be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v a_o more_o general_a communication_n among_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o spread_v a_o wholesome_a as_o well_o as_o a_o pestilential_a contagion_n and_o since_o commerce_n and_o traffic_n be_v not_o so_o general_a in_o those_o day_n as_o it_o be_v now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o ready_a way_n to_o do_v this_o as_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n which_o unite_v a_o great_a many_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n into_o one_o which_o beside_o all_o other_o advantage_n convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o memorable_a action_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n now_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o great_a empire_n for_o though_o the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n begin_v long_o before_o yet_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v the_o golden_a head_n of_o that_o image_n which_o represent_v the_o four_o monarchy_n god_n carry_v judah_n captive_a into_o babylon_n 38._o and_o thereby_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n 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they_o in_o their_o own_o land_n or_o carry_v they_o captive_a into_o strange_a country_n this_o destroy_v all_o their_o right_n and_o property_n at_o once_o and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o philistine_n or_o moabite_n or_o aramite_n have_v any_o right_a to_o invade_v canaan_n and_o to_o bring_v israel_n under_o their_o yoke_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n have_v no_o better_a right_n than_o they_o when_o he_o destroy_v the_o temple_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o carry_v the_o jew_n captive_a to_o babylon_n but_o god_n be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a in_o this_o though_o he_o do_v not_o defend_v they_o in_o their_o just_a right_n because_o they_o have_v deserve_v such_o punishment_n and_o thus_o throughout_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n the_o protection_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o good_a and_o righteous_a man_n to_o those_o who_o love_n god_n who_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o worship_n and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o 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for_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 he_o correct_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n 7._o heb._n 7_o 8_o 9_o very_o good_a man_n may_v fall_v into_o such_o great_a sin_n as_o may_v deserve_v a_o severe_a correction_n not_o only_o to_o give_v they_o a_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o more_o watchful_a for_o the_o future_a but_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n repentance_n itself_o though_o it_o will_v obtain_v their_o pardon_n will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o temporal_a punishment_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o david_n when_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n upon_o his_o repentance_n god_n declare_v his_o pardon_n by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n but_o will_v not_o remit_v his_o punishment_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n as_o of_o 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miscarriage_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n and_o when_o he_o have_v finish_v what_o he_o have_v to_o do_v by_o they_o reserve_v they_o for_o a_o more_o public_a and_o glorious_a execution_n to_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o his_o just_a vengeance_n and_o stand_v example_n to_o the_o world_n which_o we_o know_v be_v the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n of_o antiochus_n and_o some_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o wherein_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o the_o end_n of_o god_n government_n in_o this_o world_n and_o from_o the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o which_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n i_o shall_v observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o discourse_n that_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n by_o external_a and_o visible_a success_n much_o less_o make_v the_o oppression_n of_o a_o just_a cause_n any_o argument_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n for_o justice_n do_v not_o oblige_v god_n always_o to_o favour_v a_o just_a cause_n when_o those_o who_o have_v a_o just_a cause_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v god_n may_v just_o punish_v bad_a man_n by_o unjust_a oppressor_n for_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v dispose_v of_o his_o creature_n as_o his_o own_o absolute_a authority_n and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n shall_v direct_v chap._n vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a be_v as_o holiness_n be_v oppose_v to_o all_o impurity_n and_o wickedness_n and_o such_o as_o god_n nature_n be_v such_o his_o government_n must_v be_v and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n 145._o psalm_n 17._o assure_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n which_o signify_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o but_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o more_o at_o large_a 5._o psal._n 4_o 5_o 6_o for_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n thou_o hate_v all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n thou_o shall_v destroy_v they_o that_o speak_v lease_v the_o lord_n will_v abhor_v the_o bloody_a and_o deceitful_a man_n and_o yet_o there_o want_v not_o objection_n and_o such_o as_o some_o man_n think_v inexplicable_a difficulty_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o set_v this_o in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v inquire_v 1._o what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n require_v of_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o what_o it_o do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o and_o 3._o what_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n as_o his_o essential_a holiness_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v govern_v it_o if_o what_o man_n ignorant_o object_n against_o providence_n be_v no_o just_a impeachment_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o if_o nothing_o be_v just_o chargeable_a on_o providence_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o suppose_v i_o need_v then_o add_v no_o more_o to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n 1._o now_o as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o case_n seem_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o governor_n in_o the_o government_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n can_v require_v no_o more_o of_o he_o
this_o be_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n which_o no_o consider_a man_n will_v serious_o make_v the_o more_o considerable_a objection_n relate_v to_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o only_a objection_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a can_v have_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o be_v that_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o many_o so_o great_a and_o so_o universal_a that_o they_o overballance_v the_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o therefore_o need_v no_o answer_n to_o this_o yet_o they_o think_v they_o have_v the_o scripture_n on_o their_o side_n for_o the_o wiseman_n 4._o eccl._n 2_o 3._o tell_v we_o wherefore_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n which_o be_v yet_o alive_a yea_o better_a be_v he_o than_o both_o they_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v who_o have_v not_o see_v the_o evil_a work_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n this_o at_o first_o view_n look_v like_o a_o very_a sharp_a satyr_n upon_o human_a life_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v and_o that_o not_o to_o live_v at_o all_o be_v better_a than_o either_o and_o be_v this_o universal_o true_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o think_v of_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n which_o have_v nothing_o good_a or_o desirable_a in_o it_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v from_o those_o many_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o good_a man_n in_o this_o life_n and_o god_n will_v not_o promise_v good_a man_n what_o be_v worth_a nothing_o but_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o text_n will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o understanding_n this_o whole_a matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v 1._o show_v you_o that_o this_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a nor_o intend_v to_o be_v so_o understand_v by_o the_o wiseman_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v or_o not_o to_o be_v than_o it_o be_v to_o live_v 2._o show_v you_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o wiseman_n mean_v this_o viz._n with_o respect_n to_o the_o many_o misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o some_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o some_o man_n in_o all_o age_n be_v expose_v to_o and_o how_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v or_o not_o to_o be_v bear_v than_o it_o be_v to_o live_v this_o i_o confess_v be_v teach_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n in_o too_o general_a term_n that_o the_o first_o best_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o next_o to_o die_v quick_o but_o no_o body_n believe_v they_o for_o most_o man_n feel_v it_o otherwise_o that_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n for_o the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o sun_n 11._o eccl._n 7._o there_o be_v a_o sense_n indeed_o wherein_o this_o may_v be_v true_a if_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o life_n in_o its_o great_a glory_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o most_o imperfect_a state_n that_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n can_v live_v in_o as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v then_o those_o philosopher_n who_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n live_v and_o act_v before_o they_o be_v bear_v into_o this_o world_n and_o be_v thrust_v into_o these_o body_n in_o punishment_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o in_o a_o former_a state_n have_v reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n of_o happiness_n and_o not_o to_o come_v into_o this_o world_n and_o if_o when_o they_o die_v they_o return_v to_o their_o original_a state_n of_o happiness_n the_o next_o best_a thing_n for_o they_o be_v to_o die_v quick_o and_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v their_o secret_a meaning_n in_o it_o for_o if_o we_o only_o consider_v the_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o life_n in_o ordinary_a case_n life_n be_v very_o desirable_a so_o desirable_a that_o it_o make_v death_n the_o king_n of_o terror_n it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v this_o life_n so_o contemptible_a or_o so_o calamitous_a a_o state_n that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n but_o no_o man_n yet_o ever_o make_v life_n a_o objection_n against_o providence_n though_o we_o know_v they_o do_v the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n man_n may_v make_v themselves_o miserable_a without_o any_o reproach_n to_o providence_n and_o most_o of_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v owe_v to_o man_n own_o fault_n or_o folly_n but_o have_v god_n make_v life_n itself_o so_o contemptible_a or_o miserable_a a_o state_n as_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o not_o be_v this_o have_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v very_o ungrateful_a to_o almighty_a god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o bountiful_a provision_n which_o he_o have_v make_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n for_o what_o be_v want_v on_o god_n part_n to_o make_v man_n as_o happy_a as_o he_o can_v be_v here_o we_o want_v no_o sense_n which_o be_v useful_a to_o life_n we_o want_v no_o object_n to_o gratify_v those_o sense_n and_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a the_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o delightful_a object_n be_v most_o common_a and_o such_o as_o mankind_n pretty_a equal_o share_v in_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o mighty_a difference_n as_o some_o man_n imagine_v between_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a in_o pomp_n and_o show_v and_o opinion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n but_o little_a as_o to_o the_o true_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o life_n they_o enjoy_v the_o same_o earth_n and_o air_n and_o heaven_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n make_v the_o poor_a man_n meat_n and_o drink_n as_o pleasant_a and_o refresh_a as_o all_o the_o variety_n which_o cover_v a_o rich_a man_n table_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v more_o healthful_a and_o many_o time_n more_o pleasant_a too_o than_o the_o ease_n and_o softness_n of_o the_o rich_a to_o be_v sure_o much_o more_o easy_a than_o the_o care_n and_o solicitude_n the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n discontent_n and_o envy_n and_o emulation_n which_o common_o attend_v a_o exalt_v fortune_n these_o indeed_o at_o best_a be_v but_o mean_a pleasure_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o low_a pleasure_n a_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o entertain_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n think_v it_o worth_a live_n to_o enjoy_v they_o nay_o most_o man_n know_v little_a of_o any_o other_o pleasure_n but_o these_o and_o as_o philosophical_o as_o some_o may_v despise_v the_o body_n and_o all_o its_o pleasure_n in_o word_n there_o be_v but_o a_o very_a few_o who_o can_v live_v above_o the_o body_n and_o all_o its_o pleasure_n while_o they_o live_v in_o it_o but_o how_o mean_v soever_o these_o pleasure_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o make_v mankind_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o common_a allay_v they_o meet_v with_o not_o only_o patient_a of_o live_v but_o desirous_a to_o live_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o divine_a pleasure_n which_o man_n may_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n such_o as_o gratify_v the_o noble_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o pleasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n to_o know_v and_o worship_n god_n to_o contemplate_v the_o art_n and_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o work_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n these_o indeed_o be_v pleasure_n that_o do_v not_o make_v we_o very_o fond_a of_o this_o body_n nor_o of_o this_o world_n for_o they_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o body_n nor_o be_v they_o confine_v to_o this_o world_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o when_o we_o get_v loose_a from_o these_o body_n our_o intellectual_a faculty_n will_v be_v vast_o improve_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o we_o now_o do_v and_o discover_v new_a and_o bright_a glory_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o mortal_a eye_n but_o yet_o the_o pleasure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o great_a and_o ravish_a and_o therefore_o we_o either_o do_v or_o may_v enjoy_v at_o present_a such_o pleasure_n as_o make_v life_n very_o desirable_a be_v there_o no_o other_o
though_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o often_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n do_v not_o prove_v life_n to_o be_v a_o contemptible_a state_n or_o worse_o than_o not_o be_v yet_o they_o do_v prove_v life_n to_o be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a state_n that_o the_o mere_a sensible_a pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o life_n together_o with_o these_o great_a allay_v be_v but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n wise_a man_n see_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o expect_v it_o for_o how_o can_v this_o world_n make_v we_o happy_a which_o though_o it_o have_v its_o pleasure_n have_v its_o trouble_n and_o care_n and_o disappointment_n too_o be_v a_o insecure_a and_o mutable_a state_n expose_v to_o chance_n and_o accident_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v always_o chequer_a with_o prosperous_a and_o adverse_a event_n have_v always_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o many_o time_n the_o evil_n be_v the_o prevail_a ingredient_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o natural_a love_n of_o life_n and_o the_o many_o sweet_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o reconcile_v very_o miserable_a people_n to_o live_v yet_o a_o wise_a man_n see_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o state_n much_o less_o to_o dream_v of_o perfect_a and_o last_a happiness_n in_o it_o 2_o the_o many_o trouble_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n to_o be_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a brag_n of_o the_o stoic_n that_o virtue_n alone_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a that_o their_o wiseman_n can_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o phalaris_n bull_n for_o virtue_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o clothes_n can_v cure_v bodily_a pain_n and_o sickness_n nor_o satisfy_v the_o appetite_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n and_o while_o a_o wise_a man_n live_v in_o a_o mortal_a body_n he_o must_v feel_v the_o want_n and_o pain_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o pain_n be_v not_o happiness_n but_o yet_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o when_o we_o must_v encounter_v with_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o life_n nothing_o can_v give_v we_o any_o degree_n of_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o such_o trouble_n as_o will_v sour_a all_o our_o other_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o bear_v up_o our_o spirit_n which_o sink_v under_o their_o own_o weight_n under_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n be_v torment_v with_o fear_n with_o disappointment_n with_o envy_n with_o rage_n and_o when_o they_o can_v bear_v themselves_o can_v bear_v nothing_o else_o nor_o relish_v their_o wont_a pleasure_n but_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v that_o virtue_n have_v its_o proper_a pleasure_n in_o the_o great_a difficulty_n inspire_v we_o with_o prudent_a counsel_n to_o disentangle_v ourselves_o animate_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o bravery_n to_o resist_v the_o evil_a or_o to_o bear_v it_o sweeten_v our_o labour_n with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o great_a and_o generous_a action_n for_o the_o public_a good_a keep_v our_o own_o passion_n under_o government_n and_o triumph_n over_o a_o adverse_a fortune_n by_o raise_v the_o mind_n above_o it_o by_o such_o help_n as_o these_o a_o good_a man_n may_v enjoy_v some_o competent_a measure_n of_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o worst_a condition_n but_o when_o such_o trouble_v surprise_v a_o mind_n unarm_v and_o unfortified_a with_o virtue_n unable_a to_o resist_v and_o unable_a to_o bear_v we_o may_v then_o with_o great_a truth_n and_o reason_n apply_v this_o text_n to_o he_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a who_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n who_o be_v yet_o alive_a be_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n always_o easy_a and_o prosperous_a there_o will_v be_v little_a need_n of_o passive_a virtue_n though_o virtue_n in_o general_n be_v always_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a but_o all_o man_n must_v be_v sensible_a how_o necessary_a passive_a and_o suffer_a virtue_n be_v for_o a_o inconstant_a troublesome_a and_o suffer_a state_n which_o be_v always_o in_o some_o degree_n the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o will_v convince_v those_o who_o will_v consider_v it_o how_o necessary_a the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a 3_o though_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o life_n be_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v hasten_v his_o escape_n out_o of_o this_o world_n before_o his_o time_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o make_v he_o content_v to_o leave_v this_o world_n whenever_o god_n call_v he_o out_o of_o it_o for_o though_o virtue_n will_v sweeten_v labour_n and_o difficulty_n yet_o no_o man_n will_v choose_v always_o to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o war._n ease_n and_o rest_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o refresh_a after_o labour_n though_o a_o prince_n be_v glorious_a in_o the_o field_n cover_v with_o dust_n and_o sweat_n and_o sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o enemy_n yet_o the_o triumph_n of_o a_o secure_a and_o quiet_a throne_n be_v great_a and_o more_o desirable_a and_o this_o make_v the_o grave_a too_o in_o some_o degree_n acceptable_a after_o the_o toil_n and_o labour_n of_o virtue_n that_o there_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n especial_o since_o this_o rest_n be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n for_o all_o the_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o ease_n and_o rest_n of_o know_v and_o feeling_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o nothing_o which_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o a_o stone_n and_o of_o thing_n without_o life_n not_o the_o rest_n of_o a_o man._n but_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n follow_v they_o they_o rest_v in_o a_o peaceful_a and_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o endless_a happiness_n they_o rest_v from_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o virtue_n and_o enjoy_v its_o reward_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v what_o exact_o become_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n such_o a_o mix_a state_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o may_v wean_v we_o from_o the_o tempt_a vanity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a happiness_n to_o be_v find_v here_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o raise_v our_o heart_n above_o this_o world_n and_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o which_o be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o perfect_a ease_n and_o rest_n and_o since_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o future_a happiness_n nothing_o can_v be_v better_o for_o we_o than_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o shall_v make_v virtue_n necessary_a to_o our_o present_a happiness_n and_o since_o we_o must_v leave_v this_o world_n and_o death_n be_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n whatever_o reconcile_v we_o to_o death_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a may_v be_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o security_n of_o human_a life_n second_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o those_o many_o evil_n and_o calamity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o human_a life_n be_v owe_v to_o man_n own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o make_v those_o evil_n a_o objection_n against_o providence_n which_o man_n wilful_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o thus_o the_o wiseman_n long_o since_o state_v this_o question_n the_o foolishness_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o the_o lord_n 19_o prov._n 3_o man_n make_v themselves_o miserable_a and_o then_o reproach_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o their_o misery_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o that_o mankind_n undo_v themselves_o and_o that_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a subject_n for_o a_o satyr_n against_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n but_o need_v no_o proof_n if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o many_o misery_n of_o human_a life_n and_o resolve_v they_o into_o their_o immediate_a and_o natural_a cause_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o most_o man_n take_v great_a care_n to_o leave_v very_o little_a for_o god_n to_o do_v in_o the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v but_o two_o visible_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o
a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o divine_a providence_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n imprimatur_fw-la maii_n 9_o 1693._o carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over-against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleet_n street_n mdcxciv_o to_o the_o queen_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n may_v it_o please_v your_o majesty_n to_o accept_v this_o treatise_n which_o do_v the_o composition_n answer_v the_o subject_a will_v recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o perusal_n of_o prince_n who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a care_n and_o the_o great_a minister_n of_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v this_o good_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o royal_a throne_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a government_n without_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_a or_o partiality_n to_o the_o great_a that_o experience_n your_o majesty_n have_v have_v of_o a_o kind_a and_o watchful_a providence_n and_o that_o constant_a dependence_n the_o most_o potent_a monarch_n have_v on_o the_o divine_a protection_n especial_o in_o the_o great_a shake_v and_o convulsion_n of_o the_o world_n i_o hope_v may_v excuse_v this_o dedication_n as_o neither_o improper_a nor_o unseasonable_a and_o may_v the_o same_o good_a providence_n which_o have_v advance_v your_o majesty_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o so_o signal_o preserve_v the_o king_n from_o the_o great_a danger_n still_o preserve_v your_o sacred_a person_n establish_v your_o throne_n and_o deliver_v you_o from_o all_o your_o enemy_n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a and_o daily_a prayer_n of_o your_o majesty_n most_o humble_a most_o obedient_a and_o most_o dutiful_a subject_n and_o servant_n william_n sherlock_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n page_n 1_o chap._n 1._o the_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n 3_o the_o world_n can_v be_v no_o more_o govern_v than_o make_v by_o chance_n ibid._n a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a mind_n which_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n must_v govern_v the_o word_n 5_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n can_v be_v unconcern_v for_o his_o creature_n 7_o no_o philosopher_n except_o the_o epicurean_o who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n deny_v a_o providence_n 8_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n prove_v a_o providence_n 9_o the_o strength_n of_o atheism_n consist_v in_o contradict_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n 11_o chap._n 2._o the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o particular_o concern_v a_o preserve_a providence_n 16_o the_o nature_n of_o preservation_n as_o distinguish_v from_o a_o govern_n providence_n ibid._n the_o first_o act_n of_o preservation_n in_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n 17_o the_o second_o act_n of_o preservation_n god_n co-operation_n and_o concourse_n with_o creature_n in_o all_o their_o action_n 21_o some_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n answer_v as_o god_n concourse_n with_o creature_n in_o sinful_a action_n 25_o concern_v the_o eternity_n of_o punishment_n 28_o some_o practical_a inference_n 31_o chap._n 3._o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n 33_o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o of_o event_n 34_o god_n government_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v ib._n god_n government_n of_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n 39_o god_n government_n of_o moral_a cause_n or_o free_a agent_n 47_o the_o difference_n between_o god_n government_n of_o man_n consider_v as_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o as_o instrument_n of_o providence_n 48_o concern_v god_n government_n of_o man_n mind_n their_o will_n and_o passion_n page_n 51_o concern_v god_n government_n of_o man_n action_n 54_o god_n government_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n more_o particular_o consider_v 57_o god_n government_n of_o event_n 59_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o event_n in_o this_o question_n 60_o wherein_o god_n government_n of_o event_n consist_v 61_o concern_v god_n permission_n ibid_fw-la the_o difference_n between_o god_n government_n of_o all_o event_n and_o necessity_n and_o fate_n 66_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n consist_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n 68_o chap._n 4._o concern_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n 73_o concern_v god_n absolute_a power_n 75_o that_o true_a absolute_a power_n can_v do_v no_o wrong_n explain_v at_o large_a ib._n the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o providence_n 85_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v do_v no_o wrong_n 88_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n must_v be_v as_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creation_n 91_o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o word_n require_v secret_a and_o hide_a method_n of_o providence_n 97_o that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n 110_o in_o what_o case_n the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n 123_o chap._n 5._o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n 137_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o hinder_v all_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o violence_n 138_o god_n may_v do_v that_o very_o just_o which_o man_n can_v do_v without_o great_a injustie_a 139_o what_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n justice_n require_v 141_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o present_a government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v page_n 147_o the_o account_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n 150_o chap._n 6._o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n 161_o what_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n require_v ib._n what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n providence_n do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o 168_o god_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o sin_n 175_o the_o divine_a prescience_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n 178_o god_n decree_v no_o man_n sin_n 181_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n consider_v which_o seem_v to_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n 183_o concern_v god_n harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n ib._n some_o other_o text_n consider_v which_o seem_v to_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n 200_o chap._n 7._o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 214_o mistake_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n goodness_n 216_o the_o difference_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 220_o that_o god_n exercise_v all_o act_n of_o goodness_n which_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n will_v admit_v 221_o another_o mistake_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o what_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 226_o 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 233_o two_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n answer_v 1._o from_o the_o many_o misery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 238_o a_o second_o objection_n be_v god_n partial_a and_o unequal_a care_n of_o his_o creature_n 265_o chap._n 8._o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n 269_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n consider_v in_o some_o great_a event_n record_v in_o scripture_n 270_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o noah_n flood_n page_n 271_o concern_v the_o confusion_n of_o language_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o mankind_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n 285_o god_n choose_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n 289_o concern_v the_o removal_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n into_o egypt_n 299_o the_o oppression_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n 300_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n in_o egypt_n 302_o god_n deliver_v the_o law_n from_o mount_n sinai_n 309_o all_n that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n except_v joshua_n and_o caleb_n die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 311_o the_o frequent_a relapse_n of_o israel_n into_o idolatry_n 313_o concern_v the_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o israel_n especial_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n 319_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n 326_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n 328_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a event_n 331_o that_o god_n reward_n or_o punish_v man_n in_o their_o posterity_n 332_o god_n punish_v sin_n with_o sin_n 339_o god_n disappoint_v both_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n 340_o god_n defer_v the_o deliverance_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n 341_o concern_v sudden_a change_n and_o revolution_n 343_o the_o wise_a mixture_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n 344_o chap._n 9_o the_o duty_n
