_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o most_o unaccountable_a passage_n of_o it_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v it_o that_o we_o can_v know_v more_o of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n than_o we_o do_v of_o his_o make_v it_o that_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n work_n make_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n unsearchable_a also_o this_o be_v suppose_v in_o god_n answer_n to_o job_n when_o to_o make_v he_o sensible_a how_o little_a he_o understand_v of_o the_o wise_a end_n and_o design_n of_o providence_n he_o convince_v he_o how_o ignorant_a he_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n 38_o 39_o 40_o 41._o chapter_n who_o be_v this_o that_o darkness_n counsel_n by_o word_n without_o knowledge_n gird_v up_o now_o thy_o loin_n like_o a_o man_n for_o i_o will_v demand_v of_o thou_o and_o answer_v thou_o i_o where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o 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beget_v the_o drop_n of_o the_o dew_n out_o of_o who_o womb_n come_v the_o ice_n and_o the_o hoary_a frost_n of_o heaven_n who_o have_v gendr_v it_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a question_n express_v in_o unimitable_a word_n god_n convince_v job_n how_o ignorant_a he_o be_v of_o the_o most_o common_a and_o familiar_a work_n of_o nature_n which_o make_v it_o great_a presumption_n in_o so_o ignorant_a a_o creature_n to_o censure_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o very_a work_n of_o nature_n convince_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o we_o be_v and_o can_v do_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n which_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o never_o ought_v to_o censure_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n do_v because_o he_o be_v so_o much_o wise_a than_o we_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o he_o do_v which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a 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the_o mutual_a dependence_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n what_o end_n thing_n be_v make_v for_o and_o what_o use_v they_o serve_v we_o can_v never_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v nor_o what_o can_v be_v do_v or_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o then_o can_v never_o tell_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o rule_n nor_o what_o the_o end_v of_o god_n government_n be_v which_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n without_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v as_o wild_a conjecture_n about_o providence_n as_o a_o blind_a man_n do_v of_o light_n and_o colour_n as_o for_o instance_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o talk_v a_o wise_a word_n about_o god_n government_n of_o mankind_n in_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o turn_v their_o heart_n direct_v and_o influence_n their_o counsel_n suggest_v thought_n to_o they_o and_o foresee_v their_o thought_n and_o how_o they_o will_v determine_v themselves_o when_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o the_o make_n and_o frame_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n where_o the_o spring_n of_o thought_n be_v and_o how_o we_o connect_v proposition_n and_o draw_v consequence_n what_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_n be_v how_o we_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n where_o the_o balance_n be_v equal_a for_o though_o we_o feel_v all_o these_o power_n in_o ourselves_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o whence_o they_o be_v nor_o how_o they_o act_v and_o yet_o how_o many_o intricate_a question_n be_v there_o relate_v to_o the_o dispute_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o such_o nice_a philosophical_a speculation_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o yet_o which_o some_o man_n perplex_v themselves_o with_o and_o undertake_v very_o grave_o to_o determine_v such_o be_v the_o dispute_n about_o necessity_n and_o fate_n prescience_n and_o predetermination_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n which_o as_o they_o be_v different_o determine_v make_v very_o different_a and_o contrary_a hypothesis_n of_o providence_n and_o either_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n or_o acquit_v he_o from_o any_o partnership_n in_o wickedness_n for_o all_o these_o question_n at_o last_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o this_o how_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n act_n and_o determine_v itself_o whether_o it_o be_v determine_v from_o abroad_o from_o a_o necessary_a train_n and_o series_n of_o fatal_a event_n or_o from_o the_o decree_n and_o predetermination_n or_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o selfmoving_a be_v and_o determine_v itself_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o its_o own_o free_a choice_n now_o unless_o we_o understand_v the_o philosophy_n or_o the_o natural_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n in_o this_o cause_n any_o far_a than_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n go_v and_o that_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o liberty_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v strange_o impose_v on_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o free_a but_o this_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o as_o to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n resolve_v but_o by_o a_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o they_o as_o we_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o our_o confess_a ignorance_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o make_v we_o very_o modest_a in_o censure_v providence_n we_o know_v enough_o both_o of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n to_o serve_v all_o the_o wise_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o live_a which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v useful_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o all_o that_o god_n intend_v we_o shall_v know_v but_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o thing_n belong_v only_o to_o that_o wisdom_n which_o can_v make_v and_o govern_v a_o world_n we_o know_v as_o much_o of_o providence_n as_o we_o do_v of_o nature_n and_o will_v man_n set_v bound_n to_o their_o inquiry_n here_o which_o be_v as_o far_o as_o human_a understanding_n can_v reach_v we_o shall_v hear_v very_o few_o objection_n against_o providence_n our_o ignorance_n of_o nature_n and_o natural_a cause_n and_o the_o natural_a spring_n of_o motion_n how_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o how_o they_o act_n and_o for_o what_o end_v they_o be_v make_v which_o in_o many_o case_n we_o do_v but_o very_o imperfect_o guess_v at_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o we_o never_o ought_v to_o admit_v any_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n as_o a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o the_o be_v or_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o bar_n to_o all_o the_o moral_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n we_o have_v of_o both_o we_o have_v all_o the_o moral_a evidence_n we_o can_v have_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o god_n 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of_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a and_o free_a providence_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o a_o necessary_a chain_n of_o cause_n which_o fatal_o determine_v the_o will_n to_o choose_v and_o act_n as_o these_o cause_n move_v it_o now_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o necessary_a chain_n of_o cause_n or_o not_o it_o be_v certain_a no_o man_n can_v know_v it_o who_o do_v not_o as_o perfect_o understand_v this_o great_a machine_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o motion_n as_o a_o artist_n do_v all_o the_o wheel_n in_o a_o watch_n or_o clock_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n know_v how_o such_o a_o chain_n of_o cause_n shall_v move_v and_o determine_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n without_o understand_v the_o philosophy_n of_o human_a soul_n how_o