work_n of_o nature_n prove_v that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o uniform_a production_n of_o nature_n prove_v the_o world_n be_v uphold_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o omnipotent_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_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 ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n or_o his_o govern_n providence_n this_o visible_a world_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o eternal_a power_n which_o make_v it_o but_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o administer_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o 14._o act_n 17._o he_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n from_o his_o providence_n nevertheless_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n and_o 17._o act_n 28._o he_o prove_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o because_o he_o make_v it_o for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o your_o own_o poet_n have_v say_v for_o we_o be_v also_o his_o offspring_n which_o be_v very_o improper_o allege_v by_o st._n paul_n if_o we_o may_v be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v if_o god_n make_v the_o world_n do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v his_o constant_a care_n and_o governmet_a of_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n know_v in_o those_o day_n that_o no_o man_n who_o confess_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n question_v his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o god_n because_o he_o make_v we_o this_o be_v a_o noble_a argument_n to_o prove_v both_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o very_a delightful_a entertainment_n to_o view_v all_o the_o curiosity_n and_o suprize_v wonder_n of_o nature_n with_o what_o beauty_n art_n and_o contrivance_n particular_a creature_n be_v make_v and_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o great_a machine_n be_v fit_v to_o each_o other_o and_o make_v a_o regular_a and_o uniform_a world_n how_o all_o particular_a creature_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o use_n and_o purpose_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n and_o yet_o be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o one_o another_o and_o have_v as_o mutual_a a_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n as_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o clock_n what_o a_o equal_a and_o steady_a hand_n govern_v the_o world_n when_o its_o motion_n seem_v most_o eccentric_a and_o exorbitant_a and_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n when_o thing_n be_v so_o perplex_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o but_o a_o god_n to_o disentangle_v they_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n in_o this_o cause_n will_v but_o man_n attentive_o study_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v as_o visible_a in_o his_o work_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v by_o its_o light_n when_o all_o the_o wonder_n of_o nature_n be_v unfold_v and_o expose_v particular_o to_o our_o view_n it_o so_o over-power_n the_o mind_n with_o such_o infinite_a variety_n of_o that_o most_o divine_a art_n and_o wisdom_n that_o modest_a man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o ascribe_v such_o thing_n to_o a_o blind_a chance_n which_o have_v no_o design_n or_o counsel_n indeed_o to_o say_v that_o a_o world_n full_a of_o infinite_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o admirable_a art_n a_o world_n so_o make_v that_o no_o art_n can_v make_v it_o better_o be_v not_o make_v by_o a_o wise_a mind_n but_o by_o chance_n by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o without_o any_o design_n after_o infinite_a fruitless_a trial_n happen_v into_o this_o exact_a useful_a beautiful_a order_n that_o now_o they_o be_v in_o know_v when_o they_o be_v well_o and_o in_o despite_n of_o chance_n move_v as_o constant_o regular_o artificial_o in_o all_o new_a production_n as_o the_o divine_a and_o most_o uniform_a wisdom_n can_v direct_v i_o say_v to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_n by_o leave_v no_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o argumentation_n to_o dispute_v with_o a_o atheist_n be_v the_o most_o vain_a pretender_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a strength_n of_o atheism_n consist_v in_o contradict_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n they_o have_v no_o principle_n nor_o can_v have_v any_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o reason_v but_o only_o confident_o deny_v or_o affirm_v they_o can_v assign_v no_o principle_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n allow_v to_o be_v principle_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o no_o providence_n but_o they_o only_o reject_v those_o principle_n which_o all_o other_o man_n agree_v in_o and_o from_o whence_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n brief_o to_o explain_v this_o which_o will_v teach_v you_o to_o reject_v atheism_n and_o atheist_n without_o trouble_v yourselves_o to_o dispute_v with_o they_o for_o they_o have_v no_o common_a principle_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o reason_n upon_o nor_o indeed_o any_o principle_n of_o reason_n at_o all_o a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v for_o this_o purpose_n mankind_n who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o think_v and_o reason_v have_v universal_o agree_v that_o there_o must_v be_v something_o that_o have_v no_o beginning_n and_o no_o cause_n for_o nothing_o can_v produce_v nothing_o that_o have_v there_o ever_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n unless_o there_o can_v be_v a_o effect_n without_o a_o cause_n which_o be_v too_o absurd_a for_o atheist_n themselves_o to_o say_v in_o express_a word_n who_o do_v not_o boggle_v much_o at_o absurdity_n and_o therefore_o they_o make_v their_o atom_n and_o their_o vacuum_n to_o be_v eternal_a it_o be_v agree_v also_o that_o whatever_o have_v a_o beginning_n have_v a_o cause_n and_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o natural_a progress_n of_o human_a understanding_n be_v to_o reason_n from_o one_o cause_n to_o another_o till_o we_o ascend_v to_o and_o centre_n in_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o believe_v one_o first_o eternal_a cause_n as_o to_o believe_v a_o eternal_a be_v but_o though_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o believe_v something_o eternal_a it_o be_v as_o unnatural_a to_o believe_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a though_o we_o have_v of_o a_o eternal_a cause_n for_o the_o very_a reason_n why_o we_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v something_o eternal_a be_v because_o there_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v because_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o eternal_a but_o if_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v not_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v and_o unmake_v change_v and_o alter_v as_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v may_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n than_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o if_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o natural_a notion_n it_o can_v be_v a_o natural_a notion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o first_o cause_n for_o that_o 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begin_v with_o preserve_v providence_n which_o commence_v from_o the_o first_o instant_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o creature_n be_v make_v they_o need_v a_o divine_a power_n to_o preserve_v they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o strict_a notion_n of_o preservation_n as_o distinguish_v from_o a_o govern_n providence_n that_o god_n uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v from_o fall_v back_o into_o their_o first_o nothing_o and_o preserve_v their_o natural_a virtue_n power_n and_o faculty_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v and_o to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n which_o distinguish_v this_o preserve_v providence_n from_o those_o many_o act_n of_o preservation_n which_o belong_v to_o government_n such_o as_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o man_n from_o unseen_a accident_n and_o visible_a danger_n nay_o of_o beast_n and_o of_o bird_n too_o as_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o not_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o father_n 29._o in_o 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subsist_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o that_o in_o its_o first_o cause_n but_o whatever_o receive_v its_o be_v from_o another_o as_o all_o creature_n do_v have_v nothing_o to_o support_v its_o be_v but_o the_o cause_n that_o make_v it_o this_o be_v so_o certain_a that_o i_o shall_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v no_o more_o make_v a_o independent_a creature_n which_o can_v subsist_v without_o he_o than_o he_o can_v make_v a_o eternal_a creature_n which_o shall_v have_v no_o beginning_n which_o be_v not_o want_v of_o power_n in_o god_n but_o a_o repugnancy_n and_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o creature_n that_o which_o once_o be_v not_o can_v never_o be_v so_o make_v as_o to_o have_v no_o beginning_n that_o which_o have_v not_o a_o necessary_a existence_n as_o nothing_o have_v which_o once_o be_v not_o can_v be_v make_v to_o exist_v necessary_o without_o dependence_n on_o its_o cause_n because_o necessary_a existence_n be_v not_o in_o its_o nature_n for_o than_o it_o will_v always_o have_v be_v suarez_n have_v another_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o dependence_n of_o creature_n on_o the_o perpetual_a influx_n of_o power_n from_o the_o first_o cause_n which_o possible_o some_o may_v think_v only_o a_o school-subty_o but_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v great_a weight_n in_o it_o and_o it_o proceed_v upon_o this_o supposition_n which_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o if_o god_n make_v the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o he_o can_v annihilate_v all_o thing_n and_o reduce_v they_o into_o nothing_o again_o if_o he_o so_o please_v now_o he_o say_v that_o annihilation_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o power_n for_o all_o positive_a act_n of_o power_n must_v have_v some_o real_a and_o positive_a effect_n whereas_o to_o annihilate_v be_v to_o make_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o to_o do_v nothing_o now_o if_o to_o annihilate_v be_v no_o act_n of_o power_n than_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o withdraw_a that_o power_n which_o support_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v and_o that_o prove_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v uphold_v in_o be_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n if_o they_o can_v subsist_v but_o fall_v into_o nothing_o again_o when_o that_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v power_n be_v withdraw_v this_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a argument_n if_o we_o distinguish_v between_o what_o we_o call_v destroy_v and_o annihilate_v which_o be_v apt_a to_o confound_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o destroy_v be_v only_o to_o change_v the_o present_a form_n and_o compage_n of_o thing_n while_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n continue_v the_o same_o thus_o god_n destroy_v the_o old_a world_n by_o water_n and_o will_v destroy_v this_o world_n by_o fire_n again_o which_o be_v like_o pull_v down_o a_o house_n without_o destroy_v the_o material_n and_o this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o power_n and_o have_v a_o positive_a effect_n but_o to_o annihilate_v be_v to_o reduce_v something_o to_o nothing_o which_o be_v to_o do_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o be_v no_o act_n of_o power_n but_o only_o a_o cessation_n of_o power_n and_o if_o not_o to_o uphold_v be_v to_o annihilate_v than_o all_o thing_n subsist_v as_o well_o as_o be_v make_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o god_n can_v make_v a_o creature_n independent_a on_o himself_o without_o bestow_v on_o it_o a_o self-subsisting_a nature_n or_o necessary_a existence_n for_o whatever_o do_v not_o necessary_o exist_v by_o the_o internal_a principle_n of_o its_o nature_n must_v depend_v on_o something_o else_o to_o uphold_v it_o in_o be_v now_o beside_o what_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o whatever_o necessary_o exist_v can_v be_v make_v but_o must_v be_v eternal_a for_o that_o which_o exist_v necessary_o must_v always_o exist_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o without_o a_o beginning_n for_o nothing_o can_v begin_v to_o have_v a_o necessary_o self-subsisting_a nature_n i_o now_o add_v that_o whatever_o necessary_o be_v can_v be_v change_v destroy_v annihilate_v for_o whatever_o necessary_o be_v necessary_o be_v what_o it_o be_v which_o prove_v that_o if_o god_n can_v annihilate_v whatever_o he_o have_v make_v than_o all_o thing_n subsist_v by_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o power_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o internal_a principle_n of_o their_o nature_n for_o whatever_o necessary_o exist_v can_v never_o be_v annihilate_v for_o that_o be_v a_o contradiction_n how_o god_n uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v we_o no_o more_o know_v than_o how_o at_o first_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a inquiry_n of_o the_o school_n which_o no_o man_n can_v resolve_v and_o which_o serve_v no_o end_n in_o religion_n whether_o creation_n and_o preservation_n be_v the_o same_o or_o two_o different_a act_n whether_o preservation_n be_v a_o continue_a creation_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v
two_o distinct_a and_o different_a act_n of_o power_n to_o make_v and_o to_o preserve_v for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n know_v this_o who_o neither_o know_v how_o god_n create_v nor_o how_o he_o preserve_v thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o create_v be_v to_o give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o before_o to_o preserve_v be_v to_o continue_v that_o in_o be_v which_o be_v make_v before_o and_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v once_o create_v it_o can_v never_o be_v new_o create_v till_o it_o fall_v into_o nothing_o again_o for_o to_o create_v be_v to_o make_v out_o of_o nothing_o not_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n which_o already_o be_v but_o by_o what_o act_v of_o power_n either_o of_o these_o be_v do_v we_o can_v tell_v nor_o be_v we_o concern_v to_o know_v for_o what_o way_n soever_o this_o be_v do_v we_o equal_o depend_v on_o god_n we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o he_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o act_n of_o preservation_n which_o consist_v 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from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o nature_n but_o if_o these_o natural_a power_n while_o they_o be_v preserve_v in_o their_o full_a force_n and_o vigour_n by_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o themselves_o without_o a_o new_a extrinsic_a determine_v motion_n from_o god_n than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o natural_a power_n for_o they_o can_v act_v by_o nature_n if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o fire_n do_v burn_v by_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n preserve_v its_o nature_n it_o can_v burn_v without_o some_o new_a cooperate_a power_n which_o be_v not_o in_o its_o nature_n a_o man_n dont_fw-fr reason_n and_o judge_n choose_v and_o refuse_v by_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n preserve_v his_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n yet_o he_o can_v neither_o understand_v nor_o will_n unless_o he_o be_v move_v act_v determine_v by_o god_n this_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n a_o mere_a apparition_n and_o empty_a scene_n which_o have_v nothing_o real_a whatever_o we_o see_v do_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o do_v by_o creature_n who_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o act_v like_o machine_n not_o from_o the_o internal_a principle_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o external_n motion_n but_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n himself_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n even_o all_o the_o contradiction_n and_o contrariety_n we_o see_v in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difficulty_n which_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o creature_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v that_o they_o ever_o act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o god_n co-operate_v only_o to_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o action_n that_o be_v that_o he_o only_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n without_o change_v influence_a determine_v their_o nature_n otherwise_o than_o these_o natural_a power_n will_v natural_o act_v for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o action_n when_o god_n have_v create_v the_o natural_a power_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o co-operation_n that_o can_v belong_v to_o god_n as_o the_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n whatever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o as_o i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o that_o god_n do_v it_o belong_v to_o a_o govern_n not_o to_o a_o preserve_v providence_n god_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o mere_o cooperate_v with_o our_o natural_a power_n to_o perform_v natural_a action_n but_o this_o he_o do_v as_o a_o governor_n not_o mere_o as_o a_o preserver_n the_o not_o distinguish_v of_o which_o have_v occasion_v great_a mistake_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o god_n have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o such_o natural_a power_n and_o virtue_n as_o may_v answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v he_o have_v make_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v to_o enlighten_v and_o refresh_v the_o world_n the_o fire_n to_o burn_v the_o earth_n to_o bring_v forth_o all_o sort_n of_o herb_n and_o grass_n and_o corn_n and_o fruit_n the_o vapour_n to_o ascend_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n to_o purge_v and_o fan_v the_o air_n with_o wind_n and_o to_o fall_v down_o again_o in_o fruitful_a shower_n every_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o tree_n have_v its_o peculiar_a seed_n to_o propagate_v its_o kind_a as_o all_o live_a creature_n have_v now_o as_o it_o have_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n for_o god_n to_o have_v make_v a_o world_n without_o uphold_v it_o in_o be_v for_o creature_n can_v no_o more_o preserve_v than_o they_o can_v make_v themselves_o so_o it_o have_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o such_o virtue_n and_o power_n as_o belong_v to_o their_o several_a nature_n without_o such_o a_o natural_a co-operation_n whatever_o that_o be_v as_o shall_v enable_v their_o natural_a power_n to_o act_n and_o to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o god_n establish_v this_o natural_a concourse_n and_o co-operation_n to_o actuate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n by_o a_o perpetual_a law_n which_o be_v that_o blessing_n god_n bestow_v upon_o all_o creature_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o though_o this_o blessing_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v and_o to_o replenish_v the_o sea_n and_o air_n and_o earth_n which_o preserve_v and_o invigorate_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v express_v only_o of_o live_a creature_n the_o fish_n and_o fowl_n and_o beast_n and_o man_n yet_o it_o equal_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a creation_n as_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v and_o make_v nature_n regular_a and_o constant_a in_o all_o its_o motion_n and_o production_n but_o there_o be_v other_o act_n belong_v to_o god_n government_n even_o of_o the_o material_a world_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o more_o hereafter_o as_o to_o direct_v the_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o suspend_v and_o restrain_v they_o to_o make_v the_o earth_n fruitful_a or_o barren_a the_o air_n wholesome_a or_o pestilential_a to_o withhold_v the_o dew_n and_o shower_n of_o heaven_n or_o to_o give_v the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n in_o its_o season_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o rain_v upon_o one_o city_n and_o not_o upon_o another_o and_o so_o to_o temper_v the_o influence_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o punish_v the_o wickedness_n or_o to_o reward_v the_o obedience_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v act_n of_o government_n and_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a kind_n from_o actuate_a the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o to_o do_v what_o they_o be_v make_v for_o thus_o to_o consider_v the_o rational_a world_n god_n have_v endow_v man_n
man_n sin_n the_o charge_n lie_v equal_o against_o a_o create_a and_o cooperate_a power_n if_o it_o do_v not_o god_n be_v no_o more_o chargeable_a with_o sin_n for_o cooperate_a with_o man_n natural_a power_n in_o every_o action_n than_o he_o will_v be_v for_o create_v such_o natural_a power_n as_o can_v act_v of_o themselves_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v without_o deny_v they_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o action_n and_o therefore_o while_o he_o co-operate_v with_o creature_n only_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n this_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o this_o government_n nor_o contribute_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o the_o sin_n of_o creature_n than_o preserve_v their_o nature_n which_o as_o much_o become_v god_n as_o it_o do_v to_o make_v they_o thus_o some_o think_v it_o a_o great_a blemish_n to_o providence_n that_o adulterous_a mixture_n prove_v fruitful_a when_o increase_n and_o multiply_v be_v a_o establish_a decree_n from_o the_o first_o creation_n and_o the_o settle_a course_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v not_o be_v reverse_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n they_o may_v as_o well_o object_n against_o providence_n that_o a_o man_n who_o steal_v his_o neighbour_n grain_n and_o sow_v it_o in_o his_o own_o land_n shall_v have_v a_o plentiful_a crop_n the_o next_o year_n from_o his_o steal_a seed_n and_o whatever_o opinion_n man_n have_v concern_v the_o origination_n of_o the_o soul_n whether_o it_o be_v propagate_v ex_fw-la traduce_v or_o do_v praeexi_v or_o be_v immediate_o create_v by_o god_n and_o infuse_v into_o prepare_a matter_n it_o make_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o case_n for_o when_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v settle_v and_o the_o blessing_n pronounce_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o divine_a decree_n it_o do_v not_o unbecome_v god_n to_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o want_v not_o wise_a reason_n in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o restrain_v some_o man_n lust_n and_o to_o shame_n and_o punish_v other_o nay_o i_o believe_v whoever_o consider_v this_o matter_n well_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o answer_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o all_o viz._n the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n the_o objection_n be_v not_o against_o god_n punish_v wicked_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n for_o no_o body_n pretend_v that_o this_o be_v unjust_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a whether_o in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o next_o nor_o be_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o punishment_n for_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o distinct_o know_v what_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o we_o know_v what_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v those_o description_n our_o saviour_n give_v of_o they_o of_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstome_n blackness_n of_o darkness_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o go_v out_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v very_o great_a because_o these_o description_n be_v intend_v to_o present_v to_o we_o very_o frightful_a and_o terrible_a image_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o complaint_n neither_o for_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o wicked_a man_n deserve_v to_o be_v very_o miserable_a but_o the_o objection_n be_v against_o that_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n how_o it_o be_v reconcilable_a with_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o punish_v temporal_a sin_n with_o eternal_a misery_n that_o when_o man_n can_v sin_v but_o for_o a_o very_a few_o year_n they_o must_v suffer_v for_o it_o for_o ever_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o seem_v in_o part_n to_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o mistate_v the_o case_n there_o be_v no_o proportion_n indeed_o between_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o it_o be_v therefore_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v that_o every_o momentary_a sin_n shall_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n deserve_v eternal_a punishment_n but_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n to_o conceive_v that_o a_o immortal_a sinner_n may_v by_o some_o short_a and_o momentary_a sin_n sink_v himself_o into_o a_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o misery_n and_o then_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a as_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v to_o be_v and_o if_o he_o can_v never_o die_v he_o must_v be_v always_o miserable_a and_o may_v be_v so_o without_o any_o injustice_n in_o god_n we_o do_v not_o here_o consider_v the_o proportion_n between_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n between_o a_o short_a transient_a act_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n but_o the_o sinner_n that_o be_v punish_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o ask_v how_o long_a punishment_n a_o short_a sin_n deserve_v but_o how_o long_o the_o sinner_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o the_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v easy_a as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o a_o immortal_a sinner_n who_o can_v never_o die_v and_o will_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v wicked_a which_o be_v the_o hopeless_a and_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n must_v always_o be_v miserable_a and_o it_o be_v just_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o if_o it_o be_v just_a to_o punish_v sinner_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n for_o as_o to_o the_o eternity_n of_o punishment_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o annihilate_v immortal_a spirit_n when_o they_o be_v become_v incurable_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v only_o concern_v to_o punish_v sinner_n that_o their_o punishent_n be_v eternal_a be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o their_o immortality_n and_o this_o can_v be_v charge_v on_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o make_v immortal_a creature_n and_o to_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v immortal_a creature_n in_o be_v or_o to_o punish_v sinner_n while_o they_o deserve_v punishment_n that_o be_v while_o they_o be_v sinner_n it_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o this_o matter_n to_o remove_v the_o scene_n into_o this_o world_n we_o see_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o world_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o time_n of_o commit_v it_o but_o to_o the_o last_a effect_n of_o the_o sin_n one_o short_a single_a act_n of_o lust_n may_v not_o only_o leave_v a_o last_a reproach_n on_o man_n name_n but_o destroy_v the_o health_n and_o ease_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o life_n for_o their_o ever_o in_o this_o world_n and_o have_v man_n continue_v immortal_a after_o the_o fall_n these_o miserable_a effect_n must_v have_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o then_o there_o have_v be_v a_o visible_a eternal_a punishment_n for_o a_o very_a short_a transient_a sin_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n will_v have_v blame_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o it_o which_o show_v that_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v quick_o commit_v may_v be_v eternal_o punish_v and_o that_o very_o just_o too_o when_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v incurable_a and_o the_o person_n immortal_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o a_o great_a many_o other_o case_n in_o this_o world_n where_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n last_o as_o long_o as_o the_o man_n last_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o of_o the_o misery_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a as_o we_o certain_o know_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n it_o be_v that_o their_o punishment_n be_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o their_o sin_n there_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o eternity_n of_o their_o punishment_n but_o that_o god_n do_v not_o annihilate_v they_o and_o how_o hard_o soever_o any_o man_n may_v think_v it_o to_o be_v that_o a_o sinner_n shall_v be_v eternal_o miserable_a i_o believe_v no_o man_n will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n ought_v in_o justice_n to_o annihilate_v creature_n who_o he_o have_v make_v immortal_a when_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n they_o must_v be_v eternal_o miserable_a if_o they_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v creature_n in_o be_v be_v in_o itself_o consider_v what_o become_v the_o wise_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o annihilate_v sinner_n to_o prevent_v their_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o what_o will_v much_o more_o prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v withdraw_v his_o natural_a concourse_n from_o his_o creature_n or_o to_o have_v annihilate_v they_o to_o prevent_v their_o sin_v or_o which_o be_v the_o last_o result_n of_o all_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o the_o only_a fault_n if_o there_o be_v one_o that_o he_o ought_v
not_o to_o have_v make_v a_o immortal_a creature_n who_o can_v sin_v and_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o whole_a argument_n with_o some_o few_o inference_n 1._o if_o creature_n must_v be_v preserve_v as_o well_o as_o make_v by_o god_n than_o the_o present_a continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o visible_a argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n some_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n because_o they_o do_v not_o see_v he_o make_v it_o but_o they_o see_v a_o world_n preserve_v when_o there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n more_o able_a to_o preserve_v than_o to_o make_v itself_o and_o who_o then_o be_v it_o that_o preserve_v this_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o this_o must_v be_v a_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o power_n and_o the_o only_a reasonable_a creature_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n be_v man_n and_o man_n can_v preserve_v himself_o and_o know_v that_o he_o can_v preserve_v nothing_o else_o and_o therefore_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o invisible_a cause_n who_o we_o call_v god._n 2._o if_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v in_o god_n we_o be_v entire_o he_o and_o owe_v all_o homage_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o make_v we_o but_o we_o have_v our_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o he_o have_v he_o only_o make_v we_o at_o first_o that_o have_v give_v he_o a_o title_n to_o we_o for_o ever_o but_o can_v we_o have_v live_v without_o he_o when_o he_o have_v make_v we_o though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o less_o fault_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v less_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a to_o have_v live_v without_o any_o notice_n or_o regard_n of_o he_o as_o some_o ungrateful_a person_n deal_v by_o their_o friend_n and_o patron_n when_o they_o have_v set_v they_o up_o in_o the_o world_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v by_o themselves_o but_o to_o forget_v that_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v who_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v we_o in_o be_v every_o moment_n be_v to_o affront_v a_o present_a benefactor_n if_o we_o value_v be_v and_o though_o we_o can_v tempt_v god_n by_o this_o to_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o nothing_o yet_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o just_a for_o he_o to_o punish_v we_o to_o preserve_v we_o in_o be_v to_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n which_o be_v infinite_o worse_a for_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v 3._o for_o if_o he_o not_o only_o make_v but_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v we_o in_o be_v he_o must_v be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o governor_n for_o no_o other_o have_v any_o original_a and_o absolute_a interest_n in_o we_o we_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o none_o can_v take_v we_o out_o of_o they_o nor_o touch_v we_o but_o by_o his_o order_n to_o give_v be_v and_o to_o preserve_v it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o government_n no_o other_o be_v have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v no_o other_o power_n can_v govern_v he_o alone_o can_v give_v law_n can_v reward_v or_o punish_v can_v govern_v nature_n can_v direct_v over-rule_v control_v all_o other_o power_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v they_o all_o 4._o and_o this_o may_v convince_v we_o how_o irresistible_a the_o divine_a power_n be_v for_o all_o the_o power_n of_o creature_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o light_n do_v on_o the_o sun_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v have_v no_o power_n against_o he_o and_o what_o distraction_n then_o be_v it_o to_o provoke_v that_o almighty_a god_n who_o we_o can_v resist_v humble_a thyself_o sinner_n before_o thy_o maker_n thy_o preserver_n and_o thy_o judge_n obey_v his_o will_n to_o who_o power_n thou_o must_v submit_v let_v he_o be_v thy_o fear_n and_o thy_o dread_a thy_o only_a fear_n for_o thou_o need_v fear_v none_o else_o all_o power_n be_v he_o none_o can_v resist_v he_o none_o can_v act_v without_o he_o he_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o people_n thou_o be_v safe_a in_o his_o hand_n safe_a in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n but_o thou_o can_v never_o escape_v he_o never_o fly_v from_o he_o never_o defend_v thyself_o against_o he_o for_o thou_o live_v in_o he_o 5._o this_o also_o prove_v that_o god_n must_v see_v and_o know_v all_o our_o action_n for_o we_o live_v and_o move_v in_o he_o he_o be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o privy_a to_o our_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o counsel_n observe_v all_o our_o wander_n see_v we_o in_o all_o our_o retirement_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n can_v hide_v themselves_o this_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n teach_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v it_o for_o if_o we_o can_v think_v nor_o move_v nor_o subsist_v without_o god_n he_o must_v be_v always_o intimate_o present_a with_o we_o which_o shall_v possess_v we_o with_o a_o constant_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o pure_a and_o all_o see_a eye_n chap._n iii_o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n next_o to_o preservation_n as_o that_o signify_v god_n uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v and_o preserve_v and_o actuate_a their_o natural_a power_n we_o must_v consider_v god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n who_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v in_o his_o hand_n or_o else_o something_o may_v be_v do_v which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v this_o all_o man_n grant_v in_o general_a word_n who_o own_o a_o providence_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o particular_n there_o be_v so_o many_o except_a case_n which_o 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because_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o act_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n i_o shall_v distinct_o inquire_v into_o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o his_o government_n of_o event_n 1._o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v three_o sort_n of_o cause_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o each_o 1._o natural_a cause_n 2_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n and_o fortune_n 3_o moral_a cause_n and_o free_a agent_n or_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n 1._o natural_a cause_n or_o god_n government_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o air_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o move_v and_o act_n by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n not_o by_o choice_n now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o attribute_v to_o god_n all_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o belong_v to_o creation_n and_o to_o a_o preserve_v providence_n but_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o all_o their_o natural_a influence_n to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v a_o mind_n shall_v be_v do_v god_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n govern_v the_o moral_a by_o the_o natural_a world_n he_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n by_o a_o wholesome_a or_o pestilential_a air_n by_o fruitful_a or_o barren_a season_n he_o hinder_v or_o promote_v their_o design_n by_o wind_n and_o weather_n by_o a_o forward_a or_o a_o backward_a spring_n and_o make_v nature_n give_v law_n to_o man_n and_o set_v bound_n to_o their_o passion_n and_o intrigue_n to_o overthrow_v the_o most_o powerful_a fleet_n and_o army_n to_o defeat_v the_o wise_a counsel_n
most_o acquaint_v with_o without_o any_o certain_a and_o periodical_a return_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o mechanism_n for_o mechanical_a motion_n be_v fix_v and_o certain_a and_o either_o always_o the_o same_o or_o regular_a or_o uniform_a in_o their_o change_n it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o to_o understand_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o god_n and_o what_o we_o must_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o ordinary_a case_n that_o god_n shall_v reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o we_o that_o if_o we_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n it_o shall_v not_o burn_v we_o or_o into_o the_o water_n it_o shall_v not_o drown_v we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o preserve_v we_o when_o we_o destroy_v ourselves_o by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_v miracle_n to_o deliver_v man_n from_o the_o evil_a effect_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n but_o all_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o heaven_n which_o supply_n our_o want_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n be_v owe_v to_o that_o good_a providence_n which_o command_v nature_n to_o yield_v she_o increase_v and_o those_o disorder_n of_o nature_n which_o afflict_v the_o world_n with_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o earthquake_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n and_o be_v order_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n we_o must_v all_o believe_v this_o or_o confess_v that_o we_o mock_v god_n when_o we_o bless_v he_o for_o a_o healthful_a air_n and_o fruitful_a season_n or_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n when_o we_o see_v the_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n for_o do_v not_o god_n immediate_o interpose_v in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o beg_v his_o favour_n or_o to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n upon_o these_o account_n 2_o let_v we_o consider_v god_n government_n of_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n which_o have_v a_o large_a empire_n over_o human_a affair_n not_o that_o chance_n and_o accident_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n proper_o speak_v for_o whatever_o be_v do_v have_v some_o proper_a and_o natural_a cause_n which_o do_v it_o but_o what_o we_o call_v accidental_a cause_n be_v rather_o such_o a_o accidental_a concurrence_n of_o different_a cause_n as_o produce_v unexpected_a and_o undesign_v effect_n as_o when_o one_o man_n by_o accident_n lose_v a_o purse_n of_o gold_n and_o another_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o field_n without_o any_o such_o expectation_n by_o as_o great_a a_o accident_n find_v it_o and_o how_o much_o of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v owe_v to_o such_o undesign_v surprise_v accidental_a event_n every_o man_n must_v know_v who_o have_v make_v any_o observation_n on_o his_o own_o or_o other_o man_n life_n and_o fortune_n the_o wise_a man_n observe_v this_o long_a since_o 9_o eccl._n 11._o i_o return_v and_o see_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a neither_o yet_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o yet_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o yet_o favour_n to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o some_o unusual_a and_o casual_a event_n change_v the_o fortune_n of_o man_n and_o disappoint_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a mean_n of_o success_n what_o shall_v conquer_v in_o a_o race_n but_o swiftness_n or_o win_v the_o battle_n but_o strength_n what_o shall_v supply_v man_n want_n and_o increase_v riches_n but_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o human_a affair_n what_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n than_o a_o dextrous_a and_o skilful_a application_n and_o address_n and_o yet_o the_o preacher_n observe_v in_o his_o day_n and_o the_o observation_n hold_v good_a still_o that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o time_n and_o chance_n some_o favourable_a juncture_n and_o unseen_a accident_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o all_o human_a strength_n or_o art_n or_o skill_n now_o what_o a_o ill_a state_n be_v mankind_n in_o do_v not_o a_o wise_a and_o merciful_a hand_n govern_v what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n how_o can_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n or_o dispose_v of_o man_n life_n and_o fortune_n without_o govern_v chance_n all_o unseen_a unknown_a and_o surprise_v event_n which_o disappoint_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o in_o a_o moment_n unavoidable_o change_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o human_a affair_n upon_o what_o little_a unexpected_a thing_n do_v the_o fortune_n of_o man_n of_o family_n of_o whole_a kingdom_n turn_v and_o unless_o these_o little_a unexpected_a thing_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n some_o of_o the_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n be_v exempt_v from_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n he_o govern_v chance_n and_o fortune_n that_o the_o most_o unexpected_a event_n how_o casual_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v foresee_v and_o order_v by_o god_n such_o event_n as_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o god_n care_n and_o government_n because_o they_o be_v very_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n many_o time_n the_o great_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o superior_a wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o these_o mean_v god_n disappoint_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o mighty_a frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o liar_n and_o make_v diviner_n mad_a turn_v wise_a man_n backward_o and_o make_v their_o knowledge_n foolish_a 44._o isai._n 25._o do_v strength_n and_o wisdom_n always_o prevail_v as_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n they_o will_v be_v it_o not_o for_o such_o unseen_a disappointment_n mankind_n will_v take_v less_o notice_n of_o providence_n and_o will_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o since_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o absolute_a master_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n a_o powerful_a combination_n of_o sinner_n manage_v by_o some_o crafty_a politician_n will_v govern_v the_o world_n but_o the_o uncertain_a turn_n and_o change_n of_o fortune_n keep_v mankind_n in_o awe_n make_v the_o most_o prosperous_a and_o powerful_a sinner_n fear_v a_o unseen_a vengeance_n and_o give_v security_n to_o good_a man_n against_o unseen_a evil_n which_o can_v befall_v they_o without_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o accidental_a and_o casual_a event_n which_o happen_v to_o we_o all_o and_o which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o our_o life_n all_o man_n see_v and_o feel_v that_o we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o from_o such_o unseen_a event_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o till_o we_o feel_v they_o be_v as_o manifest_v as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o event_n and_o what_o so_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a care_n as_o that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o can_v take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o heathen_n make_v fortune_n a_o goddess_n and_o attribute_v the_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o she_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d whereby_o they_o only_o signify_v the_o government_n of_o providence_n in_o all_o casual_a and_o fortuitous_a event_n and_o if_o providence_n govern_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v govern_v chance_n which_o govern_v almost_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v govern_v as_o far_o as_o human_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n reach_v god_n expect_v we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o he_o suffer_v we_o to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o folly_n but_o when_o we_o can_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v and_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o in_o other_o case_n human_a prudence_n and_o industry_n must_v concur_v with_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o matter_n of_o chance_n and_o accident_n providence_n must_v act_v alone_o and_o do_v all_o itself_o for_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o providence_n do_v most_o strong_o conclude_v for_o god_n government_n of_o all_o casual_a event_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v as_o express_o attribute_v all_o such_o event_n to_o god_n as_o any_o other_o act_n of_o providence_n and_o government_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o a_o man_n kill_v his_o neighbour_n by_o accident_n god_n be_v say_v to_o deliver_v he_o into_o his_o hand_n 21._o exod._n 12_o 13._o he_o that_o smite_v a_o man_n so_o that_o he_o die_v shall_v
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 the_o door_n to_o beg_v that_o mordecai_n may_v be_v hang_v his_o minister_n in_o do_v he_o honour_n this_o prepare_v the_o king_n to_o grant_v queen_n esther_n request_n and_o hang_v haman_n upon_o the_o gallow_n he_o have_v build_v for_o mordecai_n and_o preserve_v the_o jew_n from_o that_o destruction_n he_o have_v design_v against_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v almost_o in_o all_o the_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o providence_n there_o be_v so_o much_o appearance_n of_o chance_n and_o accident_n which_o have_v the_o great_a stroke_n in_o some_o wonderful_a event_n as_o may_v satisfy_v consider_v man_n that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n and_o a_o invisible_a power_n and_o that_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n have_v always_o the_o least_o hand_n in_o it_o for_o can_v we_o think_v otherwise_o when_o we_o see_v as_o many_o visible_a mark_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n in_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n as_o in_o 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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 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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
upon_o mount_n zion_n and_o on_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o proud_a look_n 10._o isai._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o a_o great_a many_o example_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o different_a intention_n god_n and_o man_n have_v in_o the_o same_o action_n and_o how_o easy_o god_n can_v defeat_v what_o man_n intend_v and_o accomplish_v by_o they_o his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n which_o they_o never_o think_v of_o when_o god_n have_v no_o particular_a end_n of_o providence_n to_o serve_v by_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o evil_a design_n of_o man_n he_o common_o disappoint_v they_o that_o when_o they_o intend_v evil_a and_o imagine_v a_o mischievous_a device_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o 21._o psal._n 11._o or_o he_o turn_v the_o evil_a upon_o their_o own_o head_n the_o heathen_a be_v sink_v down_o in_o the_o pit_n that_o they_o make_v in_o the_o net_n which_o they_o hide_v be_v their_o own_o foot_n take_v the_o lord_n be_v know_v by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v the_o wicked_a be_v snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n 9_o psal._n 15_o 16._o or_o he_o double_o disappoint_v their_o malice_n not_o only_o by_o defeat_v the_o evil_n they_o intend_v but_o by_o turn_v it_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o those_o it_o be_v intend_v against_o which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o case_n of_o haman_n who_o malice_n against_o mordecai_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o sake_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v his_o own_o ruin_n but_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o mordecai_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v thus_o brief_o show_v what_o government_n god_n have_v both_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o action_n of_o man_n how_o easy_o he_o can_v alter_v their_o counsel_n and_o manage_v their_o passion_n make_v they_o do_v what_o good_a they_o 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if_o the_o whole_a world_n consist_v of_o particular_n it_o must_v be_v take_v care_n of_o in_o the_o care_n of_o particular_n for_o if_o all_o particular_n perish_v as_o they_o may_v do_v if_o no_o care_n be_v take_v to_o preserve_v they_o the_o whole_a must_v perish_v and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o whole_a be_v govern_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o part_n and_o mankind_n can_v be_v well_o govern_v without_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o every_o particular_a man._n i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o objection_n against_o a_o particular_a providence_n be_v very_o foolish_a some_o think_v it_o too_o much_o trouble_v to_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o every_o particular_a as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o trouble_n to_o he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v they_o or_o as_o if_o god_n have_v make_v more_o creature_n than_o he_o can_v take_v care_n of_o as_o if_o a_o infinite_a mind_n and_o omnipotent_a 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reasonable_a necessary_a and_o just._n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n show_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n consist_v in_o overrule_v and_o dispose_v all_o event_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o and_o to_o prevent_v a_o great_a many_o ignorant_a objection_n against_o it_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a more_o particular_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o essential_a character_n and_o property_n of_o god_n govern_v providence_n and_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o 1._o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n must_v govern_v with_o a_o sovereign_a will_n for_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n be_v a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a governor_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o scripture_n so_o often_o resolve_v all_o thing_n into_o the_o sole_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o in_o many_o case_n will_v allow_v we_o to_o seek_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n 35._o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n 6._o whatever_o the_o lord_n please_v that_o do_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o deep_a place_n that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v sovereign_a and_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a needs_o no_o other_o proof_n but_o that_o his_o power_n be_v absolute_a and_o his_o wisdom_n unsearchable_a for_o absolute_a power_n make_v a_o absolute_a will._n he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o do_v whatever_o he_o will_v can_v do_v whatever_o he_o will_v and_o that_o be_v the_o definition_n of_o a_o severeign_n and_o absolute_a will._n and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n resolve_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n into_o power_n 4._o that_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o mighty_a in_o strength_n who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o he_o and_o have_v prosper_v and_o indeed_o a_o power_n which_o be_v supreme_a and_o absolute_a which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o which_o have_v no_o great_a power_n above_o it_o none_o equal_a to_o it_o have_v a_o right_a to_o sovereignty_n for_o absolute_a power_n must_v be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o must_v give_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o give_v a_o right_a to_o absolute_a government_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o government_n for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o govern_v his_o creature_n he_o must_v have_v a_o right_n to_o absolute_a government_n because_o the_o right_n he_o have_v in_o his_o creature_n be_v absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a no_o creature_n have_v
therefore_o be_v not_o absolute_a themselves_o now_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o will_v which_o have_v a_o superior_a will_n and_o law_n be_v not_o itself_o unerring_a rectitude_n and_o justice_n and_o therefore_o may_v deviate_v from_o what_o be_v right_a and_o just_a as_o experience_n tell_v we_o such_o absolute_a will_n very_o often_o do_v and_o when_o the_o will_n can_v choose_v wrong_a the_o power_n which_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o such_o a_o err_a will_n must_v do_v wrong_a also_o but_o now_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o supreme_a will_n must_v be_v the_o supreme_a law_n that_o be_v perfect_a and_o absolute_a justice_n and_o therefore_o can_v no_o more_o will_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unjust_a than_o justice_n itself_o can_v be_v unjust_a and_o if_o this_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_n will_v be_v absolute_a power_n absolute_a power_n must_v be_v perfect_o just_a and_o good_a as_o be_v inseparable_a from_o perfect_a justice_n and_o therefore_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n can_v no_o more_o do_v any_o wrong_n than_o his_o absolute_a will_n can_v choose_v it_o 2._o nay_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o true_o absolute_a power_n which_o can_v do_v whatever_o it_o will_v this_o alone_a may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o god_n who_o be_v this_o supreme_a powerful_a be_v can_v neither_o will_n nor_o do_v any_o wrong_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v thing_n well_o we_o shall_v plain_o see_v that_o though_o some_o degree_n of_o power_n be_v require_v to_o enable_v man_n to_o do_v wrong_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o want_v of_o power_n which_o tempt_v they_o to_o do_v wrong_n there_o be_v two_o visible_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o injustice_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o weakness_n 1._o that_o man_n want_v power_n to_o do_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v without_o do_v some_o wrong_n or_o injury_n to_o other_o 2._o that_o man_n be_v overpower_v by_o their_o own_o passion_n to_o do_v what_o they_o know_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o which_o they_o will_v not_o do_v have_v they_o the_o perfect_a government_n of_o themselves_o as_o for_o the_o first_o be_v there_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a bruit_n who_o do_v not_o wish_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o and_o that_o he_o may_v have_v what_o he_o desire_v to_o have_v without_o offer_v violence_n or_o injury_n to_o any_o body_n will_v not_o a_o thief_n much_o rather_o choose_v to_o find_v a_o treasure_n than_o to_o take_v a_o purse_n upon_o the_o road_n will_v not_o a_o ambitious_a and_o aspire_a monarch_n rather_o choose_v that_o all_o prince_n shall_v resign_v their_o crown_n to_o he_o and_o all_o nation_n become_v his_o subject_n than_o to_o be_v force_v to_o win_v their_o crown_n by_o his_o sword_n and_o to_o make_v bloody_a conquest_n with_o the_o lamentable_a ravage_n and_o spoil_n of_o flourish_a country_n do_v not_o man_n intend_v to_o supply_v some_o real_a or_o imaginary_a want_n in_o all_o the_o injury_n they_o do_v and_o do_v not_o this_o suppose_v weakness_n and_o want_n of_o power_n to_o want_v any_o thing_n else_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o absolute_a power_n to_o want_v so_o impossible_a be_v it_o for_o absolute_a power_n to_o do_v any_o injury_n he_o who_o be_v the_o sole_a lord_n and_o proprietor_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v and_o must_v be_v who_o power_n be_v supreme_a and_o absolute_a he_o who_o be_v all_o creature_n be_v and_o who_o wisdom_n and_o power_n can_v accomplish_v whatever_o he_o will_v have_v do_v without_o do_v the_o least_o injustice_n can_v never_o be_v tempt_v to_o injure_v his_o own_o creature_n nor_o can_v ever_o want_v any_o thing_n which_o shall_v tempt_v he_o to_o do_v a_o injury_n and_o therefore_o absolute_a power_n must_v be_v absolute_a justice_n 2_o all_o the_o injury_n that_o be_v do_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o weakness_n even_o of_o human_a nature_n when_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o government_n of_o reason_n no_o man_n do_v any_o injury_n but_o to_o gratify_v some_o lust_n or_o passion_n and_o that_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o impotent_a mind_n where_o passion_n reign_v reason_n be_v the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o a_o man_n who_o live_v by_o reason_n never_o do_v any_o injury_n but_o through_o mistake_n which_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o reason_n but_o now_o absolute_a power_n be_v not_o a_o external_a adventitious_a thing_n but_o be_v a_o powerful_a nature_n and_o a_o powerful_a nature_n be_v all_o power_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o empire_n of_o passion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v one_o passion_n or_o other_o which_o always_o do_v the_o injury_n absolute_a power_n which_o be_v void_a of_o passion_n can_v do_v none_o except_v a_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v the_o true_a image_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o never_o do_v any_o injury_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o passion_n all_o our_o other_o pason_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o weakness_n and_o be_v argument_n of_o a_o weak_a limit_v and_o confine_v nature_n desire_n and_o hope_n prove_v that_o we_o want_v something_o which_o we_o can_v certain_o bestow_v upon_o ourselves_o fear_n be_v a_o sense_n of_o danger_n which_o argue_v want_n of_o power_n to_o defend_v ourselves_o anger_n and_o revenge_n be_v a_o resentment_n of_o some_o injury_n we_o have_v receive_v and_o that_o argue_v want_n of_o power_n to_o suffer_v injury_n hatred_n and_o malice_n be_v but_o great_a degree_n of_o anger_n and_o revenge_n and_o the_o great_a they_o be_v the_o great_a sense_n they_o argue_v of_o fear_n and_o danger_n of_o injury_n either_o expect_v or_o receive_v these_o be_v the_o passion_n which_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o absolute_a power_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o these_o injurious_a passion_n can_v neither_o desire_n nor_o hope_n nor_o fear_n can_v suffer_v no_o want_n nor_o injury_n nor_o have_v any_o sense_n or_o resentment_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n it_o shall_v do_v any_o injury_n it_o be_v act_v by_o calm_a and_o steady_a wisdom_n which_o be_v unerring_a justice_n too_o which_o never_o do_v and_o never_o can_v do_v any_o injury_n it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o these_o passion_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o god_n such_o as_o anger_n fury_n hatred_n revenge_n for_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n but_o then_o all_o that_o this_o signify_v be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v as_o severe_a in_o his_o judgement_n as_o anger_n and_o revenge_n be_v though_o it_o be_v not_o passion_n in_o god_n but_o a_o wise_a and_o cool_v and_o equal_a justice_n which_o punish_v which_o may_v be_v as_o severe_a as_o anger_n and_o revenge_n but_o never_o partial_a or_o unjust_a 3._o nay_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o power_n itself_o be_v a_o great_a and_o generous_a principle_n and_o inspire_v man_n with_o great_a and_o noble_a thought_n those_o who_o power_n secure_v they_o from_o receive_v any_o hurt_n be_v never_o tempt_v to_o do_v any_o power_n which_o be_v cruel_a insolent_a mischievous_a be_v always_o conscious_a of_o its_o own_o weakness_n and_o danger_n for_o it_o be_v common_o weakness_n and_o fear_n which_o make_v man_n cruel_a but_o a_o power_n which_o know_v itself_o out_o of_o danger_n out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o envy_n and_o ill-will_n be_v always_o a_o very_a generous_a adversary_n never_o insult_v over_o a_o prostrate_a enemy_n for_o such_o great_a power_n make_v all_o its_o enemy_n the_o object_n of_o pity_n or_o scorn_n and_o then_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o revenge_n and_o if_o power_n that_o little_a power_n which_o man_n have_v give_v they_o such_o a_o greatness_n of_o mind_n as_o set_v they_o above_o affront_v and_o resentment_n and_o sense_n of_o injury_n if_o this_o be_v so_o natural_a to_o power_n that_o it_o be_v always_o expect_v from_o man_n in_o power_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o greatness_n and_o generosity_n of_o mind_n proportion_v to_o their_o power_n that_o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o they_o when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o make_v they_o despise_v and_o scorn_v and_o hate_v with_o all_o their_o power_n what_o then_o may_v we_o expect_v from_o the_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n we_o may_v fear_v his_o justice_n but_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v his_o power_n justice_n will_v punish_v sinner_n but_o his_o power_n will_v never_o oppress_v for_o that_o be_v below_o his_o power_n that_o be_v too_o mean_a and_o base_a a_o thing_n for_o
perfect_a and_o absolute_a power_n to_o do_v it_o be_v think_v a_o reproach_n for_o a_o great_a and_o powerful_a man_n to_o oppress_v much_o less_o than_o will_v the_o all-powerful_a god_n do_v so_o 4._o for_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o power_n to_o do_v good_a not_o to_o do_v hurt_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a glory_n of_o power_n it_o be_v its_o natural_a perfection_n too_o and_o the_o most_o natural_a exercise_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o which_o perfect_a power_n will_v do_v it_o be_v nature_n be_v to_o do_v good_a but_o never_o to_o do_v hurt_v that_o if_o to_o punish_v be_v not_o to_o do_v good_a perfect_a and_o absolute_a power_n can_v not_o punish_v if_o we_o right_o consider_v thing_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a power_n to_o do_v good_a than_o to_o do_v hurt_v to_o save_v than_o to_o destroy_v to_o make_v so_o excellent_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n be_v and_o to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v he_o in_o be_v than_o to_o kill_v he_o in_o most_o case_n it_o require_v very_o little_a power_n to_o do_v hurt_v every_o man_n how_o weak_a and_o inconsiderable_a soever_o he_o be_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o power_n to_o do_v hurt_v but_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o can_v do_v much_o good_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o great_a power_n and_o therefore_o to_o do_v good_a must_v be_v essential_a to_o the_o great_a power_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o most_o glorious_a power_n because_o good_a be_v in_o itself_o a_o beautiful_a lovely_a and_o glorious_a thing_n but_o evil_a be_v very_o inglorious_a all_o creature_n love_v to_o receive_v good_a they_o feel_v it_o they_o rejoice_v in_o it_o they_o adore_v and_o praise_v their_o maker_n and_o great_a benefactor_n they_o live_v in_o he_o they_o depend_v on_o he_o they_o fly_v to_o he_o to_o supply_v their_o want_n they_o take_v refuge_n and_o 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absolute_a power_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v be_v to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a they_o shall_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v such_o action_n as_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o prove_v good_a and_o just_a mere_o by_o absolute_a power_n the_o glory_n of_o absolute_a power_n be_v to_o do_v what_o all_o the_o world_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o therefore_o absolute_a power_n can_v prove_v those_o action_n to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a nor_o make_v itself_o glorious_a by_o do_v such_o action_n as_o mankind_n think_v very_o infamous_a and_o unjust_a let_v we_o then_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o how_o unaccountable_a soever_o sovereign_a and_o absolute_a will_n and_o power_n be_v it_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v do_v any_o wrong_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a justice_n and_o goodness_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n 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the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a why_o shall_v we_o not_o allow_v his_o wisdom_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n to_o be_v as_o unsearchable_a as_o his_o wisdom_n in_o make_v it_o for_o a_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n will_v do_v incomprehensible_a thing_n whatever_o it_o employ_v its_o self_n about_o and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v at_o all_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v many_o event_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o can_v fathom_v and_o much_o less_o reason_n to_o deny_v a_o providence_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o event_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n to_o silence_v the_o sceptical_a humour_n of_o the_o age_n and_o to_o shame_v those_o trifle_a and_o ridiculous_a pretence_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n in_o censure_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n that_o it_o deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a discourse_n for_o can_v we_o make_v man_n confess_v what_o all_o modest_a consider_v man_n must_v blush_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a this_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o providence_n and_o teach_v we_o humble_o to_o adore_v and_o reverence_n that_o wisdom_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o to_o prepare_v my_o way_n to_o give_v such_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o you_o may_v secure_o acquiesce_v in_o without_o dispute_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n or_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v a_o providence_n when_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n too_o hard_o for_o you_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o be_v shall_v be_v otherwise_o both_o from_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o great_a ignorance_n of_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o many_o case_n so_o much_o above_o our_o 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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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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 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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
the_o will_n be_v move_v how_o it_o be_v determine_v or_o determine_v itself_o whether_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o nature_n it_o always_o necessary_o choose_v what_o it_o choose_v or_o may_v have_v not_o choose_v or_o have_v choose_v any_o thing_n else_o now_o whatever_o other_o man_n may_v do_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v concern_v i_o other_o make_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o necessity_n and_o fate_n who_o by_o eternal_a and_o irreversible_a decree_n as_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o he_o as_o his_o own_o be_v have_v determine_v whatever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o know_v this_o without_o a_o immediate_a vision_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o the_o naked_a essence_n of_o god_n his_o attribute_n and_o moral_a perfection_n give_v we_o no_o notice_n of_o such_o fatal_a decree_n his_o wisdom_n holiness_n justice_n goodness_n 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perfect_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o prescience_n or_o how_o god_n foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v for_o if_o god_n can_v foreknow_v what_o he_o have_v not_o decree_v and_o can_v foreknow_v what_o do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o than_o the_o prescience_n of_o god_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o fatality_n of_o all_o event_n and_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v unless_o we_o perfect_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o prescience_n and_o how_o god_n foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o then_o we_o may_v foreknow_v thing_n ourselves_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o god_n concourse_n with_o his_o creature_n in_o all_o their_o action_n from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n in_o all_o its_o election_n be_v determine_v by_o god_n without_o who_o concourse_n it_o can_v act_v nor_o determine_v itself_o these_o be_v all_o nice_a philosophical_a speculation_n which_o creature_n who_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n can_v know_v nothing_o of_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v argument_n for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o since_o we_o must_v confess_v ourselves_o so_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o in_o ten_o thousand_o instance_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o absure_v for_o we_o to_o demand_v a_o account_n of_o god_n providence_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v to_o leave_v god_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n with_o the_o same_o sovereign_n and_o unaccountable_a wisdom_n which_o at_o first_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n three_o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v secret_a and_o hide_a method_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o at_o least_o in_o this_o state_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v or_o desire_v a_o particular_a account_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o event_n the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n 25._o prov._n 2._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o therefore_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n forbid_v too_o curious_a a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o sophronius_n give_v a_o wise_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o we_o be_v all_o bear_v of_o mortal_a parent_n and_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o a_o infinite_a immortal_a be_v must_v be_v above_o we_o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o zophar_n give_v vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a though_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n 11._o job_n 12._o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n too_o great_a for_o our_o birth_n if_o our_o natural_a capacity_n bear_v proportion_n to_o it_o for_o god_n must_v be_v a_o very_a little_a be_v himself_o can_v he_o be_v comprehend_v by_o such_o mean_a creature_n but_o that_o which_o i_o at_o present_a intend_v be_v only_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v that_o the_o divine_a counse_n that_o the_o event_n and_o reason_n of_o providence_n shall_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o and_o i_o hope_v that_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v conceal_v they_o if_o he_o can_v so_o wise_o govern_v the_o world_n without_o it_o i_o will_v desire_v those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o quarrel_v at_o providence_n and_o to_o take_v it_o so_o very_a ill_n that_o god_n do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v it_o present_o understand_v to_o sit_v down_o and_o agree_v among_o themselves_o how_o they_o will_v have_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v with_o but_o let_v they_o consider_v well_o of_o it_o beforehand_o that_o upon_o second_o thought_n they_o do_v it_o find_v more_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v at_o their_o own_o way_n and_o method_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n than_o they_o now_o have_v to_o quarrel_v with_o providence_n or_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o find_v more_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o they_o than_o they_o have_v now_o to_o quarrel_n with_o god_n as_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o of_o this_o by_o way_n of_o essay_n some_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o much_o discontent_v at_o the_o uneveness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o event_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a flux_n and_o motion_n that_o no_o man_n know_v what_o a_o day_n or_o a_o hour_n will_v bring_v forth_o the_o instability_n of_o fortune_n which_o give_v and_o take_v away_o and_o every_o day_n show_v a_o new_a face_n and_o open_v new_a and_o surprise_v scene_n have_v be_v a_o old_a complaint_n well_o then_o will_v they_o have_v this_o rectify_v will_v they_o have_v all_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n as_o constant_a and_o regular_a and_o unchangeable_a as_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n as_o the_o return_v of_o day_n and_o night_n of_o winter_n and_o summer_n and_o when_o they_o see_v all_o thing_n happen_v thus_o even_o and_o regular_o will_v they_o then_o promise_v to_o believe_v a_o providence_n i_o mighty_o suspect_v that_o they_o will_v be_v far_o from_o believe_v a_o providence_n then_o than_o they_o be_v now_o we_o see_v that_o the_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o uniform_a production_n of_o nature_n which_o so_o seldom_o vary_v that_o it_o be_v think_v portentous_a and_o ominous_a if_o they_o do_v can_v convince_v they_o that_o god_n govern_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n as_o far_o as_o all_o their_o virtue_n and_o power_n move_v and_o act_v uniform_o by_o constant_a and_o unerring_a law_n and_o if_o the_o regular_a uniformity_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o think_v by_o these_o man_n a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n i_o doubt_v a_o constant_a and_o uniform_a round_n of_o all_o event_n will_v be_v think_v much_o less_o so_o those_o who_o now_o resolve_v all_o the_o uncertain_a change_n and_o revolution_n that_o happen_v into_o necessity_n and_o fate_n will_v have_v more_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o do_v providence_n always_o show_v the_o same_o face_n and_o appearance_n as_o the_o heaven_n do_v but_o can_v they_o tell_v what_o kind_n of_o uniformity_n and_o stability_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v will_v please_v they_o will_v they_o have_v all_o man_n fortune_n equal_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o distinction_n between_o rich_a and_o poor_a high_a and_o low_a prince_n and_o subject_n the_o honourable_a and_o the_o vile_a i_o believe_v few_o of_o they_o will_v like_v such_o a_o level_a providence_n which_o as_o the_o state_n of_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 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and_o reasonable_a expectation_n of_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n hereafter_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a thing_n and_o the_o peculiar_a mark_n of_o god_n favour_n do_v none_o but_o good_a man_n share_v in_o they_o and_o be_v they_o the_o portion_n of_o all_o good_a man_n we_o shall_v grow_v very_o fond_a of_o this_o world_n and_o little_o think_v of_o another_o or_o of_o exercise_v such_o divine_a virtue_n as_o be_v fit_v to_o that_o state_n nay_o we_o shall_v want_v the_o best_a moral_a argument_n for_o another_o life_n that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n which_o give_v a_o reasonable_a expectation_n of_o another_o life_n but_o when_o we_o see_v bad_a man_n prosperous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a and_o good_a man_n suffer_v as_o hard_a thing_n as_o any_o bad_a man_n do_v this_o convince_v we_o that_o neither_o the_o 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exercise_n of_o some_o of_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o do_v most_o honour_n to_o god_n and_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n and_o perfection_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o evident_o prove_v that_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o shall_v be_v nor_o in_o many_o case_n the_o reason_n of_o what_o we_o see_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o defect_n but_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o providence_n four_o we_o be_v necessary_o ignorant_a of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o complain_v that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n than_o we_o do_v of_o our_o ignorance_n of_o other_o matter_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n can_v be_v know_v as_o to_o name_v some_o few_o of_o they_o 1._o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o man_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o we_o know_v not_o their_o heart_n and_o thought_n and_o counsel_n we_o see_v little_a of_o their_o private_a conversation_n we_o can_v look_v into_o their_o closet_n and_o secret_a retirement_n and_o unless_o we_o know_v better_a what_o man_n be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o now_o though_o as_o to_o external_a appearance_n there_o be_v some_o truth_n in_o this_o objection_n that_o bad_a man_n be_v oftentimes_o very_o prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o when_o this_o objection_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o prosperity_n or_o affliction_n of_o particular_a man_n where_o it_o be_v once_o apply_v right_a it_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n apply_v wrong_a especial_o as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a 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himself_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o good_a man_n in_o scripture_n do_v so_o except_v job_n they_o frequent_o confess_v and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v and_o as_o for_o job_n all_o that_o he_o insist_o on_o be_v to_o justify_v his_o own_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n that_o he_o be_v no_o secret_a hypocrite_n as_o his_o friend_n uncharitable_o accuse_v he_o that_o he_o know_v nothing_o so_o bad_a of_o himself_o as_o to_o deserve_v such_o amaze_a suffering_n as_o god_n have_v bring_v on_o he_o and_o indeed_o iob_n case_n be_v very_o peculiar_a and_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o conclusion_n that_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v he_o for_o some_o unknown_a wickedness_n but_o to_o exercise_v his_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a example_n of_o a_o firm_a adherence_n to_o god_n under_o the_o severe_a trial_n now_o when_o there_o be_v no_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o upon_o his_o own_o account_n can_v charge_v god_n with_o afflict_v he_o beyond_o what_o his_o sin_n deserve_v or_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n require_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a truth_n in_o this_o objection_n that_o do_v we_o know_v other_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o we_o know_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v as_o well_o understand_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n afflict_v they_o as_o why_o he_o afflict_v we_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n whatever_o their_o suffering_n be_v they_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n and_o it_o be_v very_o often_o see_v that_o some_o man_n be_v think_v wicked_a as_o wrongful_o and_o ignorant_o as_o other_o be_v think_v good_a it_o be_v a_o very_a little_a matter_n that_o will_v give_v man_n a_o bad_a character_n in_o a_o censorious_a world_n a_o different_a opinion_n in_o religion_n or_o some_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n nay_o different_a interest_n and_o state-faction_n nay_o some_o private_a quarrel_n and_o animosity_n will_v make_v some_o man_n paint_v each_o other_o as_o black_a as_o hell_n can_v make_v they_o and_o then_o quarrel_v with_o heaven_n if_o it_o do_v not_o revenge_v their_o quarrel_n and_o execute_v that_o vengeance_n which_o they_o doom_n each_o other_o to_o and_o as_o for_o other_o who_o with_o more_o reason_n be_v think_v bad_a man_n as_o guilty_a of_o know_a immorality_n yet_o they_o may_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a in_o they_o many_o generous_a quality_n and_o social_n virtue_n which_o may_v make_v they_o very_o useful_a man_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o they_o may_v do_v so_o much_o good_a as_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o mankind_n may_v deserve_v some_o temporal_a reward_n as_o may_v deserve_v public_a trust_n and_o public_a honour_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o reproach_v providence_n with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o such_o man_n which_o we_o ourselves_o think_v well_o bestow_v notwithstanding_o their_o other_o vice_n and_o other_o bad_a man_n may_v have_v some_o secret_a and_o latent_fw-la principle_n of_o virtue_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v cherish_v and_o when_o this_o be_v god_n alone_o know_v but_o if_o we_o know_v it_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o kindness_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n to_o such_o man_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o as_o for_o profligate_v sinner_n who_o be_v at_o open_a defiance_n with_o god_n it_o be_v seldom_o see_v but_o that_o some_o remarkable_a vengeance_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o overtake_v they_o and_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o their_o confusion_n so_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o justify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n both_o towards_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n do_v we_o sufficient_o know_v man_n and_o our_o ignorance_n of_o man_n make_v it_o a_o very_a foolish_a and_o absurd_a objection_n for_o if_o instead_o of_o answer_v it_o we_o shall_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o objection_n they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v it_o shall_v we_o assert_v that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v reward_v and_o all_o bad_a man_n punish_v who_o deserve_v to_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o disprove_v this_o but_o by_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n by_o show_v some_o good_a man_n afflict_v who_o deserve_v a_o reward_n and_o some_o bad_a man_n prosperous_a who_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v now_o this_o they_o can_v never_o do_v without_o pretend_v to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n to_o see_v their_o inside_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o their_o secret_n in_o a_o word_n to_o know_v man_n as_o god_n know_v they_o for_o though_o some_o man_n be_v afflict_v who_o we_o think_v good_a man_n and_o it_o may_v be_v be_v so_o and_o some_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a yet_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o evil_n and_o good_a in_o these_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n which_o we_o can_v see_v as_o may_v make_v it_o very_o wise_a and_o just_a in_o god_n to_o afflict_v these_o good_a man_n and_o to_o prosper_v the_o wicked_a and_o since_o we_o can_v possible_o know_v these_o thing_n it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v very_o modest_a in_o censure_v providence_n 2_o we_o be_v in_o most_o case_n very_o ignorant_a also_o of_o the_o counsel_n and_o design_n of_o providence_n we_o seldom_o know_v in_o any_o measure_n what_o god_n be_v a_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o all_o those_o intermediate_v event_n which_o tend_v to_o unknown_a end_n in_o the_o best-contrived_n plot_v there_o will_v always_o be_v some_o scene_n full_a of_o nothing_o but_o mystery_n and_o confusion_n till_o the_o