mankind_n now_o be_v will_v destroy_v the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o most_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n and_o yet_o without_o this_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o uniform_a towards_o man_n as_o it_o be_v towards_o beast_n and_o those_o who_o fare_v worse_o than_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o will_v still_o complain_v if_o then_o providence_n must_v not_o deal_v alike_o by_o all_o man_n do_v they_o mean_v by_o the_o uniformity_n and_o stability_n of_o providence_n that_o man_n fortune_n whatever_o they_o be_v shall_v always_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o rich_a and_o prosperous_a shall_v always_o be_v rich_a and_o prosperous_a and_o the_o poor_a always_o poor_a and_o beggar_n and_o slave_n unless_o these_o objector_n be_v all_o rich_a and_o happy_a i_o doubt_v they_o will_v never_o agree_v to_o this_o for_o the_o poor_a and_o miserable_a must_v needs_o think_v it_o hard_a usage_n to_o be_v always_o poor_a without_o room_n for_o better_a hope_n but_o such_o a_o stability_n of_o providence_n as_o this_o will_v destroy_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o how_o shall_v god_n restrain_v and_o punish_v wickedness_n and_o reward_n and_o encourage_v virtue_n if_o the_o rich_a must_v always_o be_v rich_a and_o the_o poor_a always_o poor_a nay_o how_o can_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v this_o without_o make_v man_n virtuous_a and_o vicious_a too_o by_o necessity_n and_o fate_n when_o wantonness_n and_o prodigality_n idleness_n and_o folly_n will_v spend_v or_o lose_v a_o estate_n and_o frugality_n prudence_n and_o diligence_n will_v get_v one_o and_o when_o all_o man_n in_o this_o world_n must_v not_o be_v equal_a do_v it_o not_o more_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n that_o man_n own_o virtue_n and_o vice_n shall_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n make_v the_o distinction_n and_o carve_v out_o their_o own_o fortune_n for_o they_o so_o that_o when_o man_n complain_v of_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o instability_n of_o fortune_n as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o complain_v of_o they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o be_v it_o put_v to_o their_o own_o choice_n what_o to_o have_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o know_v how_o to_o mend_v the_o matter_n the_o wise_a government_n of_o free_a agent_n who_o so_o often_o change_v themselves_o require_v very_o frequent_a sudden_a surprise_v turn_v of_o providence_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o invisible_a to_o we_o as_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o their_o most_o secret_a intrigue_n and_o counsel_n till_o we_o can_v make_v man_n all_o move_v alike_o as_o regular_o and_o uniform_o as_o the_o heavenly_a body_n do_v it_o be_v a_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a complaint_n that_o providence_n do_v not_o act_v regular_o and_o that_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o another_o great_a complaint_n against_o providence_n be_v that_o good_a man_n be_v not_o always_o reward_v nor_o bad_a man_n punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n that_o many_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o some_o good_a man_n great_a sufferer_n that_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n 9_o eccl._n 2._o this_o make_v the_o event_n of_o providence_n very_o sudden_a mysterious_a and_o unaccountable_a that_o no_o man_n know_v what_o course_n to_o take_v to_o make_v his_o life_n easy_a and_o prosperous_a for_o whether_o he_o be_v good_a or_o wicked_a he_o may_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a as_o it_o happen_v as_o for_o the_o objection_n itself_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o more_o hereafter_o but_o at_o present_a i_o will_v only_o ask_v these_o objector_n whether_o to_o remove_v these_o difficulty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o providence_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o event_n they_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_a desire_n that_o god_n will_v reduce_v this_o matter_n to_o a_o certainty_n by_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n and_o reward_v all_o good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n if_o they_o do_v i_o must_v tell_v they_o as_o christ_n tell_v the_o two_o brethren_n who_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v sit_v one_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n you_o ask_v you_o know_v not_o what_o they_o ask_v the_o most_o dangerous_a thing_n that_o can_v possible_o befall_v mankind_n and_o what_o they_o ask_v will_v be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n a_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n than_o what_o they_o complain_v of_o shall_v every_o sinner_n be_v punish_v in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o his_o desert_n what_o man_n be_v there_o so_o just_a and_o innocent_a as_o to_o escape_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n if_o thou_o lord_n shall_v mark_v iniquity_n o_o lord_n who_o shall_v stand_v 130._o psal._n 3_o be_v every_o sinner_n punish_v as_o he_o deserve_v i_o doubt_v there_o will_v be_v no_o good_a man_n leave_v to_o be_v reward_v for_o where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o do_v good_a and_o sin_v not_o what_o room_n do_v this_o leave_n for_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n for_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n for_o god_n pardoning-grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o what_o a_o terrible_a providence_n be_v this_o how_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o kind_n and_o gracious_a government_n of_o his_o creature_n i_o grant_v god_n may_v exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n he_o may_v forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o true_a penitent_n and_o yet_o punish_v sinner_n and_o reward_v good_a man_n even_o in_o this_o world_n these_o thing_n be_v very_o reconcilable_a in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o thus_o he_o do_v govern_v the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v very_o irreconcilable_a with_o such_o a_o providence_n and_o government_n as_o these_o man_n desire_v which_o require_v a_o present_a and_o visible_a punishment_n of_o every_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o commit_v and_o as_o present_v and_o visible_a a_o reward_n of_o every_o good_a action_n for_o unless_o these_o punishment_n and_o reward_n be_v present_a all_o the_o time_n they_o be_v delay_v bad_a man_n may_v be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v which_o be_v their_o very_a objection_n against_o providence_n which_o can_v never_o be_v remove_v but_o by_o speedy_a and_o visible_a execution_n which_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o the_o patience_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o god_n or_o for_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o desirable_a for_o ever_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n than_o to_o have_v such_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o providence_n as_o this_o let_v i_o desire_v these_o unthinking_a caviller_n at_o providence_n to_o review_v their_o objection_n over_o again_o and_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o every_o word_n in_o it_o and_o how_o upon_o second_o thought_n they_o like_v it_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o plain_a and_o certain_a reason_n of_o god_n judgement_n they_o desire_v that_o no_o man_n may_v suffer_v any_o external_a calamity_n but_o only_o for_o sin_n and_o that_o every_o sinner_n may_v be_v punish_v in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o his_o desert_n and_o then_o they_o will_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o world_n that_o they_o shall_v continue_v infidel_n than_o be_v thus_o convince_v well_o then_o who_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v these_o sinner_n who_o they_o will_v have_v punish_v do_v they_o mean_v every_o one_o who_o do_v a_o wicked_a action_n or_o every_o impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n if_o every_o one_o who_o at_o any_o time_n do_v any_o wicked_a action_n must_v be_v punish_v for_o it_o than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v escape_v then_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n or_o forgiveness_n but_o a_o speedy_a vengeance_n must_v pursue_v the_o sinner_n and_o god_n know_v we_o be_v all_o sinner_n and_o must_v all_o be_v punish_v and_o if_o this_o remove_v one_o objection_n against_o providence_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v very_o much_o increase_v another_o from_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o will_v be_v many_o more_o and_o much_o great_a if_o every_o sin_n must_v receive_v its_o just_a punishment_n if_o they_o mean_v only_o that_o impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n