end_n explain_v they_o and_o then_o we_o admire_v the_o skill_n and_o art_n of_o the_o poet._n now_o the_o great_a obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n be_v in_o such_o intermediate_v event_n before_o we_o know_v what_o god_n intend_v by_o they_o as_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o of_o it_o have_v we_o hear_v no_o more_o of_o joseph_n but_o that_o he_o be_v sell_v by_o his_o brethren_n into_o egypt_n and_o there_o false_o accuse_v by_o a_o wanton_a mistress_n and_o cast_v into_o prison_n we_o shall_v have_v think_v that_o god_n have_v deal_v very_o hardly_o with_o he_o but_o when_o we_o understand_v that_o all_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o pharaoh_n throne_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v a_o joseph_n thus_o the_o story_n of_o iob_n affliction_n strike_v terror_n and_o astonishment_n into_o all_o that_o hear_v they_o job_n himself_o know_v not_o what_o account_n to_o give_v of_o his_o suffering_n and_o his_o friend_n give_v a_o very_a bad_a one_o by_o false_o and_o uncharitable_o accuse_v job_n of_o some_o unknown_a wickedness_n to_o vindicate_v god_n severity_n towards_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v as_o much_o puzzle_v with_o it_o to_o this_o day_n have_v we_o not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o iob_n suffering_n and_o with_o that_o long_a and_o great_a prosperity_n wherewith_o god_n reward_v his_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o now_o no_o man_n think_v the_o suffering_n of_o job_n any_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n much_o less_o any_o objection_n against_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o single_a man_n when_o we_o see_v only_o a_o scene_n or_o two_o of_o their_o life_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o such_o prosperous_a or_o adverse_a event_n as_o we_o can_v account_v for_o but_o can_v we_o see_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n in_o most_o case_n the_o divine_a providence_n will_v justify_v itself_o but_o then_o the_o hide_a and_o mysterious_a design_n of_o providence_n relate_v to_o church_n and_o kingdom_n which_o comprehend_v so_o many_o great_a and_o wonderful_a revolution_n the_o translation_n of_o empire_n the_o remove_v the_o gospel_n from_o one_o country_n and_o plant_v church_n in_o other_o where_o there_o be_v none_o before_o the_o increase_n and_o flourish_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o one_o age_n and_o its_o great_a declension_n and_o almost_o total_a eclipse_n in_o another_o those_o surprise_v change_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o genius_n temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n in_o several_a age_n the_o unaccountable_a beginning_n of_o war_n and_o the_o as_o unaccountable_a success_n and_o unaccountable_a end_n of_o it_o the_o long_a prosperity_n of_o persecute_v tyrant_n and_o their_o sudden_a fall_n these_o and_o such_o like_a event_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a to_o we_o who_o know_v not_o what_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o all_o this_o nor_o what_o design_n he_o be_v carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n many_o time_n reach_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o nay_o do_v not_o come_v to_o perfection_n in_o many_o age_n and_o yet_o have_v all_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o relation_n to_o each_o other_o and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o some_o last_o great_a end_n the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n as_o mysterious_a book_n as_o they_o be_v and_o as_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v to_o apply_v the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o to_o their_o particular_a event_n yet_o thus_o much_o be_v plain_a in_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o long_a series_n and_o chain_n of_o event_n which_o reach_v from_o age_n to_o age_n with_o infinite_a turn_n and_o variety_n of_o wisdom_n direct_v by_o a_o steady_a and_o unerring_a counsel_n to_o some_o unknown_a but_o glorious_a conclusion_n and_o when_o the_o divine_a counsel_n be_v so_o deep_a and_o mysterious_a and_o so_o far_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n when_o we_o see_v so_o little_a a_o part_n of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o know_v not_o what_o end_n god_n aim_v at_o in_o it_o how_o impossible_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o particular_a event_n have_v we_o a_o certain_a and_o particular_a history_n of_o what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v and_o can_v we_o certain_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n of_o what_o be_v still_o to_o be_v do_v in_o every_o age_n and_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n that_o we_o can_v have_v one_o view_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o wisdom_n beauty_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n but_o when_o our_o account_n of_o what_o be_v pass_v be_v so_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a and_o our_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v much_o more_o imperfect_a than_o of_o what_o be_v past_a when_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o our_o own_o age_n of_o our_o own_o country_n of_o our_o own_o neighbourhood_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n as_o it_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o wise_a contrivance_n and_o design_n of_o a_o comedy_n by_o read_v one_o act_n or_o it_o may_v be_v but_o one_o scene_n of_o that_o act._n this_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n without_o understand_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o for_o what_o end_n every_o thing_n be_v design_v for_o every_o thing_n be_v well_o or_o ill_o contrive_v as_o it_o serve_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o pretend_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n as_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n this_o very_a reason_n st._n paul_n give_v why_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o unsearchable_a 11._o rom._n 33_o 34._o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o who_o have_v be_v his_o counsellor_n 3_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a also_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o while_o we_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a thorough_o to_o comprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o providence_n without_o take_v the_o other_o world_n into_o the_o account_n be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n or_o not_o for_o whether_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o a_o providence_n thing_n be_v as_o they_o be_v and_o if_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o we_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a consequence_n which_o be_v true_a the_o only_a reason_n why_o some_o man_n so_o zealous_o dispute_v against_o a_o providence_n be_v because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o another_o world_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o so_o zealous_o contend_v for_o a_o providence_n be_v to_o support_v ourselves_o against_o all_o cross_a event_n with_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n at_o present_a and_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o more_o bless_a and_o happy_a life_n hereafter_o so_o that_o in_o truth_n this_o dispute_n be_v not_o so_o much_o intend_v against_o providence_n as_o against_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o another_o life_n and_o therefore_o both_o these_o must_v be_v take_v into_o the_o account_n when_o they_o make_v their_o objection_n against_o providence_n or_o all_o their_o argument_n signify_v nothing_o as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o they_o to_o say_v and_o to_o prove_v too_o that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n be_v their_o great_a objection_n as_o no_o man_n can_v give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n as_o infinite_a wisdom_n itself_o can_v account_v for_o for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o difficulty_n which_o we_o can_v particular_o answer_v as_o all_o wise_a man_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o unless_o they_o can_v positive_o prove_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n itself_o can_v answer_v these_o difficulty_n the_o world_n may_v still_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o infinite_o wise_a be_v and_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v this_o for_o nothing_o less_o than_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v tell_v what_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v and_o what_o difficulty_n it_o can_v answer_v which_o show_v how_o vain_a all_o these_o argument_n against_o providence_n be_v which_o at_o last_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o the_o ignorance_n of_o human_a understanding_n that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n because_o
we_o see_v such_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o world_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v infinite_a wisdom_n can_v give_v very_o wise_a reason_n for_o but_o we_o can_v thus_o to_o come_v to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o but_o they_o must_v positive_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n as_o the_o next_o world_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a for_o if_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n must_v in_o many_o case_n be_v whole_o fetch_v from_o the_o other_o world_n if_o we_o must_v live_v in_o another_o world_n when_o we_o remove_v out_o of_o this_o than_o this_o life_n be_v but_o one_o short_a scene_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n be_v chief_o in_o order_n to_o the_o next_o and_o then_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n government_n also_o must_v relate_v to_o the_o next_o world_n and_o if_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o its_o relation_n to_o the_o next_o world_n it_o will_v give_v a_o general_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n and_o give_v we_o a_o satisfactory_a reason_n why_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o particular_a passage_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n the_o general_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o seem_a irregularity_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n will_v be_v rectify_v in_o the_o next_o and_o when_o we_o see_v this_o do_v we_o shall_v then_o see_v the_o wisdom_n of_o what_o we_o now_o call_v the_o irregular_a and_o eccentrick_a motion_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v certain_a this_o may_v be_v so_o and_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v it_o can_v be_v so_o and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n for_o it_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o other_o world_n make_v it_o high_o probable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v another_o world_n believe_v also_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v great_o reward_v and_o the_o wicked_a punish_v in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o we_o christian_n be_v assure_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o by_o the_o express_a revelation_n of_o scripture_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v eternal_o reward_v in_o heaven_n and_o bad_a man_n eternal_o punish_v in_o hell-fire_n and_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o that_o any_o christian_n who_o profess_v to_o believe_v this_o shall_v puzzle_v themselves_o about_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n for_o what_o difficulty_n be_v there_o which_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o eternal_a misery_n will_v not_o answer_v the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n especial_o when_o they_o open_o defy_v god_n and_o religion_n and_o oppress_v all_o within_o their_o power_n and_o persecute_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o poverty_n and_o disgrace_n persecution_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v think_v great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n but_o can_v these_o objector_n but_o look_n into_o the_o next_o world_n and_o see_v dives_n torment_v in_o flame_n and_o hear_v he_o beg_v only_o for_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n can_v they_o see_v lazarus_n in_o abraham_n bosom_n no_o long_o beg_v a_o alm_n but_o entertain_v with_o all_o the_o delight_n of_o paradise_n can_v they_o see_v the_o punishment_n of_o tyrant_n persecutor_n and_o oppressor_n and_o the_o glorious_a crown_n of_o martyr_n will_v they_o then_o any_o long_o complain_v of_o providence_n will_v they_o think_v god_n too_o kind_a to_o bad_a man_n or_o too_o hard_a and_o severe_a to_o the_o good_a if_o the_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o next_o world_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n at_o all_o in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o some_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o good_a in_o this_o world_n for_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v so_o much_o for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o for_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v in_o it_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o who_o know_v not_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o unfit_a judge_n of_o this_o leave_v room_n for_o god_n as_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n shall_v direct_v to_o exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o bad_a man_n to_o make_v they_o the_o minister_n and_o executioner_n of_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o a_o wicked_a world_n or_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o sin_n and_o folly_n of_o good_a man_n to_o rectify_v the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o govern_v their_o passion_n to_o exercise_v and_o improve_v their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v bad_a man_n good_a and_o to_o make_v good_a man_n better_a and_o to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o government_n and_o providence_n by_o both_o so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n give_v a_o general_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o call_v any_o thing_n a_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n which_o the_o other_o world_n will_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n as_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o without_o another_o life_n we_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o know_v that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o if_o this_o life_n have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o next_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n in_o many_o case_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o next_o world_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o atheist_n dispute_v with_o a_o christian_a against_o providence_n if_o he_o will_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n he_o must_v dispute_v against_o providence_n upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o another_o life_n and_o prove_v that_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o world_n can_v vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o issue_n and_o they_o will_v find_v little_a to_o say_v which_o will_v give_v any_o trouble_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o answer_v but_o after_o all_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o the_o other_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o passage_n of_o providence_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o next_o world_n i_o say_v which_o relate_v to_o the_o next_o world_n which_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o all_o to_o good_a man_n the_o belief_n of_o another_o life_n will_v answer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n which_o concern_v this_o life_n but_o those_o difficulty_n which_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n it_o can_v answer_v but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v answer_v such_o difficulty_n viz._n because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v enough_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o they_o here_o but_o to_o stay_v till_o we_o come_v into_o the_o next_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o will_v be_v no_o difficulty_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o very_o great_a one_o and_o that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o life_n but_o the_o whole_a difficulty_n of_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o next_o life_n that_o since_o all_o man_n have_v immortal_a soul_n and_o must_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o god_n shall_v for_o so_o many_o age_n suffer_v the_o whole_a world_n except_v the_o jew_n to_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o in_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n that_o christ_n come_v so_o late_o into_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o that_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n still_o be_v pagan_n and_o mahometan_n nay_o that_o so_o little_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n retain_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n a_o great_a difficulty_n than_o any_o present_a evil_n and_o calamity_n because_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o reach_v to_o eternity_n but_o then_o the_o whole_a difficulty_n be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o we_o know_v not_o
he_o beget_v a_o wicked_a son_n his_o son_n shall_v sure_o die_v and_o if_o this_o wicked_a son_n beget_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a son_n he_o shall_v live_v 20._o the_o son_n shall_v not_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n neither_o shall_v the_o father_n bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o son_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v upon_o he_o that_o if_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n he_o shall_v live_v and_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v from_o his_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v die_v and_o appeal_v to_o they_o to_o judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o equal_a yet_o you_o say_v 29._o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o equal_a hear_v now_o o_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a this_o plain_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n be_v very_o just_a and_o equal_a and_o that_o to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o contradict_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v a_o very_a great_a reproach_n to_o he_o and_o be_v think_v so_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n complain_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n as_o a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n he_o lay_v this_o down_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o a_o unshaken_a principle_n that_o god_n be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n when_o i_o plead_v with_o thou_o yet_o let_v i_o talk_v with_o thou_o of_o thy_o judgement_n wherefore_o do_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v wherefore_o be_v all_o they_o happy_a that_o deal_n very_o treacherous_o 12._o jer._n 1._o this_o very_a complaint_n that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o all_o mankind_n expect_v from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v govern_v the_o world_n with_o great_a justice_n and_o equity_n for_o otherwise_o though_o such_o a_o providence_n itself_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n if_o god_n be_v not_o by_o the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n what_o can_v the_o unaccountable_a difficulty_n of_o providence_n be_v be_v it_o that_o we_o observe_v such_o event_n as_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reconcile_v with_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o what_o then_o this_o be_v no_o difficulty_n nor_o unaccountable_a if_o god_n observe_v no_o rule_n of_o justice_n in_o his_o government_n if_o he_o act_v by_o such_o a_o unaccountable_a will_n as_o have_v no_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o such_o a_o will_v as_o regard_v not_o what_o we_o call_v right_a and_o just_a but_o make_v every_o thing_n just_o it_o will_v the_o difficulty_n and_o unsearchableness_n of_o providence_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o providence_n but_o in_o the_o event_n not_o in_o reconcile_n the_o rule_n of_o providence_n to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n but_o in_o reconcile_n some_o event_n to_o the_o acknowledge_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n government_n this_o be_v the_o atheist_n objection_n against_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n because_o they_o think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o and_o wise_o govern_v and_o though_o we_o can_v vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o a_o great_a many_o difficult_a and_o unaccountable_a event_n which_o the_o atheist_n object_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n against_o unjust_a and_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o government_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n conclude_v to_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o unjust_a as_o for_o instance_n though_o we_o see_v good_a man_n afflict_v and_o wicked_a man_n prosperous_a and_o it_o may_v be_v can_v give_v no_o particular_a account_n why_o this_o good_a man_n be_v afflict_v and_o such_o a_o wicked_a man_n prosperous_a yet_o we_o can_v vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o it_o but_o shall_v any_o man_n turn_v this_o into_o a_o rule_n of_o providence_n that_o by_o the_o sovereign_n and_o unaccountable_a will_n of_o god_n some_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o miserable_a and_o some_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o happy_a this_o we_o can_v never_o vindicate_v because_o it_o contradict_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o though_o we_o can_v always_o judge_v of_o the_o righteousness_n and_o justice_n of_o a_o particular_a event_n yet_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o 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as_o we_o can_v give_v no_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o do_v he_o little_a service_n because_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n answer_v such_o difficulty_n but_o if_o we_o will_v grant_v he_o that_o god_n act_n by_o such_o rule_n as_o all_o man_n who_o judge_v impartial_o according_a to_o the_o natural_a notion_n and_o the_o natural_a sense_n which_o we_o have_v of_o justice_n must_v think_v unjust_a this_o be_v what_o he_o will_v have_v and_o he_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o talk_v as_o much_o as_o we_o please_v of_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o sovereign_a will_n of_o god_n but_o he_o will_v believe_v no_o such_o god_n for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o be_v arbitrary_a but_o to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o just_a but_o not_o good_a and_o just_a as_o man_n understand_v goodness_n and_o justice_n be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o 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or_o disgrace_n famine_n sword_n and_o pestilence_n or_o the_o contrary_a blessing_n of_o plenty_n peace_n and_o a_o wholesome_a air_n the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o state_n and_o empire_n the_o remove_a king_n and_o set_v up_o king_n now_o what_o of_o all_o this_o be_v there_o that_o god_n can_v never_o wise_o and_o just_o do_v may_v not_o god_n have_v very_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o lengthen_v some_o man_n life_n and_o for_o shorten_v other_o for_o make_v man_n rich_a or_o poor_a honourable_a or_o vile_a for_o translate_n kingdom_n and_o empire_n for_o send_v peace_n or_o war_n plenty_n or_o famine_n and_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v wise_o and_o just_o do_v how_o can_v the_o do_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v such_o good_a or_o evil_a event_n may_v be_v wrong_o apply_v to_o person_n who_o do_v not_o deserve_v they_o and_o then_o they_o become_v unjust_a and_o so_o you_o apprehend_v they_o many_o time_n be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n in_o the_o event_n themselves_o when_o there_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o they_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o rather_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v wise_a reason_n for_o they_o when_o they_o be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n be_v not_o the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a justice_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n never_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o be_v not_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n which_o see_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o can_v see_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o confess_v that_o god_n may_v have_v wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v though_o we_o know_v they_o not_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v all_o the_o friend_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o silence_v its_o enemy_n for_o if_o all_o those_o event_n which_o they_o think_v hard_a or_o unjust_a may_v 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prerogative_n act_n and_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o we_o must_v seek_v no_o far_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o thing_n than_o the_o sovereign_n will_v of_o god_n as_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n while_o he_o keep_v within_o the_o legal_a exercise_n of_o his_o prerogative_n needs_o give_v no_o other_o account_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o will_v not_o be_v so_o civil_a to_o god_n as_o they_o be_v to_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n to_o take_v his_o sole_a will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n for_o a_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o quarrel_n about_o these_o prerogative_n act_n and_o ask_v a_o great_a many_o foolish_a question_n and_o make_v a_o great_a many_o impertinent_a objection_n even_o against_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o free_a and_o sovereign_a goodness_n now_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n the_o right_n of_o a_o sovereign_n to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o he_o beyond_o his_o own_o 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of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n goodness_n indeed_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o sovereign_a act_n of_o goodness_n which_o no_o creature_n can_v challenge_v from_o god_n which_o god_n may_v not_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o have_v be_v very_o good_a and_o why_o god_n exercise_v such_o free_a and_o prerogative_n act_v of_o goodness_n must_v be_v resolve_v whole_o into_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will._n this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o that_o mysterious_a goodness_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v therefore_o every_o where_o in_o scripture_n call_v grace_n and_o free_a grace_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n tell_v we_o 38._o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o do_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o our_o redemption_n 11._o be_v call_v the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o thus_o be_v every_o part_n of_o our_o redemption_n 18._o as_o our_o new-birth_n of_o his_o own_o will_v he_o have_v beget_v we_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n 4._o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n 13._o all_o which_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o these_o be_v such_o prerogative_n act_v of_o goodness_n as_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n of_o but_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n now_o in_o such_o sovereign_a act_n of_o goodness_n as_o these_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o the_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o administration_n be_v all_o perfect_o free_a and_o voluntary_a where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v up_o himself_o by_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o god_n have_v very_o wise_a reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v but_o must_v not_o critical_o examine_v whether_o every_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o we_o can_v think_v on_o which_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o a_o great_a many_o foolish_a inquiry_n with_o which_o man_n perplex_v themselves_o and_o disparage_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o why_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n whether_o there_o be_v no_o other_o possible_a way_n to_o save_v sinner_n or_o whether_o this_o be_v absolute_o the_o best_a why_o god_n send_v christ_n so_o late_o into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o last_o day_n when_o it_o grow_v near_o its_o end_n and_o so_o many_o generation_n of_o man_n have_v perish_v in_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n before_o his_o appearance_n why_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n have_v never_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a question_n as_o these_o to_o all_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reply_v that_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v inquire_v no_o far_o than_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v god_n never_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n nor_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v for_o he_o do_v not_o owe_v such_o a_o saviour_n to_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o his_o gospel_n be_v not_o universal_o receive_v by_o mankind_n sovereign_n grace_n be_v free_a and_o unaccountable_a and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o such_o stupendous_a goodness_n be_v administer_v by_o as_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n 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what_o manner_n he_o please_v without_o give_v any_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o his_o own_o will._n god_n have_v more_o reason_n of_o punish_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n than_o mere_o to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o punish_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o may_v most_o advance_v his_o own_o name_n and_o glory_n and_o do_v most_o good_a in_o the_o world_n thus_o god_n tell_v pharaoh_n for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o raise_v thou_o up_o that_o be_v either_o advance_v thou_o to_o the_o throne_n or_o preserve_v thy_o life_n thus_o long_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o plague_n i_o have_v bring_v upon_o thy_o land_n for_o to_o show_v in_o thou_o my_o power_n and_o that_o my_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n 16._o that_o be_v to_o take_v such_o a_o remarkable_a vengeance_n on_o thou_o as_o may_v make_v all_o the_o earth_n confess_v my_o glory_n will_v man_n but_o allow_n god_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o sovereign_n who_o can_v spare_v and_o reprieve_v nay_o pardon_v in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o imputation_n of_o injustice_n it_o will_v answer_v all_o the_o cavil_v objection_n against_o providence_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o punishment_n of_o bad_a man_n god_n may_v then_o be_v allow_v to_o execute_v speedy_a vengeance_n upon_o some_o sinner_n and_o to_o delay_v the_o punishment_n of_o other_o and_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v prosperous_a for_o a_o great_a while_n without_o give_v any_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n god_n have_v always_o wise_a reason_n for_o these_o thing_n though_o we_o do_v not_o always_o know_v they_o but_o if_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v all_o this_o without_o any_o other_o
reason_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o what_o god_n do_v when_o we_o know_v that_o he_o execute_v judgement_n and_o restrain_v and_o punish_v wickedness_n and_o govern_v bad_a man_n with_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n 3_o that_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o difficulty_n which_o concern_v such_o matter_n as_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o great_a many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o i_o need_v not_o repeat_v and_o indeed_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a ignorant_a man_n who_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o he_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v discover_v and_o which_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o say_v that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v above_o our_o knowledge_n and_o to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o we_o can_v know_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o only_a remedy_n that_o be_v leave_v we_o and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o rid_v our_o mind_n of_o such_o perplex_v difficulty_n as_o be_v owe_v to_o our_o own_o unavoidable_a ignorance_n of_o thing_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n not_o only_o as_o our_o absolute_a lord_n but_o as_o the_o infinite_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v and_o must_v be_v unaccountable_a and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a answer_n to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o all_o be_v not_o to_o strive_v with_o god_n not_o to_o quarrel_v at_o his_o providence_n but_o to_o reverence_v his_o unsearchable_a judgement_n to_o bear_v whatever_o he_o lay_v on_o we_o with_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o to_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o firm_a trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o in_o the_o most_o cross_a and_o threaten_a event_n it_o be_v think_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o wit_n to_o be_v able_a to_o start_v some_o new_a objection_n against_o providence_n and_o to_o find_v a_o great_a many_o fault_n in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o the_o great_a irreverence_n to_o god_n do_v such_o man_n believe_v a_o god_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o most_o despicable_a ignorance_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o not_o to_o know_v they_o be_v ignorant_a for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o judge_n and_o censure_v infinite_a wisdom_n chap._n v._n the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n he_o must_v govern_v it_o righteous_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o formidable_a objection_n against_o providence_n that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v with_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o can_v this_o be_v evident_o and_o convince_o prove_v i_o will_v allow_v the_o conclusion_n that_o then_o god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v what_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n government_n be_v to_o charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o any_o one_o plain_a and_o notorious_a act_n of_o injustice_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o these_o objection_n be_v a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n government_n and_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o when_o this_o be_v true_o state_v all_o such_o objection_n will_v need_v no_o answer_n justice_n be_v common_o divide_v into_o commutative_a and_o distributive_a justice_n the_o first_o respect_v mens_fw-la right_n and_o property_n the_o second_o their_o desert_n the_o first_o consist_v in_o give_v every_o man_n what_o be_v his_o own_o by_o some_o natural_a or_o acquire_v right_n the_o second_o consist_v in_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n as_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o their_o action_n deserve_v and_o upon_o both_o these_o account_v some_o man_n impeach_v the_o divine_a providence_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o injustice_n do_v in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o great_a many_o man_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n and_o property_n by_o fraud_n injustice_n or_o open_a violence_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o and_o righteous_o govern_v which_o they_o think_v in_o the_o last_o issue_n must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n if_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o that_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o just_o and_o equal_o distribute_v that_o some_o bad_a man_n be_v great_o reward_v and_o some_o good_a man_n great_o punish_v which_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o distributive_a justice_n of_o providenc_n now_o the_o plain_a and_o short_a way_n of_o answer_v these_o and_o all_o such_o like_a objection_n be_v to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v and_o what_o justice_n require_v of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o low_a world_n for_o if_o god_n may_v govern_v the_o world_n very_o righteous_o without_o do_v what_o some_o man_n think_v justice_n require_v he_o to_o do_v and_o without_o hinder_v what_o they_o think_v justice_n require_v he_o to_o hinder_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n whatever_o other_o objection_n they_o may_v make_v against_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v state_n this_o as_o plain_o and_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v 1._o first_o then_o i_o suppose_v i_o may_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o hinder_v all_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o violence_n there_o may_v be_v great_a violence_n and_o injustice_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o god_n may_v govern_v the_o world_n with_o great_a righteousness_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o say_v that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a and_o yet_o god_n be_v very_o just._n as_o for_o god_n permit_v so_o much_o evil_a to_o be_v commit_v that_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n than_o against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o shall_v be_v particular_o consider_v under_o that_o head_n but_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o hinder_v man_n from_o sin_v but_o in_o punish_v they_o when_o they_o do_v be_v it_o unjust_a in_o god_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o do_v any_o injustice_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a kind_n of_o justice_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o it_o for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o justice_n of_o punish_v sin_n will_v be_v found_v in_o the_o injustice_n of_o permit_v it_o and_o god_n must_v be_v first_o unjust_a in_o permit_v injustice_n before_o he_o can_v be_v just_o in_o punish_v it_o which_o show_v how_o absurd_a it_o will_v be_v to_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o injustice_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o unjust_a man_n who_o do_v many_o unjust_a thing_n 2._o for_o god_n may_v do_v that_o very_o just_o which_o man_n can_v do_v without_o great_a injustice_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v be_v very_o unjust_a and_o god_n very_o just_a as_o for_o instance_n god_n may_v very_o just_o take_v away_o any_o man_n estate_n when_o no_o man_n can_v do_v it_o without_o injustce_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o respect_n to_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o life_n itself_o for_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o proprietor_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v all_o his_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v be_v he_o we_o may_v have_v a_o right_n to_o our_o life_n and_o liberty_n estate_n honour_n and_o power_n against_o all_o human_a claim_n but_o we_o have_v no_o right_n against_o god_n he_o may_v give_v riches_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n to_o who_o he_o please_v and_o take_v they_o away_o again_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a without_o be_v chargeable_a with_o any_o injustice_n for_o what_o he_o give_v and_o what_o he_o take_v away_o be_v his_o own_o and_o may_v not_o he_o do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o there_o can_v be_v no_o commutative_a justice_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n where_o there_o be_v no_o right_o but_o on_o one_o side_n for_o he_o who_o have_v no_o right_a can_v suffer_v no_o wrong_n and_o he_o in_o who_o the_o whole_a right_n be_v can_v do_v no_o wrong_n in_o give_v or_o take_v away_o what_o be_v his_o own_o and_o therefore_o legal_a right_n and_o property_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o commutative_a justice_n can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o
providence_n for_o no_o creature_n have_v any_o legal_a property_n against_o god_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o right_n of_o creature_n but_o to_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a reason_n of_o thing_n it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o defend_v every_o man_n in_o his_o legal_a right_n which_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n but_o in_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n according_a as_o they_o deserve_v or_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o god_n government_n in_o this_o world_n there_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o that_o dispute_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o creaturas_fw-la what_o right_o god_n have_v in_o creature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a unlimited_a uncontrollable_a right_n in_o all_o his_o creature_n they_o and_o all_o they_o have_v be_v his_o and_o at_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n though_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n may_v without_o any_o injustice_n make_v creature_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a for_o though_o creature_n have_v no_o natural_a right_n against_o god_n yet_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v they_o a_o moral_a right_n to_o such_o usage_n as_o they_o shall_v deserve_v as_o for_o instance_n that_o a_o innocent_a creature_n shall_v not_o be_v miserable_a and_o that_o those_o who_o deserve_v well_o shall_v not_o be_v ill_o use_v but_o these_o moral_a right_n concern_v distributive_a justice_n and_o result_v from_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o government_n not_o from_o the_o natural_a right_n of_o creature_n we_o be_v absolute_o at_o the_o will_n and_o disposal_n of_o god_n as_o slave_n and_o vassal_n be_v at_o the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o our_o security_n be_v that_o god_n can_v will_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a and_o good_a 3_o from_o hence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o in_o our_o dispute_n about_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v confine_v our_o inquiry_n to_o distributive_a justice_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o bare_o consider_v what_o man_n have_v or_o what_o they_o lose_v or_o what_o they_o suffer_v nor_o what_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o be_v whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a but_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o proportion_n there_o be_v between_o their_o condition_n and_o their_o moral_a desert_n or_o whether_o they_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a end_n of_o god_n government_n if_o man_n be_v put_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o they_o have_v neither_o deserve_v nor_o can_v make_v any_o good_a use_n of_o or_o which_o do_v not_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o serve_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o come_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o 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and_o just_a reason_n to_o suffer_v such_o misery_n or_o that_o any_o suffer_v by_o injustice_n what_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o it_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o deserve_v or_o what_o god_n may_v wise_o and_o just_o inflict_v on_o he_o this_o abundant_o vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n 4thly_a but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v more_o particular_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v and_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n the_o confound_a of_o which_o have_v occasion_v most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n 1._o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n justice_n for_o though_o 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power_n in_o transfer_v estate_n and_o property_n and_o all_o man_n will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o for_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a lord_n and_o proprietor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o no_o other_o bound_n can_v be_v set_v to_o the_o just_a exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n but_o to_o do_v what_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a he_o may_v give_v or_o take_v away_o any_o man_n estate_n or_o honour_n or_o power_n whenever_o he_o can_v serve_v any_o wise_a or_o just_a or_o good_a end_n by_o it_o for_o they_o be_v all_o but_o several_a trust_n we_o be_v but_o god_n steward_n and_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o stewardship_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o use_v our_o riches_n and_o honour_n well_o or_o when_o he_o have_v no_o long_o any_o use_n of_o we_o he_o have_v as_o absolute_a authority_n to_o lay_v we_o aside_o as_o a_o lord_n have_v to_o change_v his_o steward_n when_o he_o please_v thus_o god_n be_v the_o absolute_a lord_n of_o all_o man_n we_o be_v all_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n as_o clay_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o potter_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o he_o please_v and_o may_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o providence_n of_o we_o as_o far_o as_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n will_v direct_v thus_o for_o instance_n we_o think_v it_o very_o unjust_a in_o human_a government_n to_o punish_v a_o virtuous_a and_o innocent_a man_n to_o strip_v he_o of_o his_o estate_n or_o honour_n to_o afflict_v his_o body_n to_o expose_v he_o to_o public_a scorn_n and_o confine_v he_o to_o a_o noisome_a prison_n and_o at_o last_o to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n with_o exquisite_a pain_n and_o torment_n but_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o all_o this_o when_o he_o can_v serve_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n by_o 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lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o and_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a which_o indeed_o be_v answer_n enough_o to_o all_o such_o case_n while_o we_o have_v a_o implicate_v faith_n in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n thus_o god_n deal_v with_o joseph_n make_v he_o the_o instrument_n of_o transplant_n his_o father_n and_o all_o his_o family_n into_o egypt_n and_o reward_v his_o suffering_n by_o advance_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n throne_n nay_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o christ_n himself_o who_o as_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o innocent_a who_o do_v no_o evil_a neither_o be_v any_o guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o father_n will_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o he_o god_n deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o sinner_n to_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v the_o great_a suffering_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a man_n when_o they_o serve_v such_o admirable_a end_n and_o be_v so_o great_o reward_v and_o thus_o god_n have_v deal_v with_o some_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n witness_v the_o suffering_n of_o prophet_n and_o of_o other_o good_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o their_o lord_n who_o have_v suffer_v with_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v glorify_v together_o i_o know_v not_o what_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n signify_v if_o he_o may_v not_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n even_o by_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o creature_n when_o such_o suffering_n how_o uneasy_a and_o grievous_a soever_o they_o be_v at_o present_a shall_v turn_v to_o their_o much_o great_a good_a when_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o great_o reward_v that_o good_a man_n themselves_o shall_v think_v the_o reward_n a_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o their_o suffering_n and_o glory_n in_o those_o very_a suffering_n which_o will_v have_v so_o great_a a_o reward_n thus_o let_v we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n now_o a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a judge_n must_v do_v that_o which_o be_v just_a but_o he_o be_v tie_v up_o by_o no_o rule_n or_o formality_n of_o law_n as_o inferior_a minister_n of_o justice_n be_v if_o he_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a he_o may_v do_v it_o at_o what_o time_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v he_o be_v under_o no_o rule_n but_o his_o own_o sovereign_n will_v and_o wisdom_n when_o man_n have_v deserve_v punishment_n he_o may_v spare_v they_o as_o long_o or_o execute_v vengeance_n on_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v fit_a for_o he_o be_v the_o absolute_a judge_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o execute_v judgement_n this_o prerogative_n all_o sovereign_a prince_n challenge_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o inseparable_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n do_v not_o immediate_o reward_v all_o great_a and_o virtuous_a action_n nor_o immediate_o punish_v wickedness_n for_o a_o sovereign_a justice_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o do_v this_o all_o that_o we_o can_v expect_v from_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o the_o wicked_a punish_v and_o that_o whenever_o god_n do_v reward_n or_o punish_v good_a man_n shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v that_o their_o reward_n be_v delay_v nor_o bad_a man_n to_o glory_n in_o the_o long_a delay_n of_o punishment_n but_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n shall_v recompense_v for_o all_o delay_n for_o then_o god_n be_v just_a in_o reward_v good_a man_n and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a how_o long_o soever_o he_o delay_v either_o sovereign_n justice_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o time_n and_o when_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n who_o deserve_v a_o reward_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n who_o deserve_v punishment_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o both_o be_v take_v into_o the_o account_n god_n be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a how_o long_o soever_o he_o delay_v to_o reward_v or_o punish_v from_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v concern_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n you_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n justice_n we_o measure_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n among_o man_n without_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o right_a and_o authority_n superior_a to_o man_n and_o therefore_o a_o superior_a justice_n too_o it_o be_v unjust_a for_o man_n to_o deprive_v one_o another_o of_o their_o just_a and_o legal_a light_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v this_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n too_o when_o man_n suffer_v wrongful_o but_o no_o man_n have_v any_o right_n against_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a proprietor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v give_v and_o he_o may_v take_v away_o he_o may_v set_v up_o and_o pull_v down_o and_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n it_o be_v unjust_a for_o man_n to_o afflict_v and_o oppress_v the_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a or_o to_o encourage_v and_o prosper_v the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o they_o
complain_v against_o providence_n too_o when_o good_a man_n suffer_v and_o the_o wicked_a be_v prosperous_a but_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o the_o service_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n both_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o if_o he_o can_v serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n or_o by_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o when_o he_o have_v no_o far_a use_n of_o their_o service_n reward_n or_o punish_v they_o according_a as_o they_o deserve_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v the_o present_a suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o their_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v vindicate_v his_o justice_n 2_o but_o for_o a_o full_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n government_n of_o this_o low_a world_n and_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v the_o justice_n of_o government_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o government_n for_o all_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v not_o proper_a at_o all_o time_n and_o it_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n if_o god_n do_v not_o exercise_v such_o act_n of_o justice_n as_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n for_o justice_n be_v rectitude_n and_o what_o be_v not_o right_a and_o fit_a in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o just_a the_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o bad_a man_n punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o world_n where_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o all_o wicked_a man_n punish_v for_o if_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o reward_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o work_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n though_o every_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o every_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n if_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o such_o a_o strict_a and_o exact_a justice_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n at_o present_a of_o what_o be_v common_o say_v upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o what_o i_o have_v former_o discourse_v more_o large_o that_o this_o world_n be_v not_o the_o place_n of_o judgement_n but_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n probation_n and_o discipline_n where_o good_a man_n many_o time_n suffer_v not_o so_o much_o in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o to_o exercise_v their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o brighten_v their_o virtue_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o great_a reward_n and_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperon_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n or_o to_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o chastise_v the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o man_n or_o the_o more_o remarkable_a example_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n in_o their_o final_a ruin_n i_o say_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n now_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o justice_n of_o government_n which_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o final_a judgement_n now_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n do_v not_o signify_v to_o destroy_v it_o but_o to_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v it_o and_o to_o continue_v a_o succession_n of_o man_n in_o it_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o as_o good_a order_n as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v that_o provident_a care_n which_o he_o take_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n while_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o preserve_v this_o present_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o destroy_v the_o world_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o providence_n but_o of_o judgement_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n require_v god_n to_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n he_o must_v destroy_v far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o every_o age._n this_o earth_n will_v soon_o be_v little_a better_o than_o a_o desolate_a wilderness_n if_o none_o but_o good_a man_n be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o it_o but_o this_o kind_n of_o justice_n god_n have_v renounce_v ever_o since_o the_o universal_a deluge_n he_o then_o indeed_o exercise_v such_o a_o terrible_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n as_o some_o man_n think_v can_v be_v the_o only_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n he_o destroy_v the_o whole_a world_n by_o water_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n who_o he_o preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n but_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v never_o do_v so_o again_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a wickedness_n of_o mankind_n the_o lord_n say_v in_o his_o heart_n i_o will_v not_o again_o curse_v the_o ground_n any_o more_o for_o man_n sake_n for_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v evil_a from_o his_o youth_n neither_o will_v i_o again_o smite_v any_o more_o every_o live_a thing_n as_o i_o have_v do_v while_o the_o earth_n remain_v seedtime_n and_o harvest_n and_o cold_a and_o heat_n and_o summer_n and_o winter_n and_o day_n and_o night_n shall_v not_o cease_v 8._o gen._n 21_o 22._o so_o that_o god_n will_v no_o more_o destroy_v the_o world_n nor_o all_o the_o wicked_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o wicked_a man_n can_v be_v punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o this_o world_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o root_a all_o bad_a man_n out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o make_v they_o all_o miserable_a in_o it_o or_o in_o reward_v all_o good_a man_n with_o temporal_a felicity_n which_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v do_v without_o constant_a miracle_n and_o the_o visible_a interposition_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n for_o when_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a number_n they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o govern_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o protect_v the_o good_a to_o restrain_v and_o govern_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o executioner_n of_o his_o just_a vengeance_n on_o one_o another_o and_o to_o make_v some_o of_o they_o in_o every_o age_n notorious_a example_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o awaken_v in_o they_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v in_o this_o not_o that_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o all_o bad_a man_n miserable_a but_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o world_n be_v keep_v in_o tolerable_a order_n and_o be_v a_o tolerable_a place_n to_o live_v in_o and_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v as_o often_o punish_v and_o good_a man_n as_o often_o reward_v as_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v that_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o deserve_v and_o what_o god_n see_v good_a for_o he_o if_o he_o will_v make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o it_o and_o that_o how_o prosperous_a soever_o bad_a man_n be_v there_o be_v few_o of_o they_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n without_o some_o mark_n and_o token_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n though_o not_o always_o so_o remarkable_a as_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o world_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o god_n be_v very_o just_a in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o require_v the_o same_o act_n of_o justice_n that_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o mankind_n do_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n which_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o final_a judgement_n that_o be_v between_o god_n govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n we_o shall_v easy_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o true_a account_n of_o the_o
justice_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o agree_v very_o exact_o with_o the_o actual_a administration_n of_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o wicked_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o a_o righteous_a cause_n be_v sometime_o oppress_v and_o that_o oppression_n and_o injustice_n be_v very_o often_o prosperous_a which_o must_v needs_o appear_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o those_o who_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o man_n who_o think_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o defend_v all_o man_n right_n and_o property_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v this_o make_v they_o quarrel_n against_o providence_n when_o they_o be_v hardly_o and_o unjust_o use_v by_o man_n and_o so_o blind_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o see_v not_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o god_n afflict_v they_o and_o neither_o reverence_n his_o judgement_n nor_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o seem_v very_o plain_a the_o only_a question_n be_v how_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n by_o love_a righteousness_n and_o favour_v a_o righteous_a cause_n thus_o 11._o psalm_n 7._o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a and_o the_o psalmist_n very_o often_o encourage_v himself_o to_o expect_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o protection_n from_o his_o own_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o cause_n 35._o psal._n 19_o let_v not_o they_o that_o be_v my_o enemy_n wrongful_o rejoice_v over_o i_o neither_o let_v they_o wink_v with_o the_o eye_n that_o hate_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n stir_v up_o thyself_o and_o awake_v to_o my_o judgement_n even_o to_o my_o cause_n my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n judge_v i_o o_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o let_v they_o not_o rejoice_v over_o i_o let_v they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o bring_v to_o confusion_n together_o that_o rejoice_v at_o my_o hurt_n let_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o shame_n and_o dishonour_n that_o magnify_v themselves_o against_o i_o let_v they_o shout_n for_o joy_n and_o be_v glad_a that_o favour_n my_o righteous_a cause_n yea_o let_v they_o say_v continual_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v magnify_v which_o have_v pleasure_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o servant_n 23_o 24_o 26_o 27._o v_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v the_o people_n judge_v i_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o my_o righteousness_n and_o according_a to_o my_o integrity_n that_o be_v in_o i_o oh_o let_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v to_o a_o end_n but_o establish_v the_o just_a for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n try_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o god_n judge_v the_o righteous_a and_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n if_o he_o turn_v not_o he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n he_o have_v bend_v his_o bow_n and_o make_v it_o ready_a and_o conclude_v i_o will_v praise_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o righteousness_n and_o will_v sing_v praise_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a 7._o psal._n 8_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o which_o the_o psalmist_n praise_v he_o be_v his_o judge_a and_o defend_v a_o righteous_a cause_n thus_o in_o 9_o psalm_n 8_o 9_o 10._o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v minister_v judgement_n to_o the_o people_n in_o uprightness_n the_o lord_n also_o will_v be_v a_o refuge_n to_o the_o oppress_a a_o refuge_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o for_o thou_o lord_n have_v not_o forsake_v they_o that_o seek_v thou_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o multiply_v text_n to_o this_o purpose_n where_o god_n be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o injustice_n and_o violence_n the_o protector_n of_o the_o widow_n the_o fatherless_a and_o oppress_v and_o of_o all_o just_a and_o righteon_n man_n but_o those_o conclude_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o who_o will_v prove_v from_o such_o text_n as_o these_o that_o no_o righteous_a man_n nor_o righteous_a cause_n shall_v ever_o be_v oppress_v that_o good_a man_n shall_v always_o be_v prosperous_a and_o the_o wicked_a always_o miserable_a for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n when_o these_o psalm_n be_v pen_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o how_o many_o complaint_n do_v the_o psalmist_n make_v against_o his_o enemy_n those_o who_o be_v wrongful_o his_o enemy_n 69._o psalm_n 4._o that_o his_o enemy_n be_v lively_a and_o strong_a and_o they_o that_o hate_v he_o wrongful_o be_v multiply_v 38._o psalm_n 19_o how_o passionate_o do_v he_o pray_v for_o protection_n against_o his_o enemy_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v i_o o_o lord_n for_o ever_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o take_v counsel_n in_o my_o soul_n have_v sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n daily_o how_o long_o shall_v my_o enemy_n be_v exalt_v over_o i_o 13._o psalm_n 1_o 2._o the_o 37th_o psalm_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v very_o prosperous_a in_o those_o day_n though_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o final_a destruction_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o 73d_o psalm_n give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o the_o prosperity_n and_o pride_n of_o bad_a man_n many_o of_o who_o spend_v their_o life_n and_o end_v their_o day_n prosperous_o i_o be_v envious_a at_o the_o foolish_a when_o i_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n but_o their_o strength_n be_v firm_a they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n as_o other_o man_n neither_o be_v they_o plague_v as_o other_o man_n behold_v these_o be_v the_o ungodly_a who_o prosper_v in_o the_o world_n they_o increase_v in_o riches_n the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o good_a be_v in_o those_o day_n a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n and_o be_v so_o to_o the_o psalmist_n himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o whatever_o he_o say_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o care_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o injustice_n can_v signify_v that_o god_n will_v always_o defend_v man_n in_o their_o just_a right_n that_o he_o will_v always_o prosper_v a_o righteous_a cause_n and_o righteous_a man_n for_o this_o be_v against_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o psalmist_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o as_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n to_o compalin_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v always_o punish_v unjust_a oppressor_n and_o protect_v the_o innocent_a nay_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o unjust_a oppressor_n if_o no_o body_n can_v be_v oppress_v in_o their_o just_a right_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o divine_a providence_n do_v at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n suffer_v some_o man_n to_o be_v very_o prosperous_a in_o their_o oppression_n and_o do_v not_o always_o defend_v a_o just_a and_o innocent_a cause_n for_o if_o he_o do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o innocent_a oppress_a man_n to_o be_v relieve_v nor_o any_o oppressor_n to_o be_v punish_v and_o if_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n to_o permit_v such_o thing_n for_o some_o time_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o providence_n how_o long_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v oppress_v and_o the_o oppressor_n go_v unpunished_a the_o plain_a account_n then_o of_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o as_o god_n be_v infinite_o just_a and_o righteous_a himself_o so_o he_o love_v justice_n and_o righteousness_n among_o man_n he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o righteous_a man_n and_o hate_v all_o injustice_n violence_n and_o injury_n for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n must_v love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v superior_a to_o all_o human_a right_n and_o his_o authority_n absolute_a and_o sovereign_a to_o dispose_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o of_o all_o they_o have_v as_o his_o own_o wisdom_n direct_v yet_o man_n can_v invade_v each_o other_o right_n without_o injustice_n and_o when_o right_n and_o property_n be_v settle_v by_o human_a law_n it_o be_v