confess_v that_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o move_v and_o incline_v by_o god_n but_o only_o charge_v their_o sin_n on_o god_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o every_o man_n feel_v what_o it_o be_v that_o tempt_v he_o his_o love_n of_o riches_n of_o pleasure_n or_o honour_n and_o that_o the_o temptation_n and_o impulse_n be_v weak_a or_o strong_a in_o proportion_n to_o his_o fondness_n and_o passion_n for_o these_o tempt_a object_n but_o yet_o he_o feel_v himself_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v and_o determine_v himself_o and_o find_v a_o principle_n within_o he_o which_o resist_v and_o oppose_v his_o compliance_n with_o the_o temptation_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o for_o which_o god_n will_v punish_v he_o and_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n for_o man_n to_o charge_v their_o sin_n upon_o god_n when_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o give_v check_v to_o they_o and_o make_v sin_n uneasy_a be_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o what_o he_o will_v punish_v this_o i_o think_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o god_n tempt_a and_o incline_v man_n to_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n such_o a_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o such_o a_o natural_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o justice_n that_o while_o we_o preserve_v this_o sense_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a no_o temptation_n can_v fasten_v on_o we_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o reason_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o and_o can_v tempt_v incline_v and_o over-rule_v man_n to_o choose_v or_o to_o act_v any_o wickedness_n for_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n all_o mankind_n believe_v god_n to_o be_v perfect_a holiness_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a be_v can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n do_v man_n sin_n by_o divine_a impulse_n or_o by_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o the_o scripture_n teach_v this_o in_o express_a word_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 1._o james_n 13._o and_o all_o the_o law_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n exhortation_n reproof_n and_o passionate_a expostulation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n if_o they_o mean_v any_o thing_n sincere_a do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o man_n sin_v free_o and_o that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o incline_v and_o tempt_a man_n to_o sin_n that_o he_o do_v all_o that_o become_v a_o wise_a and_o holy_a be_v to_o restrain_v and_o deter_v they_o from_o it_o now_o when_o we_o have_v such_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n that_o god_n be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v nor_o be_v any_o such_o proof_n pretend_v and_o then_o some_o remote_a and_o uncertain_a consequence_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o our_o ignorance_n or_o confuse_a and_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o some_o obscure_a expression_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o disprove_v a_o direct_a and_o positive_a evidence_n no_o more_o than_o the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o motion_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o motion_n when_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o feel_v ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n move_v and_o yet_o such_o kind_n of_o difficulty_n as_o these_o be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v to_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o most_o material_a of_o which_o i_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o examine_v 1._o one_o and_o that_o the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n and_o to_o charge_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o god_n be_v his_o prescience_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o all_o future_a event_n that_o god_n do_v foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o heathen_n jew_n and_o christian_n and_o prophecy_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v must_v foreknow_v they_o now_o from_o hence_o they_o thus_o argue_v what_o be_v certain_o fore-known_a must_v certain_o be_v and_o what_o be_v thus_o certain_a be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o if_o all_o future_a event_n be_v certain_a as_o be_v certain_o foreknow_v then_o all_o thing_n even_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v owe_v to_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o then_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o necessity_n and_o fate_n must_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o man_n sin_n too_o now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v certain_o fore-known_a but_o what_o will_v certain_o be_v but_o then_o i_o deny_v that_o nothing_o will_v certain_o be_v but_o what_o have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o we_o see_v ten_o thousand_o effect_n of_o free_a or_o contingent_a cause_n which_o certain_o be_v though_o they_o may_v never_o have_v be_v for_o whatever_o be_v certain_o be_v and_o whatever_o certain_o be_v now_o be_v certain_o though_o not_o necessary_o future_a a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o that_o man_n understand_v very_o little_a who_o know_v not_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o event_n no_o event_n be_v necessary_a but_o that_o which_o have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n as_o the_o rise_n and_o sit_v of_o the_o sun_n but_o every_o event_n be_v certain_a which_o will_v certain_o be_v though_o it_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o cause_n which_o act_v free_o and_o may_v do_v otherwise_o if_o it_o please_v as_o all_o the_o free_a action_n of_o man_n be_v some_o of_o which_o though_o do_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n may_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o certain_o know_v as_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v do_v free_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o that_o which_o be_v certain_a may_v be_v certain_o know_v then_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n foreknowledge_n only_o prove_v the_o certainty_n but_o not_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o event_n and_o then_o god_n may_v foreknow_v all_o event_n and_o yet_o lie_v no_o necessity_n on_o mankind_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n foreknowledge_n lay_v no_o great_a necessity_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v fore-known_a than_o knowledge_n do_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v know_v for_o foreknowledge_n be_v nothing_o but_o knowledge_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v know_v much_o less_o the_o necessary_a cause_n of_o it_o we_o certain_o know_v at_o what_o time_n the_o sun_n will_v rise_v and_o sit_v every_o day_n in_o the_o year_n but_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v or_o sit_v nay_o in_o many_o case_n in_o proportion_n to_o our_o knowledge_n of_o man_n we_o may_v with_o great_a certainty_n foretell_v what_o they_o will_v do_v and_o how_o they_o will_v behave_v themselves_o in_o such_o or_o such_o circumstance_n and_o do_v we_o perfect_o know_v they_o we_o shall_v rare_o if_o ever_o mistake_v for_o though_o man_n act_v free_o they_o do_v not_o act_v arbitrary_o but_o there_o be_v always_o some_o bias_n upon_o their_o mind_n which_o incline_v and_o draw_v they_o and_o the_o more_o confirm_a habit_n man_n have_v of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n the_o more_o certain_o and_o steady_o they_o act_v and_o the_o more_o certain_o we_o may_v know_v they_o without_o make_v they_o either_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a now_o can_v we_o certain_o know_v what_o all_o man_n will_v do_v before_o they_o do_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o will_v neither_o make_v nor_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a agent_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n be_v such_o as_o to_o know_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o before_o we_o think_v they_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o make_v we_o think_v such_o thought_n nor_o do_v such_o action_n how_o god_n can_v foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v even_o such_o event_n as_o depend_v upon_o the_o most_o free_a and_o contingent_a cause_n we_o can_v tell_v but_o it_o be_v not_o incredible_a that_o infinite_a knowledge_n shall_v do_v this_o when_o wise_a man_n who_o knowledge_n be_v so_o very_o