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 the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o 19_o psal._n 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o great_a complaint_n be_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v too_o holy_a for_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o most_o man_n think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o too_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o perform_v now_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n law_n be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n whether_o we_o consider_v these_o law_n as_o a_o copy_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n much_o more_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o both_o as_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o will_n as_o all_o moral_a law_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o necessary_a goodness_n in_o they_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n unless_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will._n nay_o law_n themselves_o be_v not_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o obdience_n to_o subject_n but_o of_o government_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o prince_n not_o to_o govern_v by_o his_o own_o law_n as_o it_o be_v in_o subject_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o prince_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o miscarriage_n but_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o the_o law_n he_o give_v to_o we_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n and_o then_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n prove_v that_o his_o government_n and_o providence_n must_v be_v very_o holy_a and_o indeed_o we_o have_v very_o visible_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o that_o care_n he_o take_v to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o those_o great_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o by_o those_o terrible_a threaten_n which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o mean_v for_o man_n can_v despise_v both_o promise_n and_o threaten_n if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o be_v much_o the_o most_o considerable_a be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o affect_v bad_a man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v here_o be_v how_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o providence_n encourage_v virtue_n and_o discourage_v wickedness_n and_o vice_n now_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n or_o reward_n of_o sin_n as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n nay_o as_o all_o 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 all_o his_o posterity_n and_o such_o a_o curse_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o have_v entail_v labour_n and_o sorrow_n on_o we_o as_o for_o many_o other_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n they_o be_v visible_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n sin_n such_o as_o want_v and_o poverty_n infamy_n and_o reproach_n sedition_n and_o tumult_n violent_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o government_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o desolation_n of_o war._n take_v a_o survey_n in_o your_o thought_n of_o all_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o tell_v i_o what_o place_n they_o can_v find_v here_o by_o what_o possible_a mean_n they_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n be_v sin_n banish_v out_o of_o it_o what_o misery_n can_v disturb_v human_a life_n be_v all_o man_n just_o and_o honest_a and_o charitable_a do_v they_o love_v one_o another_o as_o themselves_o perfect_a virtue_n be_v not_o only_o a_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a but_o a_o very_a 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wicked_a for_o you_o must_v remember_v that_o i_o be_o not_o now_o a_o vindicate_a the_o justice_n but_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o many_o time_n virtuous_a and_o innocent_a man_n suffer_v very_o great_o by_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o this_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o account_v for_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n but_o a_o great_a justification_n of_o it_o for_o the_o more_o effectual_a care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o give_v all_o mankind_n a_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o more_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n government_n and_o this_o be_v more_o effectual_o do_v by_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n wickedness_n than_o 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 the_o world_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o calamity_n and_o very_o terrible_a one_o too_o which_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o providence_n can_v attribute_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o wicked_a world_n such_o as_o plague_n and_o pestilence_n and_o famine_n deluge_n and_o earthquake_n which_o destroy_v city_n and_o country_n and_o more_o ordinary_a accident_n when_o they_o act_v in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o unseen_a hand_n a_o great_a many_o such_o instance_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o express_o ascribe_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n god_n have_v threaten_v such_o judgement_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v they_o execute_v we_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n as_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o sin_n nay_o those_o very_a evil_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o suffer_v by_o other_o man_n sin_n 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
heart_n he_o who_o intend_v and_o resolve_v it_o and_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o opportunity_n to_o commit_v adultery_n be_v a_o adulterer_n if_o god_n then_o must_v not_o permit_v sin_n he_o must_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o will_n and_o to_o choose_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a for_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n herein_o the_o immorality_n of_o the_o act_n consist_v consider_v then_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v that_o god_n must_v not_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n but_o must_v always_o over-rule_v their_o mind_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o refuse_v the_o evil_n but_o will_v any_o one_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o govern_v man_n like_o man_n be_v this_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o free_a agent_n to_o take_v away_o their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o choice_n do_v government_n signify_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v do_v this_o become_v god_n to_o make_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o to_o govern_v he_o by_o necessity_n and_o force_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o keep_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o thrust_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n too_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o choice_n there_o can_v be_v neither_o moral_a good_a nor_o evil_a and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o more_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o it_o banish_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n i_o grant_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o external_a action_n direct_v and_o influence_n their_o counsel_n suggest_v wise_a thought_n to_o they_o excite_v good_a man_n to_o great_a and_o virtuous_a action_n and_o lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n turn_v their_o heart_n change_v their_o counsel_n and_o divert_v they_o from_o ill-laid_a design_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v no_o external_a restraint_n on_o they_o and_o the_o pursue_v such_o counsel_n will_v be_v very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o such_o case_n god_n may_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o influence_n govern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o to_o make_v they_o good_a but_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v such_o good_a as_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o do_v and_o to_o chain_v up_o their_o passion_n that_o they_o may_v not_o do_v that_o hurt_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a above_o and_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o this_o 3._o which_o unbecome_v the_o wise_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n sometime_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n to_o govern_v the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v able_a to_o will_n and_o choose_v than_o they_o be_v to_o do_v what_o they_o themselves_o please_v for_o though_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n he_o have_v not_o whole_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n but_o that_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a he_o can_v lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o he_o or_o clap_v a_o counter_a bias_n upon_o his_o mind_n which_o shall_v lead_v he_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o lust_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a world_n though_o god_n have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o natural_a virtue_n and_o quality_n and_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n suffer_v they_o to_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n yet_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n to_o reverse_v its_o law_n or_o suspend_v its_o influence_n by_o a_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o do_v this_o in_o the_o moral_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a world_n when_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o but_o though_o god_n may_v thus_o sometime_o by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o chain_v up_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o free_a agent_n and_o it_o will_v no_o more_o become_v god_n always_o to_o over-rule_v man_n will_n in_o this_o manner_n than_o it_o will_v always_o to_o overpower_v nature_n and_o to_o govern_v the_o natural_a world_n not_o by_o its_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n but_o by_o constant_a miracle_n and_o if_o the_o ordinary_a and_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o reasonable_a and_o free_a agent_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n permit_v man_n to_o choose_v wicked_o that_o he_o do_v not_o always_o by_o a_o irresistible_a and_o sovereign_a power_n hinder_v the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n give_v man_n all_o those_o internal_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o lay_v all_o those_o internal_a restraint_n upon_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n though_o we_o know_v not_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o this_o we_o know_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o he_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v he_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o and_o bad_a man_n themselves_o if_o they_o will_v but_o confess_v what_o they_o feel_v must_v tell_v you_o what_o struggle_n they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n before_o they_o can_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n how_o in_o some_o case_n especial_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n natural_a modesty_n in_o other_o natural_a pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o other_o a_o natural_a greatness_n and_o generosity_n of_o mind_n give_v check_v to_o they_o how_o at_o first_o they_o blush_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o wickedness_n and_o be_v reproach_v by_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o it_o how_o they_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n or_o some_o present_a vengeance_n to_o overtake_v they_o and_o can_v never_o sin_v secure_o till_o they_o have_v laugh_v away_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o of_o another_o world_n such_o care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o make_v sin_n uneasy_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o after_o all_o they_o will_v be_v wicked_a as_o free_a agent_n may_v be_v if_o they_o will_v this_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n of_o providence_n to_o leave_v free_a agent_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n two_o as_o for_o the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o god_n permit_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v such_o as_o theft_n murder_n adultery_n perjury_n and_o the_o like_a now_o this_o require_v a_o different_a consideration_n for_o in_o human_a government_n this_o be_v think_v a_o great_a miscarriage_n to_o suffer_v any_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v which_o we_o can_v hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o no_o man_n will_v be_v think_v innocent_a much_o less_o a_o prince_n who_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n murder_v a_o virgin_n deflower_v a_o robbery_n or_o any_o other_o villainy_n commit_v without_o interpose_v to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n which_o see_v and_o observe_v and_o can_v easy_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n as_o it_o daily_o permit_v now_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v 1._o that_o god_n can_v always_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n without_o a_o perpetual_a violation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o a_o ordinary_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o when_o jeroboam_fw-la in_o great_a anger_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o prophet_n
who_o cry_v against_o the_o altar_n at_o bethel_n his_o hand_n immediate_o dry_v up_o so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o pull_v it_o in_o again_o 1_o king_n 13._o 4._o and_o that_o when_o vzziah_n will_v have_v usurp_v the_o priest_n office_n to_o burn_v incense_n he_o be_v immediate_o smite_v with_o leprosy_n 2_o chron._n 26._o 19_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o for_o god_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n to_o hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n to_o take_v away_o man_n life_n or_o their_o natural_a power_n of_o act_v which_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n sometime_o when_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o work_v miracle_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o rare_a as_o miracle_n be_v for_o such_o a_o way_n as_o this_o of_o hinder_v sin_n will_v quick_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o the_o commerce_n and_o conversation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v proper_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n not_o to_o govern_v it_o two_o and_o therefore_o though_o god_n do_v take_v care_n to_o prevent_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n which_o man_n intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o commit_v and_o watch_v for_o opportunity_n of_o commit_v yet_o he_o do_v it_o not_o by_o a_o immediate_a supernatural_a power_n but_o in_o human_a way_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n command_v we_o not_o only_o to_o do_v no_o wickedness_n ourselves_o but_o by_o our_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n authority_n and_o power_n to_o hinder_v other_o man_n from_o do_v wicked_o and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n whereby_o god_n hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o many_o sin_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v which_o show_v how_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o a_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a power_n to_o hinder_v three_o to_o be_v sure_a for_o god_n to_o permit_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v no_o great_a blemish_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n than_o to_o permit_v man_n to_o conceive_v sin_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o therein_o the_o moral_a evil_n consist_v when_o the_o will_n choose_v and_o consent_v to_o it_o the_o external_a action_n may_v be_v a_o natural_a political_n or_o oeconomical_a evil_n but_o the_o moral_a evil_n be_v in_o the_o will_n and_o choice_n and_o therefore_o the_o permit_v or_o hinder_v the_o external_a commission_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o so_o proper_o concern_v the_o holiness_n as_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o to_o hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o prevent_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o man_n have_v the_o guilt_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o he_o will_v but_o can_v not_o commit_v but_o it_o hinder_v that_o mischief_n which_o the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n will_v have_v do_v to_o other_o man_n by_o murder_v their_o person_n or_o defile_v their_o wife_n or_o rob_v they_o of_o their_o estate_n and_o good_a name_n 4thly_a and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v wise_a reason_n for_o god_n to_o permit_v the_o external_a commission_n of_o many_o sin_n as_o act_n of_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n on_o other_o sinner_n or_o as_o act_n of_o correction_n and_o discipline_n on_o good_a man_n for_o since_o god_n very_o rare_o punish_v bad_a man_n or_o correct_v good_a man_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n and_o yet_o punishment_n or_o correction_n be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o providence_n it_o can_v unbecome_v god_n to_o make_v the_o sin_n of_o some_o the_o correction_n and_o punishment_n of_o other_o that_o it_o be_v so_o be_v so_o visible_a that_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v it_o for_o few_o man_n suffer_v any_o great_a evil_n but_o from_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o if_o god_n take_v care_n as_o most_o certain_o he_o do_v to_o direct_v the_o evil_n which_o man_n sin_n do_v to_o light_v upon_o those_o who_o deserve_v to_o suffer_v by_o they_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a vindication_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o external_a commission_n of_o sin_n 5thly_a especial_o consider_v how_o many_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n god_n can_v serve_v by_o permit_v sin_n as_o to_o render_v sin_n itself_o infamous_a and_o hateful_a by_o the_o great_a mischief_n it_o do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o expose_v the_o sinner_n himself_o to_o shame_n and_o punishment_n which_o both_o deter_v other_o man_n from_o sin_n and_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o reform_v the_o sinner_n nay_o many_o time_n god_n bring_v about_o great_a and_o excellent_a design_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n both_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n of_o which_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v be_v it_o needful_a which_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o man_n sin_n nor_o any_o reason_n why_o god_n shall_v order_v and_o over-rule_v man_n by_o his_o providence_n to_o commit_v such_o sin_n but_o be_v a_o very_a justifiable_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n when_o he_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o it_o 6thly_a and_o therefore_o last_o god_n do_v hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n as_o often_o as_o he_o see_v fit_a to_o hinder_v the_o evil_a and_o mischief_n which_o such_o sin_n will_v do_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v sometime_o he_o very_o remarkable_o disappoint_v wicked_a design_n from_o take_v effect_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o haman_n and_o mordecai_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v devote_v to_o destruction_n and_o we_o have_v as_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o we_o have_v discovery_n of_o plot_n and_o treason_n against_o the_o life_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n or_o private_a design_n against_o the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o private_a man_n and_o how_o much_o unknown_a wickedness_n the_o divine_a providence_n every_o day_n prevent_v we_o can_v tell_v but_o all_o the_o wickedness_n mankind_n will_v commit_v but_o can_v must_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o restraint_n and_o prevention_n of_o providence_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o bad_a man_n can_v give_v a_o great_a many_o instance_n of_o such_o disappointment_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v meet_v with_o that_o as_o much_o evil_a as_o there_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o consider_v the_o great_a wickedness_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n hinder_v a_o hundred_o time_n more_o than_o he_o permit_v and_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n it_o become_v we_o to_o think_v that_o god_n never_o permit_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o any_o sin_n but_o he_o order_v it_o for_o some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n and_o this_o i_o hope_n be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n notwithstanding_o so_o much_o wickedness_n as_o be_v daily_o commit_v 3_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n now_o since_o the_o permission_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o it_o unless_o we_o can_v prove_v by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o indeed_o will_v prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n with_o holiness_n if_o he_o have_v any_o proper_a efficiency_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n that_o be_v do_v god_n tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o by_o any_o secret_a influence_n and_o impulse_n incline_v and_o even_o compel_v they_o to_o sin_n but_o the_o least_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a blasphemy_n and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o unpardonable_a blasphemy_n because_o there_o be_v no_o temptation_n to_o suspect_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o know_v this_o but_o either_o by_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n or_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o revelation_n as_o for_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n this_o can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o no_o man_n find_v any_o other_o force_n or_o impulse_n but_o from_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o sinful_a inclination_n 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_n 14._o those_o who_o charge_n god_n with_o incline_v man_n heart_n to_o wickedness_n yet_o confess_v that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o such_o secret_a influence_n as_o no_o man_n can_v distinguish_v from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o
and_o desolation_n of_o his_o country_n much_o less_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v pursue_v they_o into_o the_o red_a sea_n who_o fluid_a wall_n threaten_v he_o with_o immediate_a destruction_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v that_o blindness_n which_o god_n threaten_v against_o judah_n 6._o isaiah_n 9_o 10._o go_v and_o tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v for_o here_o be_v a_o double_a blindness_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o text_n one_o which_o they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o another_o which_o god_n threaten_v to_o inflict_v on_o they_o they_o do_v hear_v but_o not_o understand_v they_o do_v see_v but_o not_o perceive_v that_o be_v they_o stop_v their_o own_o ear_n and_o shut_v their_o own_o eye_n against_o all_o the_o adomonition_n and_o reproof_n of_o god_n prophet_n for_o thus_o our_o saviour_n expound_v it_o as_o their_o own_o act_n and_o wilful_a voluntary_a blindness_n 13._o matth._n 14_o 15._o and_o in_o they_o be_v fulfil_v the_o prophesy_n of_o isaiah_n for_o a_o prophesy_v it_o be_v as_o it_o concern_v the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n though_o it_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o actual_a deafness_n and_o blindness_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o prophet_n day_n which_o say_v by_o hear_v you_o shall_v hear_v and_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o see_v you_o shall_v see_v and_o shall_v not_o perceive_v for_o this_o people_n heart_n be_v wax_v gross_a and_o their_o ear_n be_v dull_a of_o hear_v and_o their_o eye_n have_v they_o close_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v heal_v they_o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n represent_v it_o 28._o act_n 26_o 27._o this_o be_v their_o sinful_a blindness_n and_o deafness_n which_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o which_o god_n threaten_v they_o with_o a_o penal_a and_o judicial_a blindness_n for_o when_o god_n command_v the_o prophet_n to_o make_v their_o heart_n fat_a and_o their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o to_o shut_v their_o eye_n it_o can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o passp_v a_o final_a decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o blindness_n and_o deafness_n on_o they_o not_o such_o a_o blindness_n as_o shall_v betray_v they_o to_o and_o harden_v they_o in_o sin_n god_n may_v leave_v man_n in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o blindness_n when_o they_o have_v wilful_o blind_v and_o harden_v themselves_o but_o he_o never_o inflict_v it_o but_o such_o a_o blindness_n as_o will_v betray_v they_o into_o that_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n which_o god_n have_v so_o just_o decree_v for_o they_o for_o this_o blindness_n and_o deafness_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o in_o the_o prophet_n day_n be_v in_o order_n to_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o the_o destruciton_n of_o their_o city_n and_o temple_n by_o the_o chaldaean_n that_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n be_v in_o order_n to_o their_o final_a destruction_n by_o the_o roman_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o blindness_n be_v inflict_v on_o they_o that_o the_o thing_n belong_v to_o their_o peace_n which_o will_v preserve_v their_o nation_n from_o be_v destroy_v be_v now_o hide_v from_o their_o eye_n 19_o luke_n 42_o and_o the_o story_n verify_v this_o for_o certain_o never_o be_v there_o a_o great_a infatuation_n upon_o any_o people_n than_o upon_o the_o jew_n at_o both_o time_n who_o force_v both_o the_o chaldaean_n and_o roman_n to_o destroy_v they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o and_o when_o they_o intend_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o many_o example_n there_o be_v of_o such_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n and_o infatuation_n in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v seldom_o any_o great_a and_o remarkable_a calamity_n which_o befall_v any_o person_n especial_o nation_n but_o bystander_n see_v how_o they_o undo_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o stupid_a wilfulness_n and_o folly_n as_o have_v be_v long_o since_o observe_v quos_fw-la perdere_fw-la vult_fw-la jupiter_n prius_fw-la dementat_fw-la that_o god_n first_o blind_v and_o infatuate_v those_o who_o he_o intend_v to_o destroy_v and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o harden_v man_n heart_n and_o blind_a their_o eye_n as_o i_o hope_v appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v and_o no_o man_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o quarrel_n either_o with_o the_o justice_n or_o holiness_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n but_o we_o have_v all_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v warning_n by_o these_o example_n lest_o we_o provoke_v god_n so_o long_o by_o our_o sin_n by_o our_o own_o wilful_a blindness_n and_o hardness_n that_o he_o inflict_v this_o judicial_a blindness_n on_o we_o that_o he_o shut_v our_o eye_n not_o to_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n which_o we_o have_v so_o many_o sad_a symptom_n of_o already_o among_o we_o that_o it_o be_v time_n to_o take_v warning_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o just_a than_o for_o god_n to_o harden_v those_o man_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n who_o harden_v themselves_o against_o his_o fear_n so_o to_o blind_v those_o who_o will_v not_o see_v nor_o regard_v their_o duty_n as_o to_o mistake_v their_o interest_n too_o and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prevent_v such_o a_o judicial_a hardness_n and_o infatuation_n be_v to_o reverence_n god_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o then_o to_o commit_v our_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o secure_a dependence_n on_o his_o providence_n there_o be_v several_a other_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o they_o will_v receive_v a_o short_a answer_n as_o two_o those_o text_n which_o ascribe_v what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o god_n do_v but_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v plain_a for_o god_n can_v and_o do_v bring_v to_o pass_v a_o great_a many_o wise_a and_o holy_a design_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o event_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n not_o the_o sin_n whereby_o such_o event_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v this_o will_v appear_v at_o the_o first_o view_n by_o consider_v some_o of_o these_o text_n ioseph_n brethren_n sell_v he_o to_o the_o ishmaelite_n who_o carry_v he_o into_o egypt_n where_o god_n advance_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n throne_n joseph_n tell_v his_o brethren_n that_o though_o they_o sell_v he_o it_o be_v god_n that_o send_v he_o before_o they_o into_o egypt_n to_o preserve_v their_o life_n so_o now_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o but_o god_n 45._o gen._n 5_o 7_o 8._o joseph_n do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n that_o his_o brethren_n sell_v he_o this_o be_v their_o own_o act_n and_o all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o it_o be_v their_o own_o but_o it_o be_v god_n who_o send_v he_o into_o egypt_n which_o his_o brethren_n never_o think_v of_o nor_o intend_v their_o only_a concern_n be_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o he_o and_o when_o god_n do_v that_o which_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o do_v that_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n do_n who_o permit_v their_o wickedness_n and_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n as_o he_o tell_v his_o brethren_n as_o for_o you_o you_o think_v evil_a against_o i_o but_o god_n mean_v it_o unto_o good_a to_o bring_v to_o pass_v as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n to_o save_v much_o people_n alive_a 50._o gen._n 20._o when_o job_n be_v plunder_v by_o the_o sabaean_n and_o chaldaean_n he_o attribute_n it_o to_o god_n the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o 1._o job_n 21._o and_o so_o must_v all_o man_n say_v who_o believe_v a_o providence_n that_o all_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n whoever_o be_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o it_o be_v order_v and_o dispose_v by_o god_n but_o job_n do_v not_o therefore_o attribute_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o sabaean_n and_o the_o chaldaean_n to_o god_n as_o if_o god_n can_v not_o govern_v and_o over-rule_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n without_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o wickdness_n when_o david_n have_v commit_v that_o great_a sin_n in_o defile_v vriah_n be_v wife_n and_o contrive_v his_o murder_n god_n threaten_v
good_a may_v come_v this_o st._n paul_n reject_v with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o man_n damnation_n be_v just_a 3._o rom._n 8._o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a contradiction_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o order_n to_o do_v good_a for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n who_o can_v for_o any_o reason_n be_v persuade_v to_o do_v evil_a be_v a_o hearty_a and_o zealous_a lover_n of_o goodness_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o who_o do_v any_o evil_a do_v not_o hearty_o love_v that_o goodness_n to_o which_o the_o evil_a he_o do_v be_v oppose_v and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o hearty_o love_v all_o goodness_n be_v a_o hearty_a lover_n of_o none_o there_o be_v no_o reconcile_n good_a and_o evil_n no_o more_o than_o you_o can_v reconcile_v contradiction_n a_o good_a man_n will_v love_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o a_o evil_a man_n will_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o though_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a yet_o evil_a be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o good_a no_o more_o than_o darkness_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o a_o good_a design_n can_v never_o justify_v a_o bad_a action_n for_o that_o bad_a action_n shall_v do_v good_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o bad_a action_n and_o whatever_o man_n may_v intend_v i_o be_o sure_o no_o man_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o justify_v himself_o in_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v it_o be_v certain_a a_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n require_v no_o such_o thing_n of_o we_o and_o though_o he_o very_o often_o bring_v about_o great_a and_o admirable_a design_n by_o man_n sin_n yet_o no_o man_n know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o nor_o know_v when_o god_n will_v do_v it_o nor_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n who_o venture_v upon_o sin_n in_o order_n to_o do_v some_o great_a good_a ever_o do_v the_o good_a he_o intend_v though_o many_o time_n he_o run_v himself_o into_o more_o and_o great_a sin_n than_o ever_o he_o intend_v nay_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o deliberate_o venture_v upon_o a_o know_a sin_n to_o do_v some_o great_a good_a by_o it_o but_o there_o be_v always_o some_o base_a worldly_a interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n colour_v over_o with_o a_o pretence_n of_o do_v good_a either_o to_o deceive_v the_o world_n or_o sometime_o to_o deceive_v their_o own_o conscience_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n among_o who_o there_o be_v those_o who_o teach_v and_o practice_v this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o undeniable_a example_n of_o it_o and_o we_o have_v have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o it_o near_a home_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o one_o reason_n why_o those_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v future_a age_n be_v general_o so_o obscure_a that_o no_o man_n know_v when_o nor_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o any_o sin_n to_o serve_v providence_n and_o to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n as_o obscure_v as_o these_o prophecy_n be_v yet_o we_o see_v some_o heat_a enthusiast_n very_o forward_o to_o venture_v on_o any_o thing_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n to_o pull_v down_o antichrist_n to_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n especial_o when_o they_o hope_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o with_o he_o but_o god_n conceal_v time_n and_o season_n from_o we_o and_o though_o he_o many_o time_n fulfil_v prophecy_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o allow_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n and_o therefore_o never_o let_v we_o know_v when_o nor_o by_o what_o mean_v prohesy_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v let_v we_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a principle_n that_o god_n need_v not_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o can_v never_o please_v he_o by_o do_v evil_a whatever_o the_o event_n be_v he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o serve_v his_o providence_n but_o he_o will_v punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n chap._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 3._o the_o next_o inquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n though_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o more_o proper_a subject_n for_o our_o devout_a meditation_n than_o for_o our_o inquiry_n for_o we_o need_v not_o look_v far_o to_o seek_v for_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o taste_v it_o every_o day_n we_o owe_v our_o be_v our_o preservation_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n to_o it_o there_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v nor_o so_o miserable_a a_o creature_n in_o this_o world_n but_o can_v bear_v its_o testimony_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v pardon_v the_o harshness_n of_o the_o expression_n i_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plague_n and_o torment_n of_o hell_n i_o mean_v the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungrateful_a abuse_n of_o it_o this_o be_v that_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v those_o sharp_a reflection_n man_n make_v on_o their_o ingratitude_n and_o folly_n in_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a by_o affront_a that_o goodness_n which_o will_v have_v make_v they_o happy_a whatever_o other_o objection_n foam_v wanton_a and_o sport_v wit_n make_v against_o providence_n one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o feel_v what_o he_o enjoy_v himself_o and_o see_v what_o a_o bountiful_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o all_o creature_n shall_v question_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o which_o he_o live_v move_v and_o have_v his_o be_v we_o shall_v think_v he_o a_o extraordinary_a benefactor_n who_o do_v the_o thousand_o part_n for_o we_o of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o shall_v not_o challenge_v his_o goodness_n though_o he_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o like_a or_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o atheism_n be_v found_v in_o ingratitude_n and_o unless_o god_n humour_v they_o as_o well_o as_o do_v they_o good_a he_o be_v no_o god_n for_o they_o nay_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v here_o the_o perverse_a as_o well_o as_o the_o ungrateful_a temper_n of_o atheist_n when_o they_o dispute_v against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o god_n be_v much_o too_o good_a for_o they_o though_o he_o give_v we_o example_n enough_o of_o his_o severity_n against_o sin_n yet_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o some_o few_o prosperous_a sinner_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o god_n be_v not_o just_a or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n when_o they_o dispute_v against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n than_o god_n be_v not_o good_a enough_o for_o they_o though_o they_o see_v innumerable_a instance_n of_o goodness_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o good_a god_n but_o to_o good_a fortune_n because_o they_o think_v they_o see_v some_o of_o the_o careless_a and_o irregular_a stroke_n of_o chance_n and_o fortune_n intermix_v with_o it_o in_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n himself_o to_o answer_v these_o two_o objection_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o man_n and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o they_o both_o for_o shall_v god_n vindicate_v his_o justice_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o man_n by_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n every_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v according_a to_o its_o desert_n there_o will_v be_v very_o little_a room_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o goodness_n if_o every_o man_n must_v suffer_v as_o much_o as_o he_o sin_n the_o very_o best_a man_n will_v be_v great_a sufferer_n much_o great_a sufferer_n than_o any_o of_o they_o now_o be_v though_o their_o suffering_n be_v make_v another_o objection_n against_o providence_n and_o there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o formidable_a example_n of_o misery_n as_o there_o be_v atheist_n and_o profligate_v sinner_n and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o how_o good_a soever_o god_n may_v be_v if_o he_o must_v punish_v every_o sin_n he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o show_v his_o goodness_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n shall_v god_n be_v as_o good_a as_o these_o man_n will_v have_v he_o that_o be_v that_o to_o prove_v himself_o good_a he_o shall_v not_o inflict_v any_o evil_n or_o calamity_n on_o man_n whatever_o their_o sin_n or_o provocation_n be_v that_o whereas_o god_n plant_v paradise_n only_o for_o man_n in_o innocence_n the_o whole_a world_n shall_v be_v now_o a_o paradise_n though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o innocent_a man_n in_o it_o this_o will_v be_v as_o unanswerable_a a_o objection_n
against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n so_o that_o these_o man_n have_v take_v care_n always_o to_o have_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n for_o according_a to_o their_o notion_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n god_n can_v be_v both_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a demonstration_n that_o they_o mistake_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n they_o be_v both_o great_a and_o excellent_a virtue_n both_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n both_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o both_o of_o they_o must_v be_v very_o consistent_a and_o reconcilable_a with_o each_o other_o both_o in_o notion_n and_o practice_n i_o have_v already_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o vindicate_v his_o goodness_n the_o objection_n against_o which_o be_v found_v in_o plain_a and_o evident_a mistake_v and_o therefore_o will_v receive_v a_o easy_a answer_n and_o i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o the_o mistake_v be_v and_o then_o particular_o answer_v the_o objection_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o mistake_v either_o relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n goodness_n or_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o to_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n and_o government_n 1._o the_o mistake_v concern_v god_n goodness_n and_o the_o fundamental_a mistake_n be_v this_o that_o man_n consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n absolute_o without_o relation_n to_o the_o nature_n quality_n or_o desert_n of_o the_o subject_n who_o be_v to_o receive_v good_a they_o contemplate_v goodness_n in_o its_o abstract_a idea_n and_o notion_n and_o whatever_o they_o conceive_v belong_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a goodness_n that_o they_o expect_v from_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o find_v it_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o a_o good_a providence_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o act_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a goodness_n to_o make_v all_o creature_n happy_a not_o to_o suffer_v any_o misery_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o deface_v the_o beauty_n or_o to_o disturb_v the_o harmony_n of_o it_o no_o lamentable_a sight_n nor_o doleful_a complaint_n to_o move_v our_o pity_n nor_o to_o terrify_v we_o with_o the_o melancholy_a presage_n of_o our_o own_o suffering_n nor_o to_o make_v frightful_a impression_n on_o we_o of_o a_o severe_a and_o inexorable_a deity_n can_v they_o see_v such_o a_o world_n as_o this_o they_o will_v thankful_o own_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o secure_o rejoice_v in_o it_o but_o this_o world_n wherein_o we_o live_v give_v we_o a_o very_a different_a prospect_n we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o miserable_a people_n and_o feel_v a_o great_a many_o misery_n ourselves_o and_o many_o time_n expect_v and_o fear_v a_o great_a many_o more_o and_o how_o unlike_a be_v this_o world_n to_o what_o we_o shall_v have_v imagine_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v have_v we_o never_o see_v it_o but_o only_o hear_v of_o a_o world_n make_v and_o govern_v by_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n indeed_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n do_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o a_o good_a god_n can_v make_v it_o and_o therefore_o a_o good_a providence_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o a_o plain_a answer_n to_o this_o will_v enable_v any_o man_n to_o answer_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v short_a and_o plain_a that_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n will_v do_v all_o the_o good_a which_o can_v be_v wise_o do_v but_o not_o all_o the_o good_a which_o man_n may_v expect_v from_o infinite_a goodness_n for_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o goodness_n must_v not_o bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o to_o the_o state_n condition_n and_o capacity_n of_o creature_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n mere_o by_o external_n event_n which_o may_v sometime_o be_v very_o calamitous_a but_o by_o that_o proportion_n such_o event_n bear_v to_o the_o state_n and_o desert_n of_o mankind_n or_o of_o particular_a man_n in_o this_o world_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v to_o every_o one_o he_o meet_v he_o will_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o child_n and_o a_o servant_n between_o a_o friend_n and_o a_o enemy_n between_o a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a man_n and_o much_o more_o must_v a_o good_a prince_n and_o a_o good_a magistrate_n do_v so_o and_o much_o more_o must_v god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v better_o understand_v this_o if_o we_o view_v man_n in_o his_o several_a state_n and_o observe_v how_o the_o divine_a goodness_n suit_v itself_o to_o those_o different_a state_n the_o divine_a goodness_n make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v take_v our_o estimate_n what_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o it_o can_v and_o will_v do_v when_o goodness_n free_o exert_v itself_o without_o any_o external_a impediment_n to_o set_v bound_n to_o it_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o divine_a goodness_n display_v itself_o in_o a_o most_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a scene_n the_o new-made_a world_n and_o the_o new-created_a man_n be_v as_o perfect_a and_o happy_a as_o the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o their_o nature_n in_o the_o divine_a mind_n this_o be_v the_o world_n which_o god_n make_v such_o a_o happy_a world_n as_o it_o become_v perfect_a goodness_n to_o make_v and_o hence_o we_o learn_v what_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o it_o will_v always_o do_v for_o when_o the_o divine_a goodness_n make_v the_o world_n he_o make_v it_o what_o he_o will_v have_v it_o be_v but_o man_n do_v not_o continue_v what_o god_n have_v make_v he_o he_o sin_v and_o by_o sin_n bring_v death_n and_o misery_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o do_v not_o now_o see_v such_o a_o happy_a state_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v not_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o perfect_a goodness_n but_o that_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o ease_n and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n do_v neither_o become_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v good_a for_o sinner_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v this_o not_o only_o because_o god_n make_v innocent_a man_n happy_a but_o because_o he_o have_v prepare_v a_o much_o great_a happiness_n for_o good_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n which_o show_v that_o the_o change_n be_v not_o in_o god_n but_o in_o man_n he_o make_v man_n happy_a at_o first_o and_o he_o will_v make_v good_a man_n perfect_o happy_a hereafter_o but_o though_o he_o be_v always_o the_o same_o as_o good_a now_o as_o he_o be_v when_o he_o at_o first_o make_v the_o world_n and_o as_o he_o will_v be_v when_o he_o shall_v reward_v all_o good_a man_n in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a yet_o the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n require_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o we_o now_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o complain_v of_o in_o this_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a different_a case_n to_o see_v goodness_n act_v alone_o and_o pursue_v its_o own_o gracious_a inclination_n and_o to_o see_v it_o limit_v and_o confine_v by_o justice_n which_o must_v be_v the_o case_n when_o mankind_n be_v sinner_n for_o than_o goodness_n can_v do_v what_o be_v absolute_o best_a but_o what_o be_v best_a in_o such_o case_n and_o when_o goodness_n and_o justice_n be_v reconcilable_a as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o probation_n state_n there_o wisdom_n must_v prescribe_v the_o temperament_n justice_n require_v the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n but_o goodness_n be_v incline_v to_o spare_v and_o wisdom_n judge_n when_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o punish_v or_o to_o spare_v a_o incurable_a sinner_n be_v the_o object_n of_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a justice_n a_o corrigible_a sinner_n be_v the_o object_n both_o of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n his_o sin_n deserve_v correction_n and_o punishment_n but_o that_o he_o be_v corrigible_a make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o patience_n and_o discipline_n and_o this_o we_o must_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o apostate_n angel_n and_o of_o fallen_n man_n and_o therefore_o justice_n immediate_o seize_v on_o those_o apostate_n spirit_n but_o god_n in_o infinite_a goodness_n promise_v a_o saviour_n to_o mankind_n this_o make_v the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n to_o reclaim_v and_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 hope_n can_v they_o reasonable_o conceive_v of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n have_v they_o no_o experience_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n what_o place_n will_v there_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o moral_a or_o christian_a virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n of_o self-denial_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o this_o world_n a_o very_a tolerable_o happy_a place_n though_o a_o changeable_a scene_n a_o state_n of_o discipline_n must_v neither_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n nor_o misery_n but_o a_o interchangeable_a scene_n of_o very_o agreeable_a pleasure_n and_o tolerable_a evil_n sufficient_a to_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o vice_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o i_o take_v the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n to_o be_v so_o happy_a that_o few_o man_n be_v so_o miserable_a as_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o so_o intermix_v with_o trouble_n as_o to_o exercise_v the_o 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terrible_a vengeance_n but_o support_v good_a man_n under_o their_o suffering_n with_o better_a hope_n that_o bad_a man_n suffer_v like_a malefactor_n with_o rage_n and_o fear_v and_o despair_n good_a man_n with_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o a_o reward_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o scripture_n be_v make_v to_o good_a man_n and_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o it_o denounce_v against_o bad_a man_n and_o this_o expound_v providence_n for_o this_o assure_v good_a man_n that_o all_o the_o good_a they_o receive_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n care_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o evil_n they_o suffer_v be_v either_o his_o fatherly_a correction_n or_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o virtue_n but_o that_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n patience_n or_o to_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o
their_o suffering_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o forerunner_n of_o future_a vengeance_n except_o they_o repent_v and_o when_o we_o know_v this_o it_o make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o prosperity_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o because_o this_o be_v not_o always_o visible_a in_o external_a event_n god_n have_v take_v care_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o but_o god_n have_v make_v this_o very_a visible_a in_o most_o of_o the_o ordinary_a calamity_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o sin_n of_o intemperance_n luxury_n lust_n pride_n passion_n covetousness_n idleness_n and_o prodigality_n most_o of_o those_o evil_n which_o bad_a man_n suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o such_o vice_n and_o all_o these_o good_a man_n escape_v and_o sometime_o their_o virtue_n advance_v they_o to_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o when_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o make_v they_o content_v and_o please_v but_o when_o wickedness_n make_v man_n great_a it_o common_o make_v they_o a_o mark_n for_o envy_n and_o advance_v they_o to_o tumble_v they_o down_o nay_o though_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o always_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o to_o their_o external_a fortune_n yet_o sometime_o god_n make_v a_o very_a remarkable_a difference_n between_o they_o give_v such_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o his_o anger_n against_o bad_a man_n and_o of_o his_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o good_a that_o it_o force_v man_n to_o acknowledge_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n 58._o psal._n 11._o and_o a_o few_o such_o example_n as_o these_o though_o both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a story_n furnish_v we_o with_o very_a many_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v as_o visible_a a_o distinction_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n require_v 4._o but_o yet_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o allow_v of_o great_a evil_n and_o calamity_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n not_o of_o judgement_n good_a man_n must_v suffer_v no_o more_o than_o what_o will_v increase_v their_o virtue_n not_o prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a must_v not_o always_o rest_v on_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o righteous_a lest_o he_o also_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n unto_o iniquity_n the_o suffering_n of_o bad_a man_n who_o be_v in_o a_o curable_a state_n must_v be_v only_o proportion_v to_o their_o cure_n unless_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o example_n require_v a_o severe_a punishment_n to_o warn_v other_o sinner_n as_o for_o harden_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v for_o they_o but_o he_o may_v serve_v his_o providence_n on_o they_o as_o he_o please_v either_o by_o make_v they_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o execute_v such_o a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o the_o world_n as_o none_o but_o such_o harden_a sinner_n will_v execute_v or_o by_o make_v they_o the_o last_a monument_n of_o his_o own_o vengeance_n as_o he_o do_v a_o harden_a and_o incorrigible_a pharaoh_n for_o this_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v such_o example_n and_o such_o sinner_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v example_n of_o and_o all_o such_o severity_n as_o these_o be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 5._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n not_o only_o allow_v but_o require_v great_a patience_n long-suffering_a and_o goodness_n to_o sinner_n for_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o reclaim_v sinner_n to_o give_v they_o time_n for_o repentance_n and_o to_o invite_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o repent_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o method_n of_o goodness_n as_o well_o as_o to_o overawe_v they_o by_o judgement_n and_o severity_n promise_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o reform_v sinner_n as_o threaten_n for_o hope_n be_v as_o powerful_a a_o principle_n as_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o goodness_n work_v more_o kind_o upon_o ingenuous_a mind_n and_o melt_v those_o who_o judgement_n can_v bow_v nor_o break_v thus_o a_o kind_a parent_n deal_v with_o a_o prodigal_a son_n try_v he_o with_o kindness_n as_o well_o as_o severity_n and_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o sinner_n he_o be_v good_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a and_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o upon_o the_o unjust_a and_o this_o be_v such_o goodness_n as_o be_v proper_a only_a for_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 6._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o good_a than_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n for_o since_o goodness_n govern_v the_o world_n even_o in_o this_o state_n the_o good_a must_v be_v predominant_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n there_o be_v it_o may_v still_o be_v very_o visible_a that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o good_a god_n that_o this_o be_v so_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v for_o we_o all_o see_v and_o feel_v it_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n bear_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o the_o good_a there_o be_v some_o few_o example_n of_o miserable_a people_n but_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o happy_a and_o even_o these_o miserable_a people_n have_v great_a allay_v of_o their_o misery_n and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n have_v a_o much_o great_a share_n of_o good_a than_o evil._n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o very_o terrible_a but_o they_o come_v but_o seldom_o for_o a_o year_n plague_n or_o famine_n we_o enjoy_v some_o age_n of_o health_n and_o plenty_n and_o the_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n of_o war_n be_v recompense_v and_o forget_v by_o a_o more_o last_a and_o flourish_a peace_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n move_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o uniform_a round_n visit_v all_o part_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o sun_n do_v with_o its_o light_n and_o heat_n that_o consider_v how_o little_a mankind_n deserve_v of_o god_n in_o this_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n how_o high_o they_o provoke_v he_o every_o day_n and_o how_o constant_o and_o universal_o he_o do_v good_a to_o they_o instead_o of_o complain_v of_o the_o many_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o admire_v the_o patience_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n goodness_n as_o it_o respect_v a_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n and_o then_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n vanish_v of_o themselves_o though_o this_o world_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a goodness_n can_v make_v it_o yet_o god_n abound_v in_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o goodness_n which_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n will_v allow_v which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v and_o all_o that_o god_n can_v wise_o do_v for_o we_o in_o this_o state_n 2_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n for_o this_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o most_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n that_o man_n consider_v human_a nature_n absolute_o and_o appeal_v to_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o notion_n and_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o be_v by_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o mean_v only_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_a such_o as_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_v or_o of_o trouble_n and_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n riches_n or_o poverty_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n and_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o mankind_n and_o particular_a man_n be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a then_o god_n do_v good_a and_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o providence_n be_v good_a if_o they_o be_v afflict_v this_o be_v very_o evil_a and_o therefore_o a_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n but_o do_v not_o every_o man_n know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n the_o end_n be_v happiness_n which_o be_v the_o
good_a of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v the_o happiness_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n be_v the_o good_a of_o nature_n the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a and_o the_o more_o effectual_a it_o be_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n the_o great_a good_n it_o be_v though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a evil_n and_o whatever_o will_v hinder_v or_o destroy_v our_o happiness_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a good_n in_o all_o such_o case_n thing_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o end_n or_o to_o their_o natural_a or_o moral_a consequence_n when_o we_o be_v in_o health_n that_o be_v good_a food_n which_o be_v pleasant_a and_o wholesome_a and_o will_v preserve_v health_n but_o the_o same_o diet_n may_v be_v very_o hurtful_a and_o fatal_a when_o we_o be_v sick_a indulgence_n or_o severity_n to_o child_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o temper_n and_o inclination_n as_o it_o be_v apt_a either_o to_o corrupt_v their_o manner_n or_o to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v so_o much_o what_o be_v natural_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o what_o the_o state_n of_o those_o be_v who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o discipline_n and_o what_o be_v good_a for_o they_o in_o such_o a_o state_n for_o how_o many_o natural_a evil_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o evil_n of_o affliction_n and_o judgement_n of_o plague_n and_o famine_n and_o sword_n if_o such_o severity_n be_v good_a for_o mankind_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n to_o inflict_v they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o parent_n or_o a_o prince_n to_o reclaim_v and_o reform_v his_o child_n or_o his_o subject_n by_o great_a severity_n and_o a_o easy_a and_o prosperous_a state_n when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n require_v severe_a restraint_n be_v no_o more_o a_o act_n of_o kindness_n and_o goodness_n than_o the_o fond_a indulgence_n of_o parent_n be_v to_o disobedient_a child_n so_o that_o this_o take_v away_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n the_o principal_a objection_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n we_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v very_o good_a in_o it_o and_o that_o these_o natural_a evil_n though_o they_o be_v grievous_a be_v not_o evil_n to_o we_o because_o they_o be_v and_o be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a we_o can_v neither_o prove_v nor_o disprove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n mere_o by_o external_a event_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o particular_a man_n for_o prosperity_n be_v not_o always_o good_a for_o we_o nor_o be_v affliction_n always_o for_o our_o hurt_n god_n may_v make_v some_o man_n prosperous_a in_o his_o anger_n and_o chastise_v other_o in_o great_a love_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o wiseman_n 9_o eccl._n 1_o 2._o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o they_o for_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 which_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n for_o god_n do_v love_n good_a man_n and_o hate_v the_o wicked_a and_o his_o providence_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o though_o this_o difference_n be_v not_o always_o visible_a in_o external_a event_n for_o when_o the_o same_o event_n happen_v to_o both_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a it_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o favour_n to_o good_a man_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o the_o wicked_a for_o external_a prosperity_n and_o adversity_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n may_v either_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o may_v be_v good_a for_o one_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v evil_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v a_o difference_n when_o the_o external_a event_n make_v none_o the_o wiseman_n confess_v this_o be_v a_o evil_n among_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o there_o be_v one_o event_n unto_o all_o bad_a man_n who_o look_v no_o far_o than_o external_a event_n make_v a_o very_a bad_a use_n of_o it_o and_o conclude_v that_o god_n make_v no_o difference_n when_o they_o see_v none_o make_v and_o thus_o the_o heart_n of_o 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by_o all_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o and_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o those_o eternal_a misery_n which_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o sinner_n though_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o foolish_a sinner_n who_o never_o consider_v this_o yet_o all_o mankind_n agree_v that_o that_o be_v best_a for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n which_o will_v make_v we_o eternal_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a great_a evil_n which_o will_v betray_v we_o to_o eternal_a misery_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o infidel_n who_o believe_v neither_o a_o heaven_n nor_o a_o hell_n but_o yet_o these_o very_a infidel_n be_v not_o so_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n as_o to_o deny_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n that_o to_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n whatever_o it_o be_v upon_o other_o account_n which_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o keep_v we_o out_o of_o hell_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n there_o can_v be_v so_o great_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n but_o what_o may_v be_v good_a for_o we_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v a_o expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o for_o if_o pain_n and_o sickness_n poverty_n and_o disgrace_n wean_v we_o from_o this_o world_n subdue_v our_o lust_n make_v we_o good_a man_n and_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a reward_n though_o they_o be_v great_a affliction_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o good_a as_o the_o way_n though_o a_o rough_a and_o difficult_a way_n to_o happiness_n that_o prosperity_n do_v oftentimes_o corrupt_a man_n life_n and_o manner_n make_v they_o proud_a and_o sensual_a regardless_o of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o so_o fond_a of_o
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
of_o particular_a creature_n but_o of_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o in_o some_o case_n may_v make_v the_o great_a and_o most_o terrible_a act_n of_o severity_n such_o as_o be_v enough_o to_o affright_v and_o astonish_v the_o world_n act_n of_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n too_o which_o will_v vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n when_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o severe_a and_o to_o have_v forget_v all_o goodness_n and_o compassion_n as_o to_o explain_v this_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v the_o defence_n and_o protection_n of_o mankind_n from_o violent_a and_o unjust_a oppression_n and_o the_o most_o exemplary_a vengeance_n execute_v upon_o such_o private_a or_o public_a oppressor_n be_v a_o great_a act_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o great_a deliverance_n to_o the_o oppress_a 136._o psalm_n the_o psalmist_n exhort_v we_o to_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o among_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n he_o mention_n the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o deliverance_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o overthrow_n of_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o red-sea_n to_o he_o that_o smite_v egypt_n in_o their_o first-born_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o bring_v out_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o with_o a_o stretched-out_a arm_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o to_o he_o which_o divide_v the_o red-sea_n into_o part_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v israel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o but_o overthrow_v pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red-sea_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n to_o he_o who_o smite_v great_a king_n and_o slay_v famous_a king_n sihon_n king_n of_o the_o amorites_n and_o og_n the_o king_n of_o bashan_n and_o give_v their_o land_n for_o a_o heritage_n even_o for_o a_o heritage_n to_o israel_n his_o servant_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v before_o we_o object_v the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v bad_a man_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o there_o be_v few_o bad_a man_n who_o suffer_v any_o remarkable_a vengeance_n but_o that_o their_o suffering_n be_v a_o great_a kindness_n and_o deliverance_n to_o other_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o public_a in_o break_v their_o power_n or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o psalmist_n have_v teach_v we_o a_o very_a proper_a hymn_n i_o will_v sing_v of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n will_v i_o sing_v 101._o psal._n 1_o thus_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v some_o great_a and_o last_a example_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o vengeance_n against_o sin_n and_o as_o terrible_a as_o such_o example_n be_v they_o be_v a_o great_a public_a good_a to_o the_o world_n some_o few_o such_o example_n as_o these_o will_v serve_v to_o warn_v a_o age_n nay_o many_o succeed_a age_n and_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o prevent_v the_o more_o frequent_a execution_n of_o vengeance_n and_o justify_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o sinner_n if_o such_o example_n in_o any_o measure_n reform_v the_o world_n as_o god_n intend_v they_o shall_v it_o make_v this_o world_n a_o much_o happy_a place_n for_o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o less_o hurt_n and_o the_o more_o good_a they_o will_v do_v and_o the_o less_o evil_a there_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n the_o less_o mankind_n will_v suffer_v and_o the_o great_a blessing_n god_n will_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n after_o such_o terrible_a warning_n as_o these_o god_n may_v exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o sinner_n without_o the_o 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father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o constant_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n without_o any_o supernatural_a change_n and_o revolution_n tempt_v man_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o change_v time_n and_o season_n but_o this_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o be_v visible_o confute_v by_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n for_o this_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o earth_n stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o in_o the_o water_n whereby_o the_o world_n that_o then_o be_v be_v overflow_v with_o water_n perish_v and_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o fear_v and_o expect_v what_o god_n have_v threaten_v that_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v burn_v by_o fire_n but_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n reserve_v unto_o fire_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o perdition_n of_o ungodly_a man_n 2_o peter_n 3._o 5_o 6_o 7._o such_o destruction_n as_o these_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o natural_a cause_n but_o the_o same_o word_n which_o make_v the_o world_n destroy_v the_o old_a world_n by_o water_n and_o will_v destroy_v this_o by_o fire_n which_o make_v it_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o only_o a_o general_n warn_v to_o sinner_n but_o a_o example_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o unnatural_a lusts._n as_o st._n jude_n tell_v we_o even_o as_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n give_v themselves_o over_o to_o fornication_n and_o go_v after_o strange_a flesh_n be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o example_n suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n v_o 7._o thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o most_o terrible_a circumstance_n that_o we_o ever_o meet_v with_o in_o story_n be_v a_o last_a confutation_n of_o infidelity_n and_o a_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o terrible_a example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n how_o terrible_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o those_o who_o suffer_v be_v act_n of_o great_a goodness_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o belong_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o government_n by_o some_o severe_a execution_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v the_o innocent_a and_o reclaim_v other_o offender_n without_o the_o necessity_n of_o terrify_v the_o world_n in_o every_o age_n with_o such_o repeat_v severity_n nay_o we_o may_v observe_v far_o that_o when_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a and_o such_o sinner_n if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o will_v certain_o propagate_v their_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o lewdness_n to_o all_o posterity_n it_o be_v great_a goodness_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n to_o cleanse_v the_o world_n of_o its_o impure_a inhabitant_n by_o some_o great_a destruction_n by_o sword_n or_o plague_n or_o famine_n to_o lessen_v the_o number_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o possess_v those_o who_o escape_n with_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n judgement_n nay_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o many_o time_n these_o terrible_a shake_v and_o convulsion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o open_v some_o new_a and_o more_o glorious_a scene_n of_o providence_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o four_o empire_n which_o prey_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o be_v at_o last_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o roman_a power_n though_o they_o make_v great_a destruction_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o carry_v learn_v and_o civility_n into_o