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
reform_v sinner_n by_o the_o various_a method_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n and_o this_o change_v both_o the_o very_a notion_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o justice_n in_o this_o world_n for_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o of_o either_o than_o what_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n will_v allow_v the_o not_o consider_v this_o distinction_n between_o absolute_a goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o discipline_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o objection_n which_o have_v be_v make_v both_o against_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a and_o unconfined_a goodness_n can_v make_v it_o nor_o be_v all_o sinner_n so_o miserable_a as_o strict_a and_o absolute_a justice_n can_v make_v they_o but_o this_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n as_o no_o man_n ever_o pretend_v they_o be_v and_o yet_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a justice_n and_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a goodness_n wherever_o they_o be_v exercise_v must_v make_v hell_n and_o heaven_n but_o this_o life_n be_v a_o middle-state_n between_o both_o and_o as_o man_n behave_v themselves_o here_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n either_o in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n and_o therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o goodness_n or_o justice_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n proportion_v to_o the_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o trial_n in_o this_o life_n goodness_n indeed_o have_v the_o predominant_a government_n and_o justice_n be_v only_o the_o minister_n of_o goodness_n in_o this_o world_n as_o it_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n when_o correction_n as_o well_o as_o favour_n be_v intend_v for_o good_a to_o put_v man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n to_o recover_v that_o immortality_n he_o have_v lose_v be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a goodness_n and_o whatever_o severe_a method_n be_v use_v to_o reform_v sinner_n be_v as_o great_a a_o expression_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v to_o force_v and_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o be_v happy_a as_o it_o be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o hand_n or_o a_o leg_n to_o preserve_v life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o allow_v this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n for_o another_o world_n and_o wise_o consider_v not_o what_o pure_a simple_a and_o absolute_a goodness_n but_o what_o the_o goodness_n of_o discipline_n require_v it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o easy_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 1._o as_o first_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n for_o that_o be_v no_o state_n of_o discipline_n good_a man_n themselves_o be_v they_o as_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n as_o they_o can_v wish_v will_v not_o be_v very_o fond_a of_o another_o world_n nor_o learn_v those_o mortify_n and_o self-denying_a virtue_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o bad_a man_n will_v grow_v more_o in_o love_n with_o this_o world_n and_o sin_n on_o without_o check_n and_o control_v the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n wean_v good_a man_n from_o this_o world_n and_o lay_v great_a restraint_n upon_o bad_a man_n which_o justify_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o those_o many_o misery_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v 2._o but_o yet_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v that_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o tolerable_a a_o place_n as_o to_o make_v life_n desirable_a his_o own_o glory_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o for_o no_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o good_a god_n be_v there_o no_o visible_a and_o sensible_a testimony_n of_o a_o kind_n and_o good_a providence_n but_o though_o god_n curse_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o deface_v the_o character_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o still_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 1._o rom._n 20._o and_o in_o the_o most_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n god_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o a_o witness_n give_v they_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v their_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n what_o dreadful_a apprehension_n will_v this_o give_v mankind_n of_o god_n be_v this_o world_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o scene_n of_o trouble_n and_o misery_n what_o encouragement_n will_v this_o be_v to_o sinner_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v what_o 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this_o world_n that_o they_o never_o care_v to_o think_v of_o another_o and_o that_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n have_v many_o time_n a_o quite_o contrary_a effect_n to_o make_v man_n serious_a and_o considerate_a to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n to_o correct_v and_o reform_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o good_a both_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o this_o be_v what_o god_n design_n in_o those_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n he_o bring_v on_o mankind_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o assure_v we_o and_o the_o natural_a conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o affliction_n be_v not_o evil_a nor_o any_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n if_o they_o prove_v evil_a to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n for_o god_n design_n they_o for_o good_a as_o the_o apostle_n express_o tell_v we_o 28._o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v if_o you_o endure_v chasten_v god_n deal_v with_o you_o as_o with_o son_n for_o what_o son_n be_v he_o who_o the_o father_n chasten_v not_o but_o if_o you_o be_v without_o chastisement_n whereof_o all_o be_v partaker_n then_o be_v you_o bastard_n and_o not_o son_n 21._o hebr._n 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o than_o must_v be_v our_o great_a care_n to_o rectify_v our_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o withdraw_v our_o mind_n from_o sense_n and_o not_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n good_a that_o be_v pleasant_a nor_o every_o thing_n evil_a that_o be_v afflict_v this_o distinction_n the_o heathen_a poet_n long_o since_o observe_v and_o give_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n and_o a_o very_a wise_a and_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v why_o we_o shall_v entire_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o choose_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o nam_fw-la pro_fw-la jucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la dabunt_fw-la dii_fw-la that_o though_o god_n will_v not_o always_o give_v we_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o pleasant_a he_o will_v give_v we_o what_o be_v most_o profitable_a for_o we_o and_o if_o we_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a not_o by_o sense_n nor_o by_o external_a appearance_n but_o by_o that_o spiritual_a good_a they_o do_v or_o be_v intend_v to_o do_v we_o in_o make_v we_o good_a man_n here_o and_o happy_a hereafter_o man_n may_v if_o they_o so_o please_v as_o reasonable_o quarrel_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o prosperity_n which_o so_o many_o enjoy_v as_o with_o the_o affliction_n which_o other_o suffer_v for_o prosperity_n do_v often_o corrupt_v man_n manner_n and_o betray_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o folly_n than_o affliction_n do_v good_a man_n themselves_o can_v hardly_o bear_v a_o prosperous_a state_n nor_o resist_v the_o temptation_n and_o flattery_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n whereas_o affliction_n many_o time_n reform_v bad_a man_n and_o make_v good_a man_n better_a as_o the_o psalmist_n himself_o own_v it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v for_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o since_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o keep_v thy_o law_n and_o if_o both_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n may_v be_v either_o for_o our_o good_a or_o hurt_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o we_o can_v always_o tell_v we_o must_v leave_v this_o to_o god_n and_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o care_n and_o discipline_n who_o know_v we_o better_o than_o we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o but_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o start_v a_o new_a and_o more_o difficult_a objection_n that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o external_a and_o sensible_a event_n we_o can_v have_v no_o sensible_a proof_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v object_v the_o external_a evil_n and_o calamity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o prove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o those_o external_a and_o sensible_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o mankind_n so_o that_o religion_n gain_v nothing_o by_o this_o it_o silence_n indeed_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n but_o it_o also_o destroy_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o good_a and_o just_a providence_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n will_v give_v we_o a_o true_a notion_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o though_o we_o can_v know_v love_n or_o hatred_n mere_o by_o external_a event_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n nor_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v good_a or_o in_o send_v his_o plague_n and_o judgement_n on_o the_o world_n natural_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v the_o instrument_n and_o method_n of_o discipline_n good_a man_n be_v encourage_v and_o reward_v in_o this_o world_n by_o some_o external_a and_o natural_a blessing_n and_o bad_a man_n be_v restrain_v and_o govern_v by_o some_o natural_a evil_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o do_v good_a and_o in_o punish_v make_v these_o external_a blessing_n and_o punishment_n the_o method_n of_o discipline_n which_o can_v have_v no_o efficacy_n in_o they_o either_o to_o encourage_v good_a man_n or_o to_o reform_v the_o wicked_a but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o visible_a signification_n of_o god_n favour_n or_o displeasure_n and_o therefore_o such_o external_a blessing_n and_o punishment_n be_v evident_a proof_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v the_o method_n of_o discipline_n nor_o have_v any_o moral_a efficacy_n upon_o mankind_n but_o yet_o when_o these_o act_n of_o goodness_n or_o justice_n be_v make_v the_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o not_o intend_v as_o the_o proper_a reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n they_o be_v not_o always_o confine_v to_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o certain_a and_o visible_a mark_n of_o god_n love_n or_o hatred_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a to_o the_o good_a it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o a_o incitement_n to_o a_o more_o perfect_a virtue_n to_o the_o evil_a a_o expression_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o a_o invitation_n to_o repentance_n but_o when_o he_o be_v good_a both_o to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a the_o mere_a external_a event_n can_v make_v no_o difference_n the_o external_a good_a may_v be_v the_o same_o and_o god_n be_v good_a to_o both_o and_o intend_v good_a to_o both_o but_o yet_o have_v not_o equal_a favour_n to_o both_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o god_n to_o punish_v and_o to_o correct_v sin_n and_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n many_o time_n feel_v the_o same_o severity_n to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v the_o folly_n and_o to_o quicken_v and_o inflame_v the_o devotion_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o over-awe_n and_o terrify_v bad_a man_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n this_o be_v to_o be_v just_a and_o to_o be_v good_a to_o both_o as_o great_a goodness_n and_o justice_n as_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o make_v good_a man_n better_a though_o the_o external_a event_n of_o providence_n in_o such_o case_n make_v little_a distinction_n between_o they_o we_o see_v in_o all_o these_o instance_n manifest_a proof_n both_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n though_o prosperity_n be_v not_o always_o a_o blessing_n nor_o affliction_n always_o evil_a they_o be_v always_o indeed_o in_o themselves_o natural_a good_n and_o evil_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o a_o natural_a goodness_n and_o justice_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o moral_a end_n to_o that_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o our_o life_n what_o be_v natural_o good_a may_v prove_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v natural_o evil_a may_v do_v we_o the_o great_a good_a and_o then_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n must_v not_o be_v measure_v mere_o by_o the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_n of_o external_a event_n but_o by_o such_o a_o mixture_n and_o temperament_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o be_v best_a fit_v to_o govern_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o 3_o there_o be_v another_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o what_o goodness_n be_v require_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n now_o the_o universal_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n
ham_n which_o will_v quick_o have_v endanger_v as_o general_a a_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n as_o there_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o course_n god_n take_v to_o prevent_v this_o and_o the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o 11._o genes_n 7_o 8._o that_o god_n confound_v their_o language_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v one_o another_o speech_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n scatter_v they_o abroad_o from_o thence_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o they_o leave_v off_o to_o build_v the_o city_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o ready_a way_n to_o people_n the_o whole_a earth_n even_o the_o remote_a corner_n of_o it_o which_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o mankind_n find_v they_o work_v to_o do_v force_v they_o upon_o the_o invention_n of_o ingenious_a art_n and_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n make_v every_o country_n which_o be_v not_o want_v to_o itself_o a_o little_a world_n and_o every_o part_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o say_v beside_o this_o it_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n that_o can_v be_v use_v at_o that_o time_n to_o prevent_v the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n for_o 1._o this_o separate_v the_o family_n of_o sem_fw-mi and_o japhet_n from_o the_o family_n of_o ham_n where_o the_o infection_n be_v already_o begin_v and_o will_v have_v spread_v apace_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o power_n and_o empire_n when_o cain_n have_v slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n god_n send_v he_o away_o out_o of_o adam_n family_n that_o his_o presence_n and_o example_n may_v do_v no_o hurt_n and_o if_o by_o the_o daughter_n of_o man_n in_o 6._o genes_n we_o understand_v as_o some_o good_a expositor_n do_v those_o who_o descend_v of_o cain_n and_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o posterity_n of_o seth_n in_o who_o family_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v preserve_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o moses_n date_n the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o union_n of_o these_o two_o family_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n see_v the_o daughter_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v fair_a and_o take_v they_o wife_n of_o all_o which_o they_o choose_v and_o have_v the_o universal_a empire_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o family_n of_o ham_n and_o the_o posterity_n of_o sem_fw-mi and_o japhet_n be_v bring_v into_o subjection_n to_o they_o as_o they_o must_v in_o a_o short_a time_n have_v be_v what_o less_o can_v have_v be_v expect_v from_o such_o a_o union_n and_o government_n but_o another_o antediluvian_n corruption_n of_o all_o flesh_n this_o dispersion_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v a_o general_a corruption_n but_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o cain_n that_o a_o mere_a local_a separation_n be_v no_o security_n for_o they_o may_v come_v together_o again_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o daughter_n of_o man_n in_o process_n of_o time_n do_v and_o therefore_o two_o the_o most_o last_a dispersion_n and_o separation_n be_v by_o a_o confusion_n of_o language_n which_o hinder_v all_o intercourse_n and_o communication_n at_o least_o till_o there_o be_v a_o remedy_n find_v against_o it_o by_o learn_v each_o other_o language_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v so_o general_a as_o to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o a_o common_a intercourse_n this_o effectual_o divide_v they_o at_o first_o and_o will_v always_o keep_v nation_n divide_v till_o foreign_a arm_n shall_v give_v new_a law_n and_o a_o new_a language_n to_o a_o conquer_a people_n 3_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o the_o more_o division_n of_o language_n be_v make_v and_o the_o great_a the_o dispersion_n be_v the_o great_a security_n be_v it_o against_o a_o general_a corruption_n which_o be_v a_o reason_n not_o only_o for_o separate_v the_o family_n of_o ham_n from_o the_o family_n of_o sem_fw-mi and_o japhet_n but_o for_o separate_v they_o from_o each_o other_o and_o divide_v they_o into_o small_a body_n for_o the_o more_o division_n there_o be_v whatever_o part_n be_v infect_v the_o less_o can_v the_o corruption_n spread_v when_o there_o be_v no_o communication_n between_o they_o 4thly_a this_o also_o divide_a mankind_n into_o several_a little_a independent_a monarchy_n under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o head_n of_o their_o several_a family_n which_o keep_v all_o mankind_n under_o a_o strict_a government_n than_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v be_v one_o great_a empire_n which_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o tyrannical_a domination_n but_o can_v have_v take_v little_a care_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o subject_n especial_o if_o the_o government_n itself_o be_v corrupt_v the_o whole_a world_n must_v be_v corrupt_a with_o it_o but_o when_o so_o many_o distinct_a society_n be_v form_v this_o give_v they_o distinct_a interest_n and_o make_v their_o law_n and_o custom_n the_o very_a humour_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o people_n so_o different_a from_o each_o other_o as_o will_v keep_v they_o distinct_a and_o this_o will_v necessary_o occasion_v mutual_a emulation_n and_o jealousy_n to_o rival_n their_o neighbour_n in_o riches_n and_o power_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o wise_a law_n and_o a_o strict_a discipline_n and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o labour_n and_o industry_n of_o liberal_a art_n and_o all_o social_a virtue_n and_o the_o suppression_n of_o such_o vice_n as_o weaken_v government_n and_o emasculate_a man_n spirit_n this_o effect_n we_o know_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n it_o have_v as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o most_o early_a account_n of_o the_o grecian_a commonwealth_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o excellent_a law_n and_o such_o great_a example_n of_o frugality_n temperance_n fortitude_n and_o a_o generous_a love_n of_o their_o country_n which_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v attribute_v to_o their_o mutual_a emulation_n which_o teach_v they_o prudence_n and_o justice_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o force_v on_o they_o the_o exercise_n of_o many_o civil_a and_o military_a virtue_n it_o have_v indeed_o be_v more_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o mankind_n have_v be_v but_o one_o people_n and_o one_o kingdom_n without_o divide_a interest_n and_o government_n but_o such_o a_o profound_a state_n of_o ease_n be_v apt_a to_o loosen_v the_o rain_n of_o government_n and_o to_o corrupt_v man_n mind_n with_o sloth_n and_o luxury_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o more_o fit_a for_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v that_o the_o earth_n shall_v have_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o itself_o without_o humane_a labour_n and_o industry_n but_o jealousy_n and_o emulation_n the_o necessity_n of_o defend_v themselves_o against_o potent_a neighbour_n or_o the_o ambition_n to_o equal_v or_o to_o outdo_v they_o restrain_v public_a vice_n and_o be_v a_o spur_n to_o virtue_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o many_o misery_n to_o mankind_n of_o all_o the_o calamity_n and_o desolation_n of_o war_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v 5thly_a that_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n while_o god_n keep_v the_o sword_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v a_o admirable_a instrument_n of_o government_n and_o a_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o again_o any_o more_o smite_v every_o live_a thing_n as_o he_o have_v do_v 8._o genes_n 21._o and_o yet_o mankind_n can_v not_o be_v govern_v without_o some_o restraint_n and_o punishment_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v god_n to_o punish_v man_n and_o nation_n as_o often_o as_o they_o deserve_v it_o by_o a_o immediate_a hand_n and_o what_o then_o can_v be_v more_o wise_o design_v than_o so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o if_o man_n and_o nation_n be_v wicked_a they_o shall_v scourge_v and_o punish_v one_o another_o by_o this_o mean_v god_n can_v chastise_v two_o wicked_a nation_n by_o each_o other_o sword_n without_o destroy_v either_o he_o can_v so_o lessen_v their_o number_n and_o exhaust_v their_o treasure_n and_o impoverish_v their_o country_n as_o to_o force_v they_o to_o peace_n and_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o laborious_a and_o frugal_a life_n which_o will_v cure_v the_o wantonness_n and_o luxury_n of_o plenty_n and_o ease_n if_o a_o nation_n be_v grow_v incurable_o wicked_a he_o can_v by_o this_o mean_n destroy_v they_o without_o embroil_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n he_o can_v carry_v they_o captive_a into_o foreign_a country_n or_o make_v they_o slave_n at_o home_n and_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o yoke_n of_o a_o conqueror_n who_o shall_v correct_v they_o and_o teach_v they_o better_o in_o a_o word_n the_o dispersion_n of_o
36._o wo_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n because_o you_o build_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o garnish_v the_o sepulcher_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o say_v if_o we_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n we_o will_v not_o have_v be_v partaker_n with_o they_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n wherefore_o you_o be_v witness_n unto_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n fill_v you_o up_o then_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o father_n sin_n wherefore_o behold_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o prophet_n and_o wise_a man_n and_o scribe_n and_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v you_o kill_v and_o crucify_v and_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v you_o scourge_v in_o your_o synagogue_n and_o persecute_v they_o from_o city_n to_o city_n that_o upon_o you_o may_v come_v all_o the_o righteous_a blood_n shed_v upon_o the_o earth_n from_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o zacharias_n son_n of_o barachias_n who_o you_o slay_v between_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o altar_n god_n may_v wait_v with_o patience_n upon_o a_o wicked_a nation_n or_o a_o wicked_a family_n but_o when_o they_o sin_v on_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o it_o all_o aggravate_v the_o account_n and_o when_o god_n see_v it_o time_n to_o punish_v make_v the_o punishment_n very_o severe_a or_o final_a 2_o the_o righteous_a posterity_n of_o good_a man_n be_v reward_v also_o for_o their_o father_n sake_n for_o he_o show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n a_o wicked_a son_n may_v receive_v a_o great_a many_o temporal_a blessing_n from_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o righteous_a father_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n that_o god_n show_v great_a favour_n and_o exercise_n great_a patience_n to_o bad_a man_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o good_a but_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o righteous_a seed_n of_o good_a man_n for_o though_o it_o do_v not_o unbecome_v the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o show_v favour_n to_o bad_a man_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o make_v it_o the_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v fit_v to_o make_v any_o general_a promise_n of_o favour_n to_o they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o encouragement_n of_o vice_n the_o righteous_a seed_n then_o of_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v but_o so_o shall_v the_o righteous_a seed_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v and_o what_o peculiar_a privilege_n be_v this_o to_o the_o good_a i_o answer_v when_o god_n promise_v to_o bless_v the_o righteous_a posterity_n of_o good_a man_n if_o it_o contain_v any_o thing_n peculiar_a which_o god_n have_v not_o so_o express_o promise_v to_o other_o good_a man_n it_o must_v signify_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o a_o more_o last_a prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n nor_o have_v god_n any_o where_o promise_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o no_o more_o than_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v visible_o punish_v here_o but_o as_o god_n visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n by_o execute_v a_o more_o speedy_a vengeance_n on_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n so_o the_o righteous_a child_n of_o righteous_a parent_n shall_v be_v more_o certain_o prosperous_a than_o other_o good_a man_n and_o the_o more_o uninterrupted_a succession_n there_o be_v of_o such_o righteous_a parent_n and_o righteous_a child_n the_o deep_a root_n they_o shall_v take_v and_o be_v like_o a_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o his_o season_n his_o leaf_n also_o shall_v not_o wither_v and_o what_o soever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v 1._o psal._n 3_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o short_a representation_n of_o this_o case_n and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o state_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v no_o injustice_n in_o it_o let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o wise_a end_v it_o serve_v both_o with_o respect_n to_o parent_n and_o to_o child_n and_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o providence_n 1._o as_o to_o parent_n if_o they_o have_v any_o natural_a affection_n to_o their_o child_n this_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o vice_n and_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o virtue_n most_o of_o the_o labour_n and_o toil_n which_o man_n undergo_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o child_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o while_o they_o live_v and_o to_o leave_v they_o in_o easy_a and_o happy_a circumstance_n when_o they_o die_v to_o raise_v and_o perpetuate_v a_o family_n and_o to_o secure_v they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a from_o all_o adverse_a event_n but_o how_o successful_a soever_o bad_a man_n may_v be_v in_o raise_v a_o estate_n they_o build_v upon_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n and_o leave_v a_o very_a perish_a inheritance_n to_o their_o child_n especial_o if_o they_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n by_o defraud_v god_n and_o the_o poor_a of_o their_o portion_n which_o many_o time_n make_v it_o moulder_v away_o in_o the_o hand_n even_o of_o a_o righteous_a heir_n the_o more_o prosperous_a a_o wicked_a man_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a be_v his_o posterity_n to_o be_v miserable_a if_o he_o propagate_v his_o vice_n to_o they_o for_o god_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o reckon_v with_o wicked_a family_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o that_o will_v be_v a_o terrible_a account_n when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o father_n shall_v be_v remember_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o mother_n shall_v not_o be_v blot_v out_o 109._o psal._n 14._o and_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v this_o to_o good_a man_n though_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v unfortunate_a in_o the_o world_n to_o know_v that_o their_o posterity_n shall_v reap_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o virtue_n that_o if_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v wicked_a there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o gentle_o use_v and_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v many_o temporal_a blessing_n for_o their_o sake_n but_o if_o they_o be_v righteous_a they_o shall_v then_o take_v root_n and_o flourish_v in_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o little_a which_o the_o righteous_a man_n have_v righteous_o get_v shall_v prove_v a_o better_a a_o more_o last_a and_o increase_a inheritance_n than_o the_o riches_n of_o many_o wicked_a and_o that_o a_o liberal_a charity_n which_o some_o man_n think_v be_v to_o defraud_v their_o child_n shall_v prove_v like_o seed_n sow_v in_o the_o earth_n which_o repay_v all_o with_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n it_o be_v certain_a be_v this_o firm_o believe_v and_o well_o consider_v it_o will_v lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n in_o the_o world_n both_o on_o bad_a and_o good_a man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n of_o their_o child_n the_o only_a way_n wicked_a man_n have_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o entail_v of_o misery_n from_o their_o family_n and_o to_o secure_v their_o child_n from_o that_o vengeance_n which_o their_o own_o sin_n have_v deserve_v be_v to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o only_a way_n good_a man_n have_v to_o entitle_v their_o child_n to_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n wherewith_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reward_v their_o virtue_n upon_o their_o posterity_n which_o be_v the_o best_a inheritance_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o be_v to_o make_v they_o good_n the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n have_v their_o own_o and_o their_o father_n sin_n to_o hasten_v and_o increase_v their_o punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a child_n of_o righteous_a parent_n have_v their_o own_o and_o their_o father_n virtue_n to_o secure_v and_o to_o augment_v their_o reward_n 2._o as_o for_o child_n what_o great_a obligation_n than_o this_o can_v be_v lay_v on_o they_o to_o avoid_v the_o evil_a example_n and_o to_o imitate_v the_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o father_n make_v it_o more_o dangerous_a for_o they_o to_o be_v wicked_a for_o when_o wickedness_n be_v entail_v the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n be_v entail_v too_o and_o the_o long_a judgement_n have_v be_v delay_v the_o near_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o severe_a it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o wicked_a son_n of_o a_o wicked_a father_n can_v promise_v himself_o to_o escape_v so_o well_o as_o his_o father_n do_v because_o his_o father_n sin_n which_o he_o imitate_v call_v for_o a_o more_o speedy_a vengeance_n on_o he_o either_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o wickedness_n or_o to_o root_v out_o a_o wicked_a family_n and_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o leprous_a house_n but_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v it_o to_o the_o child_n of_o righteous_a
parent_n to_o imitate_v their_o virtue_n that_o they_o may_v inherit_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o their_o father_n we_o think_v it_o a_o great_a advantage_n for_o child_n to_o inherit_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o parent_n industry_n but_o to_o inherit_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o virtue_n be_v much_o great_a and_o this_o none_o but_o virtuous_a child_n can_v do_v a_o prodigal_a son_n may_v inherit_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o industrious_a father_n but_o can_v keep_v it_o but_o a_o wicked_a son_n of_o a_o virtuous_a father_n forfeit_v his_o inheritance_n and_o though_o some_o good_a man_n meet_v with_o very_o little_a or_o with_o no_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n nay_o suffer_v very_o severe_o for_o their_o virtue_n this_o be_v no_o discouragement_n to_o their_o child_n but_o give_v they_o reasonoble_a hope_n to_o expect_v the_o more_o for_o a_o exemplary_a virtue_n shall_v have_v its_o reward_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o the_o father_n have_v it_o not_o the_o son_n and_o the_o son_n son_n through_o all_o the_o line_n of_o a_o virtuous_a succession_n shall_v when_o good_a man_n suffer_v or_o miss_v of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o world_n they_o have_v the_o great_a reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o their_o child_n on_o earth_n 3._o to_o reward_v good_a man_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a in_o their_o posterity_n better_a answer_n the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n than_o the_o personal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o every_o particular_a good_a and_o bad_a man_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v very_o wise_a reason_n why_o some_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v prosperous_a and_o some_o good_a man_n afflict_a in_o this_o world_n and_o since_o this_o world_n be_v not_o the_o place_n of_o judgement_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n do_v not_o require_v that_o every_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o his_o work_n but_o yet_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v require_v that_o virtue_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o vice_n punish_v and_o that_o in_o such_o degree_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o shall_v lay_v all_o reasonable_a restraint_n on_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n and_o encourage_v their_o virtue_n now_o virtue_n be_v reward_v and_o vice_n punish_v when_o it_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v if_o not_o in_o the_o person_n yet_o in_o the_o posterity_n of_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n which_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o good_a man_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o ministries_n of_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o service_n of_o providence_n and_o yet_o very_o effectual_o discourage_v wickedness_n and_o encourage_v virtue_n 2_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v that_o god_n very_o often_o punish_v sin_n with_o sin_n and_o many_o time_n with_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n 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so_o near_o concern_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n must_v either_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n or_o on_o the_o general_a belief_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o care_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o to_o trust_v in_o man_n be_v either_o to_o trust_v their_o promise_n or_o their_o friendship_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v secure_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o they_o reach_v for_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v but_o then_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o expound_v temporal_a promise_n to_o a_o large_a sense_n than_o god_n intend_v or_o than_o providence_n ordinary_o make_v good_a which_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o his_o providence_n into_o question_n and_o discourage_v our_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n when_o we_o see_v event_n not_o to_o answer_v god_n 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as_o the_o christian_a church_n inherit_v all_o those_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o be_v typify_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o a_o christian_a nation_n succeed_v to_o all_o those_o temporal_a promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jewish_a state_n or_o else_o all_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o now_o so_o that_o these_o national_a promise_v we_o may_v secure_o rely_v on_o as_o to_o their_o utmost_a extent_n and_o signification_n and_o i_o be_o satisfy_v there_o can_v be_v one_o example_n give_v wherein_o these_o promise_n have_v fail_v god_n have_v oftentimes_o suffer_v a_o wicked_a nation_n to_o be_v prosperous_a to_o scourge_v their_o wicked_a neighbour_n but_o he_o never_o suffer_v a_o true_o righteous_a and_o religious_a nation_n to_o be_v oppress_v now_o the_o large_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a promise_n in_o scripture_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n such_o as_o concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n but_o even_o in_o the_o most_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o case_n of_o particular_a man_n be_v very_o different_a some_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v and_o therefore_o those_o promise_n which_o concern_v good_a man_n in_o their_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n must_v be_v more_o cautious_o expound_v to_o a_o more_o restrain_v and_o limit_a sense_n accommodate_v to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o their_o different_a attainment_n in_o virtue_n as_o for_o example_n when_o solomon_n tell_v we_o of_o wisdom_n length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a riches_n and_o honour_n 3._o prov._n 16._o will_v any_o man_n expound_v this_o to_o signify_v that_o all_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o prudent_a shall_v live_v till_o old_a age_n and_o attain_v to_o riches_n and_o honour_n do_v god_n then_o intend_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o different_a rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o poor_a man_n as_o well_o as_o rich_a or_o do_v he_o intend_v that_o no_o poor_a man_n shall_v be_v wise_a wisdom_n indeed_o will_v advance_v a_o prince_n to_o great_a riches_n and_o honour_n as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o his_o father_n david_n instruct_v he_o he_o teach_v i_o also_o and_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v thy_o heart_n retain_v my_o word_n keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o live_v get_v wisdom_n get_v understanding_n forget_v she_o not_o neither_o decline_v from_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n forsake_v she_o not_o and_o she_o shall_v preserve_v thou_o love_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v keep_v thou_o wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o get_n get_v understanding_n exalt_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v promote_v thou_o she_o shall_v bring_v thou_o to_o honour_v when_o thou_o do_v embrace_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o 4._o prov._n 4_o 9_o this_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o young_a prince_n to_o make_v he_o rich_a and_o great_a for_o religious_a wisdom_n will_v certain_o advance_v he_o beyond_o all_o the_o politic_n of_o machiavelli_n and_o if_o solomon_n in_o imitation_n of_o his_o father_n david_n direct_v his_o instruction_n to_o his_o child_n and_o particular_o to_o that_o son_n who_o be_v to_o inherit_v his_o throne_n as_o he_o himself_o seem_v to_o intimate_v 1_o 2_o 3._o verse_n we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o because_o he_o tell_v his_o son_n that_o wisdom_n will_v make_v he_o a_o glorious_a prince_n that_o therefore_o wisdom_n will_v advance_v all_o man_n to_o riches_n and_o honour_n wisdom_n will_v give_v a_o lustre_n even_o to_o poverty_n itself_o and_o sometime_o advance_v the_o poor_a to_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o increase_v the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o honourable_a but_o we_o must_v not_o always_o expect_v this_o much_o less_o pretend_v a_o promise_n for_o it_o for_o there_o always_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v poor_a wise_a man_n thus_o when_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o diligent_a make_v rich_a 10._o prov._n 4._o and_o see_v thou_o a_o man_n diligent_a in_o his_o business_n he_o shall_v stand_v before_o king_n he_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o mean_a man_n 22._o prov._n 29._o no_o man_n can_v think_v that_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o every_o diligent_a man_n shall_v be_v rich_a for_o there_o be_v such_o mean_a employment_n as_o can_v never_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o the_o great_a industry_n much_o less_o can_v we_o think_v that_o diligence_n in_o such_o mean_a employment_n shall_v make_v man_n know_v to_o prince_n or_o that_o all_o diligent_a man_n whatever_o their_o