etc._n destroy_v the_o ease_n and_o security_n of_o life_n and_o the_o freedom_n and_o pleasure_n of_o conversation_n without_o which_o all_o the_o other_o pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v very_o tasteless_a and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o bewail_v the_o folly_n and_o distraction_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v fond_a of_o life_n and_o impatient_o thirst_v after_o happiness_n but_o will_v not_o suffer_v either_o themselves_o or_o other_o to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a who_o bite_v and_o devour_v each_o other_o and_o by_o their_o ungoverned_a passion_n raise_v such_o hurricane_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ease_n or_o rest_v or_o happiness_n to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o a_o grave_a or_o in_o a_o charnel-house_n where_o the_o wicked_a cease_v from_o trouble_v and_o where_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n where_o the_o prisoner_n rest_v together_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o oppressor_n the_o small_a and_o great_a be_v there_o and_o the_o servant_n be_v free_a from_o his_o master_n 3._o job_n 17_o 18_o 19_o do_v man_n consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a it_o will_v convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n worth_a purchase_n with_o eternal_a discontent_n envy_n emulation_n jealousy_n fear_n with_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n and_o injury_n we_o can_v and_o with_o suffer_v all_o the_o injury_n which_o other_o can_v do_v nay_o indeed_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o that_o man_n own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o reason_n the_o matter_n do_v not_o convince_v they_o of_o this_o to_o live_v be_v not_o mere_o to_o be_v but_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o to_o be_v happy_a do_v not_o signify_v mere_o to_o have_v but_o to_o enjoy_v and_o to_o enjoy_v require_v a_o easy_a serene_a undisturbed_a mind_n which_o can_v relish_v what_o it_o have_v and_o extract_v its_o true_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o security_n of_o life_n the_o easiness_n and_o 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happy_a or_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v time_n to_o seek_v for_o happiness_n out_o of_o it_o 2_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o despise_v or_o abhor_v life_n much_o less_o to_o force_v his_o passage_n out_o of_o this_o world_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o persuade_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n to_o live_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n they_o meet_v with_o the_o love_n of_o life_n be_v natural_a and_o strong_a and_o reconcile_v man_n to_o great_a misery_n before_o they_o desire_v that_o death_n shall_v ease_v they_o self-murder_n be_v so_o unnatural_a a_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v nowadays_o think_v reason_n enough_o to_o prove_v any_o man_n distract_v we_o have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n what_o a_o disturb_a imagination_n will_v do_v if_o that_o must_v pass_v for_o natural_a distraction_n but_o we_o seldom_o or_o never_o hear_v that_o mere_a external_a suffering_n how_o severe_a soever_o tempt_v man_n to_o kill_v themselves_o the_o stoic_n themselves_o who_o principle_n it_o be_v to_o break_v their_o prison_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o uneasy_a very_o rare_o put_v it_o into_o practice_n nature_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o their_o philosophy_n and_o though_o their_o philosophy_n allow_v they_o to_o die_v when_o they_o please_v nature_n teach_v they_o to_o live_v as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v and_o we_o see_v that_o they_o seldom_o think_v themselves_o miserable_a enough_o to_o die_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n then_o of_o frightning_n man_n out_o of_o this_o world_n by_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n of_o it_o that_o i_o need_v not_o concern_v myself_o with_o such_o fear_n but_o yet_o without_o contradict_v solomon_n to_o vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o support_v and_o encourage_v good_a man_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a for_o a_o good_a man_n to_o live_v on_o and_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n may_v live_v very_o happy_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n which_o he_o may_v and_o sometime_o must_v encounter_v in_o this_o world_n for_o difficulty_n be_v a_o glorious_a scene_n of_o virtue_n and_o such_o a_o virtue_n as_o can_v conquer_v difficulty_n have_v its_o reward_n its_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n even_o in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o good_a man_n shall_v live_v in_o very_o bad_a time_n not_o only_o to_o reprieve_v a_o wicked_a world_n that_o god_n may_v not_o utter_o destroy_v it_o as_o he_o once_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n but_o also_o to_o season_v human_a conversation_n to_o give_v check_n to_o wickedness_n and_o to_o revive_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n by_o some_o great_a and_o bright_a example_n and_o to_o redress_v those_o violence_n and_o injury_n which_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n at_o least_o to_o struggle_v and_o contend_v with_o a_o corrupt_a age_n which_o will_v put_v some_o stop_n to_o the_o grow_a evil_n and_o scatter_v such_o seed_n of_o virtue_n as_o will_v spring_v up_o in_o time_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n care_n of_o the_o world_n that_o antidote_n grow_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o poison_n that_o the_o most_o degenerate_a age_n have_v some_o excellent_a man_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n for_o such_o a_o time_n to_o stem_v the_o torrent_n and_o to_o give_v some_o ease_n to_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n and_o will_v it_o become_v such_o man_n when_o the_o world_n so_o much_o need_v they_o to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o if_o they_o can_v to_o choose_v the_o quiet_a and_o silent_a retirement_n of_o wood_n and_o desert_n or_o of_o the_o grave_a to_o avoid_v the_o trouble_n of_o serve_v god_n or_o do_v good_a to_o man_n great_a mind_n can_v do_v this_o virtue_n be_v make_v for_o difficulty_n and_o grow_v strong_a and_o bright_a for_o such_o trial_n it_o lay_v a_o mighty_a obligation_n on_o mankind_n to_o serve_v the_o public_a good_a with_o labour_n and_o danger_n to_o purchase_v the_o ease_n and_o liberty_n and_o security_n of_o their_o country_n at_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n and_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o oppose_v a_o harden_a and_o laborious_a and_o unwearied_a virtue_n against_o zeal_n and_o faction_n and_o not_o like_o issachar_n to_o crouch_v between_o two_o burden_n and_o cry_v rest_n be_v good_a and_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n to_o a_o virtuous_a mind_n to_o feel_v its_o own_o strength_n to_o contend_v with_o difficulty_n as_o far_o as_o virtue_n and_o prudence_n direct_v with_o a_o unbroken_a mind_n it_o be_v always_o pleasant_a to_o do_v good_a but_o yet_o it_o have_v the_o sweet_a relish_n the_o dear_a we_o pay_v for_o it_o this_o be_v a_o pleasure_n above_o all_o the_o ease_n and_o luxury_n of_o the_o world_n it_o not_o only_o sweeten_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n but_o turn_v they_o into_o triumph_n to_o endeavour_v to_o bear_v up_o a_o sink_a world_n though_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v crush_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o will_v make_v the_o very_a ruin_n he_o sink_v under_o a_o illustrious_a monument_n of_o his_o virtue_n to_o do_v all_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o do_v without_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o ease_n to_o save_v a_o sink_v church_n and_o state_n will_v make_v he_o fall_v with_o pleasure_n and_o perpetuate_v his_o memory_n with_o honour_n for_o in_o spite_n of_o envy_n and_o detraction_n virtue_n will_v always_o be_v honourable_a in_o the_o grave_a but_o i_o can_v enlarge_v on_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o result_n of_o all_o i_o have_v say_v in_o two_o or_o three_o observation_n 1._o that_o
happy_a let_v the_o most_o sceptical_a objector_n against_o providence_n consider_v with_o himself_o what_o god_n can_v have_v do_v more_o to_o prevent_v the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n without_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o have_v lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o choose_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v bring_v these_o evil_n on_o he_o have_v be_v to_o change_v his_o nature_n to_o destroy_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o choice_n and_o yet_o man_n can_v live_v as_o they_o do_v and_o escape_v these_o misery_n unless_o all_o nature_n be_v change_v we_o must_v have_v other_o kind_n of_o body_n than_o we_o have_v or_o our_o meat_n and_o drink_n must_v have_v other_o virtue_n and_o quality_n to_o bear_v the_o disorder_n and_o excess_n of_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n without_o feel_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o fire_n must_v not_o burn_v nor_o water_n drown_v if_o wine_n must_v not_o inflame_v nor_o a_o flood_n of_o indigested_a liquor_n extinguish_v the_o vital_a heat_n the_o whole_a world_n must_v be_v a_o paradise_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v possess_v in_o common_a or_o the_o idle_a slothful_a prodigal_a sinner_n must_v be_v poor_a our_o body_n must_v be_v invulnerable_a and_o immortal_a or_o there_o must_v be_v no_o instrument_n of_o death_n in_o the_o world_n or_o man_n who_o quarrel_n will_v fight_v and_o kill_v one_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a as_o the_o world_n now_o be_v to_z separate_z sin_n and_o misery_n but_o man_n may_v avoid_v misery_n if_o they_o please_v and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a good_a world_n and_o a_o good_a god_n that_o make_v such_o a_o world_n and_o a_o good_a providence_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n wherein_o man_n may_v make_v themselves_o happy_a if_o they_o will_n 2_o beside_o this_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v see_v in_o hinder_v and_o prevent_v a_o great_a many_o more_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o the_o sin_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n will_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n be_v they_o not_o under_o the_o restraint_n and_o government_n of_o providence_n no_o man_n doubt_n but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o evil_a and_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v nor_o that_o many_o bad_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o hurt_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v it_o then_o after_o all_o that_o make_v the_o world_n so_o tolerable_a a_o place_n if_o this_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v foolish_a sinner_n to_o make_v themselves_o and_o other_o so_o miserable_a as_o they_o will_v that_o as_o many_o furious_a phaeton_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o in_o flame_n but_o the_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o the_o natural_a world_n have_v its_o temperate_a as_o well_o as_o torrid_a zone_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o attribute_v this_o to_o if_o we_o do_v not_o attibute_v it_o to_o providence_n to_o what_o else_o can_v we_o ascribe_v our_o deliverance_n from_o those_o unseen_a snare_n which_o be_v lay_v for_o we_o and_o which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o till_o we_o have_v escape_v nay_o which_o it_o may_v be_v we_o know_v nothing_o of_o to_o this_o day_n how_o many_o wicked_a design_n prove_v abortive_a how_o many_o secret_a plot_n be_v discover_v when_o ripe_a for_o execution_n how_o often_o do_v god_n put_v a_o hook_n into_o the_o nostril_n of_o the_o proud_a tyrant_n and_o by_o some_o cross_a accident_n or_o by_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n break_v their_o power_n and_o humble_v they_o to_o the_o dust_n sacred_a and_o profane_a history_n be_v full_a of_o such_o example_n which_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o divine_a providence_n which_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o the_o rage_n and_o pride_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o ascribe_v our_o deliverance_n from_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o escape_v as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o good_a we_o enjoy_v to_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o then_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n prevent_v all_o that_o evil_n which_o bad_a man_n will_v do_v but_o can_v and_o who_o know_v how_o much_o this_o be_v who_o know_v how_o much_o evil_n bad_a man_n will_v do_v have_v they_o no_o restraint_n that_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o adore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n for_o restrain_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n which_o prevent_v a_o universal_a deluge_n of_o misery_n than_o complain_v that_o he_o suffer_v so_o many_o misery_n to_o afflict_v the_o world_n 3_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o god_n permit_v bad_a man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o hurt_n and_o mischief_n than_o what_o he_o overrule_v to_o wise_a and_o good_a purpose_n for_o god_n many_o time_n serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o to_o chastise_v the_o good_a to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n or_o to_o give_v terrible_a example_n of_o his_o vengeance_n on_o the_o wicked_a and_o all_o this_o how_o severe_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v punish_v suppress_v destroy_v and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v make_v better_a and_o become_v great_a and_o eminent_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n whatever_o evil_n and_o misery_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v if_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o more_o than_o what_o he_o deserve_v or_o than_o what_o will_v do_v himself_o good_a if_o he_o wise_o improve_v it_o or_o will_v do_v other_o good_a if_o they_o will_v either_o take_v warning_n by_o his_o suffering_n or_o imitate_v his_o virtue_n all_o this_o be_v not_o only_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n but_o be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o to_o do_v good_a be_v a_o expression_n of_o goodness_n though_o the_o way_n of_o do_v it_o may_v be_v very_o severe_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n even_o as_o to_o those_o evil_n which_o god_n himself_o immediate_o inflict_v upon_o the_o world_n that_o he_o inflict_v no_o more_o nor_o great_a evil_n than_o what_o be_v for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o but_o it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o with_o reference_n to_o those_o evil_n which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o for_o be_v it_o not_o wonderful_a goodness_n in_o god_n to_o defend_v we_o from_o ourselves_o to_o qualify_v the_o malignity_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n to_o suffer_v we_o to_o do_v ourselves_o no_o more_o hurt_v than_o what_o he_o can_v turn_v into_o great_a good_a to_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o learn_v wisdom_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o suffer_v so_o to_o restrain_v bad_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v hurt_v no_o body_n but_o those_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o punish_v or_o to_o correct_v or_o to_o exercise_v with_o some_o severity_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v no_o more_o hurt_n nor_o hurt_v any_o long_a than_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v useful_a to_o these_o end_n let_v we_o then_o brief_o review_v this_o objection_n and_o answer_n and_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n let_v we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o father_n and_o i_o hope_v what_o we_o ourselves_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a defence_n of_o earthly_a parent_n will_v be_v think_v a_o good_a justification_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n suppose_v then_o a_o father_n have_v several_a child_n who_o he_o providee_n very_o bountiful_o for_o and_o send_v they_o abroad_o into_o the_o world_n in_o such_o hopeful_a circumstance_n that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v frugal_a diligent_a and_o virtuous_a they_o may_v live_v happy_o and_o increase_v their_o fortune_n shall_v such_o child_n turn_v prodigal_n and_o waste_v their_o estate_n in_o riot_v and_o luxury_n destroy_v their_o health_n and_o suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o sickness_n and_o poverty_n will_v any_o man_n blame_v their_o good_a father_n for_o this_o and_o will_v not_o such_o a_o good_a man_n think_v himself_o much_o injure_v shall_v he_o be_v accuse_v of_o unkindness_n and_o severity_n to_o his_o child_n only_o because_o after_o all_o the_o kindness_n he_o can_v show_v they_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o miserable_a especial_o if_o we_o suppose_v
this_o kind_a father_n to_o keep_v such_o a_o watchful_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o to_o take_v such_o prudent_a and_o effectual_a care_n as_o not_o to_o suffer_v they_o utter_o to_o undo_v themselves_o to_o make_v their_o condition_n hopeless_a and_o desperate_a but_o only_o to_o let_v they_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o their_o own_o folly_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o more_o sober_a thought_n not_o to_o perish_v under_o it_o till_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n leave_v of_o reclaim_v they_o what_o can_v a_o kind_a father_n do_v more_o for_o prodigal_n unless_o you_o will_v have_v he_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o luxury_n and_o lewdness_n which_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n can_v do_v he_o bring_v none_o of_o these_o misery_n upon_o they_o and_o it_o be_v kindness_n to_o let_v they_o smart_v under_o they_o to_o prevent_v their_o undo_n as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v he_o turn_v the_o misery_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o only_o into_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n he_o suffer_v they_o to_o injure_v one_o another_o to_o make_v they_o all_o sensible_a of_o their_o folly_n and_o those_o who_o be_v past_a recovery_n he_o make_v example_n of_o great_a severity_n to_o reform_v the_o rest_n if_o this_o will_v be_v think_v a_o kind_n merciful_a and_o wise_a conduct_n in_o earthly_a parent_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o you_o have_v a_o answer_n to_o most_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o human_a life_n 3_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o as_o most_o of_o these_o evil_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n sin_n so_o it_o be_v we_o ourselves_o who_o give_v the_o sting_n to_o they_o all_o as_o many_o external_a calamity_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o this_o world_n require_v there_o shall_v be_v in_o it_o god_n have_v make_v abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o support_n of_o good_a man_n under_o they_o it_o be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n to_o avoid_v many_o of_o the_o suffering_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o sink_v under_o they_o natural_a courage_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n the_o power_n of_o reason_n and_o a_o wise_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o good_a providence_n which_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o order_n all_o thing_n for_o our_o good_a and_o the_o certain_a hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n will_v support_v good_a man_n under_o their_o suffering_n and_o make_v they_o light_n and_o easy_a and_o if_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o bear_v our_o suffering_n and_o to_o enjoy_v ourselves_o under_o they_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n though_o we_o may_v suffer_v we_o be_v not_o miserable_a and_o suffering_n without_o misery_n be_v no_o formidable_a objection_n against_o providence_n this_o be_v like_o the_o bush_n that_o be_v on_o fire_n but_o be_v not_o burn_v a_o signal_n token_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o favour_n and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n what_o be_v mere_o external_a may_v afflict_v a_o good_a man_n but_o can_v make_v he_o miserable_a for_o no_o man_n be_v miserable_a who_o mind_n be_v easy_a and_o cheerful_a full_a of_o great_a hope_n and_o support_v with_o divine_a joy_n but_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o passion_n make_v we_o miserable_a and_o make_v we_o sink_v under_o external_a suffering_n a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o this_o world_n pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n anger_n hatred_n revenge_n make_v every_o condition_n uneasy_a and_o any_o great_a suffering_n intolerable_a it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v poverty_n and_o disgrace_n the_o loss_n of_o estate_n and_o honour_n the_o frown_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o clamour_n of_o the_o people_n such_o unsufferable_a evil_n which_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v only_o bear_v but_o modest_o despise_v it_o be_v this_o that_o terrify_v we_o with_o the_o least_o approach_n of_o danger_n and_o distract_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o care_n and_o solicitude_n and_o with_o all_o the_o imaginary_a evil_n and_o frightful_a appearance_n which_o a_o scare_v fancy_n can_v raise_v in_o the_o dark_a especial_o when_o guilt_n make_v man_n afraid_a and_o look_v upon_o every_o misfortune_n disappointment_n affliction_n as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o a_o terrible_a presage_n of_o the_o endless_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o life_n external_n evil_n and_o calamity_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n and_o they_o be_v good_a as_o far_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o they_o be_v permit_v and_o order_v by_o god_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v good_a to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n who_o will_v not_o be_v make_v better_a by_o they_o whatever_o man_n suffer_v if_o their_o suffering_n do_v not_o make_v they_o miserable_a this_o be_v no_o just_a reproach_n to_o providence_n for_o god_n may_v be_v very_o good_a to_o his_o creature_n whatever_o they_o suffer_v while_o they_o can_v suffer_v and_o be_v happy_a not_o perfect_o and_o complete_o happy_a which_o admit_v of_o no_o suffering_n but_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o self-enjoyment_n as_o reconcile_v external_a suffering_n with_o inward_a peace_n contentment_n patience_n hope_v which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o suffer_a state_n and_o a_o much_o great_a happiness_n than_o the_o most_o prosperous_a fortune_n without_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o thus_o happy_a under_o all_o our_o suffering_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n thus_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o external_a suffering_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o make_v man_n miserable_a but_o the_o inward_a guilt_n and_o disorder_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n text._n 18._o prov._n 14._o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v and_o if_o all_o that_o god_n inflict_v on_o we_o may_v be_v bear_v our_o misery_n be_v owe_v to_o ourselves_o but_o i_o have_v so_o particular_o discourse_v this_o upon_o another_o occasion_n that_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v no_o far_o on_o it_o 2_o another_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v god_n partial_a and_o unequal_a care_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o i_o confess_v partiality_n be_v a_o very_a great_a objection_n both_o against_o justice_n and_o a_o universal_a goodness_n and_o such_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n must_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v very_o different_a rank_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n rich_a and_o poor_a high_a and_o low_a prince_n and_o subject_n and_o a_o great_a many_o degree_n of_o power_n and_o honour_n and_o riches_n and_o poverty_n and_o we_o can_v say_v that_o god_n deal_v equal_o by_o all_o these_o man_n who_o fortune_n be_v so_o very_o unequal_a but_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o answer_v this_o for_o 1._o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n consist_v in_o consult_v the_o general_a good_a and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o particular_a man_n in_o subordination_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o full_o answer_v the_o objection_n for_o though_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o be_v not_o well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o station_n and_o never_o will_v be_v unless_o they_o can_v be_v uppermost_a yet_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o most_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v very_o different_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o thing_n more_o necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n than_o good_a government_n and_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n in_o a_o equality_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o make_v such_o a_o inequality_n like_o a_o unequal_a fortune_n be_v all_o man_n equal_o rich_a and_o great_a there_o will_v be_v neither_o subject_n nor_o servant_n for_o no_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o be_v a_o subject_a or_o a_o servant_n who_o have_v a_o equal_a title_n to_o be_v a_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o then_o no_o man_n can_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a which_o be_v only_o comparative_a term_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v safe_a and_o if_o a_o inequality_n in_o man_n fortune_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o government_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n for_o humane_a society_n
can_v subsist_v without_o it_o 2_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o their_o fortune_n do_v that_o a_o prince_n be_v as_o much_o happy_a as_o he_o be_v great_a than_o his_o subject_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o happiness_n be_v not_o entail_v on_o riches_n and_o power_n and_o secular_a honour_n as_o they_o have_v their_o advantage_n so_o they_o have_v very_o troublesome_a and_o sour_a allay_v and_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o a_o true_a estimate_n of_o thing_n as_o different_a a_o show_n and_o appearance_n as_o man_n make_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v pretty_a equal_a as_o to_o true_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v very_o little_a difference_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v while_o we_o have_v wherewithal_o to_o satisfy_v nature_n for_o appetite_n make_v every_o thing_n delicious_a and_o the_o hard_a labour_n of_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v much_o more_o tolerable_a than_o gout_n and_o stone_n and_o those_o sharp_a or_o languish_a disease_n which_o so_o common_o attend_v the_o softness_n and_o luxury_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o as_o for_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n itself_o which_o create_v the_o great_a difference_n every_o rank_n of_o man_n make_v a_o scene_n among_o themselves_o and_o every_o man_n find_v something_o to_o value_v himself_o upon_o that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v so_o equal_a as_o in_o self-love_n and_o self-flattery_n and_o a_o value_n for_o themselves_o that_o though_o there_o be_v many_o man_n who_o will_v change_v fortune_n with_o other_o there_o be_v few_o that_o will_v change_v themselves_o and_o the_o difference_n of_o fortune_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a while_o every_o man_n be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o himself_o 3_o this_o inequality_n of_o fortune_n be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o serve_v a_o great_a many_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n it_o make_v some_o man_n industrious_a to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o family_n it_o inspire_v other_o with_o emulation_n to_o raise_v their_o fortune_n it_o give_v life_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o world_n and_o make_v it_o a_o busy_a scene_n of_o action_n to_o keep_v what_o they_o have_v and_o to_o make_v new_a acquisition_n to_o excel_v their_o equal_n and_o rival_n those_o above_o they_o and_o though_o through_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n this_o occasion_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n yet_o the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a dull_a place_n without_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o encouragement_n no_o reward_n for_o virtue_n providence_n itself_o will_v have_v very_o little_a to_o do_v for_o the_o visible_a reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n be_v in_o the_o change_n of_o man_n fortune_n when_o industry_n prudence_n and_o virtue_n advance_v man_n of_o a_o low_a condition_n to_o the_o great_a place_n of_o trust_n and_o honour_n or_o at_o least_o to_o a_o plentiful_a and_o splendid_a station_n and_o prodigality_n luxury_n and_o impiety_n bring_v misery_n poverty_n and_o contempt_n upon_o rich_a and_o noble_a family_n such_o revolution_n as_o these_o be_v great_a example_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o the_o inequality_n of_o man_n fortune_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n that_o there_o can_v be_v little_o visible_a exercise_n either_o of_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o providence_n without_o it_o i_o can_v without_o some_o indignation_n reflect_v upon_o the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o mankind_n who_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v in_o god_n who_o know_v how_o little_o they_o deserve_v of_o he_o and_o feel_v every_o day_n how_o many_o blessing_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o yet_o seem_v never_o better_o please_v than_o when_o they_o can_v find_v or_o ignorant_o invent_v some_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o reproach_v his_o goodness_n the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n confute_v such_o objection_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v think_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o answer_v they_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o contemplate_v the_o divine_a goodness_n even_o on_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o providence_n which_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o patient_a and_o thankful_a submission_n to_o god_n under_o all_o our_o suffering_n enable_v we_o to_o bear_v they_o and_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v they_o and_o give_v we_o a_o more_o transport_v admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n when_o we_o see_v it_o like_o the_o sun_n break_v through_o the_o black_a cloud_n if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n conquer_v the_o sin_n the_o perverseness_n of_o mankind_n and_o shine_v through_o all_o those_o misery_n which_o foolish_a sinner_n every_o day_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o how_o good_a be_v god_n when_o his_o goodness_n flow_v with_o a_o undisturbed_a uninterrupted_a current_n chap._n viii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o i_o observe_v above_o 4._o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o judge_v or_o censure_v such_o mysterious_a passage_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v comprehend_v but_o yet_o it_o become_v we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o to_o admire_v that_o wonderful_a wisdom_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n we_o can_v by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n it_o be_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n 11._o job_n 7_o 8_o 9_o but_o though_o we_o can_v discover_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creation_n yet_o we_o may_v discover_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v as_o well_o as_o make_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n when_o we_o contemplate_v god_n it_o be_v like_o lose_v ourselves_o in_o a_o boundless_a prospect_n where_o we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o glory_n and_o beauty_n but_o can_v see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o we_o may_v discover_v admirable_a and_o surprise_v wisdom_n in_o that_o little_a we_o see_v of_o providence_n as_o i_o have_v already_o brief_o observe_v upon_o several_a occasion_n but_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o what_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v do_v and_o what_o end_v it_o serve_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o have_v as_o imperfect_a a_o view_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o whoever_o diligent_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o providence_n will_v see_v reason_n to_o admire_v a_o great_a many_o event_n which_o careless_a observer_n make_v objection_n against_o providence_n which_o will_v be_v of_o such_o great_a use_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o i_o shall_v venture_v to_o make_v some_o little_a essay_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o though_o i_o be_o sensible_a must_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_a yet_o will_v suggest_v some_o very_a useful_a thought_n and_o show_v we_o the_o most_o delightful_a and_o profitable_a way_n of_o study_v history_n and_o providence_n and_o to_o do_v this_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n i_o can_v i_o shall_v 1._o consider_v some_o great_a event_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v as_o it_o it_o be_v the_o hinge_n of_o providence_n whereon_o the_o various_a scene_n of_o providence_n turn_v 2._o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o some_o other_o visible_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o more_o common_a event_n of_o providence_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v make_v objection_n against_o providence_n 1._o some_o great_a event_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o give_v a_o new_a face_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o open_v new_a scene_n of_o providence_n the_o state_n of_o innocence_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n there_o be_v no_o death_n no_o sickness_n no_o labour_n or_o sorrow_n but_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n make_v a_o very_a great_a change_n in_o this_o visible_a creation_n man_n himself_o become_v mortal_a and_o be_v condemn_v to_o a_o industrious_a and_o laborious_a life_n according_a to_o that_o sentence_n curse_v be_v the_o ground_n for_o thy_o sake_n in_o sorrow_n shall_v thou_o eat_v of_o it_o all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n thorn_n also_o and_o thistle_n shall_v it_o bring_v forth_o to_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v eat_v the_o herb_n of_o the_o field_n in_o
because_o moses_n have_v record_v it_o in_o his_o write_n who_o we_o know_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o we_o know_v also_o that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o satisfactory_a account_n give_v yet_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n how_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v be_v drown_v at_o lest_o none_o that_o will_v agree_v with_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n either_o of_o the_o creation_n or_o of_o the_o deluge_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v no_o account_n than_o such_o a_o account_n as_o confute_v moses_n can_v any_o such_o be_v give_v for_o this_o confute_v or_o at_o least_o discredit_v the_o story_n itself_o for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o authentic_a authority_n when_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n be_v lose_v but_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o service_n to_o religion_n to_o seek_v after_o natural_a cause_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o resolve_v the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n into_o natural_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v great_a good_a nature_n in_o man_n to_o own_o a_o god_n if_o they_o can_v make_v and_o destroy_v a_o world_n without_o he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o natural_a cause_n till_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o every_o thing_n endow_v with_o its_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o unite_v into_o a_o regular_a frame_n with_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o connexion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o make_v the_o world_n by_o natural_a cause_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o natural_a cause_n till_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o nature_n must_v move_v unnatural_o and_o be_v put_v into_o a_o universal_a disorder_n before_o the_o world_n can_v be_v destroy_v for_o while_o natural_a cause_n keep_v their_o natural_a course_n they_o will_v preserve_v not_o destroy_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o natural_a cause_n but_o to_o preternatural_a disorder_n and_o what_o philosophy_n can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o what_o can_v put_v nature_n into_o such_o a_o universal_a disorder_n but_o the_o same_o divine_a power_n which_o put_v it_o into_o order_n and_o give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o god_n intend_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n to_o give_v a_o visible_a and_o last_a proof_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n to_o the_o new_a by_o such_o a_o miraculous_a deluge_n as_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n that_o universal_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v lose_v among_o they_o or_o if_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o that_o shall_v be_v when_o the_o world_n by_o computation_n be_v not_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n old_a and_o lamech_v noah_n father_n live_v fifty_o year_n with_o adam_n himself_o that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o the_o tradition_n of_o god_n create_v the_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v lose_v in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n yet_o at_o least_o they_o can_v have_v no_o sense_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o providence_n they_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n take_v any_o notice_n of_o their_o action_n or_o will_v execute_v such_o a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o one_o act_n of_o judgement_n which_o god_n exercise_v before_o the_o flood_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o his_o spare_a cain_n when_o he_o have_v kill_v his_o brother_n abel_n may_v encourage_v they_o with_o hope_n of_o impunity_n whatever_o wickedness_n they_o commit_v and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v it_o necessary_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o old_a and_o to_o begin_v the_o new_a world_n with_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o not_o only_o make_v the_o world_n but_o have_v once_o destroy_v it_o and_o therefore_o can_v destroy_v it_o again_o with_o all_o its_o wicked_a inhabitant_n whenever_o he_o please_v now_o to_o make_v this_o a_o last_a proof_n of_o god_n power_n and_o justice_n it_o must_v be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v god_n do_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v destroy_v the_o world_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n as_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n for_o it_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n to_o attribute_v nothing_o to_o god_n which_o they_o can_v ascribe_v to_o any_o visible_a cause_n have_v all_o mankind_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n be_v destroy_v by_o plague_n or_o famine_n or_o wild_a beast_n though_o such_o a_o general_a destruction_n will_v have_v convince_v wise_a and_o reasonable_a man_n that_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n be_v in_o it_o yet_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o wonderful_a improvement_n in_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n which_o our_o modern_a atheist_n have_v make_v they_o will_v think_v scorn_n to_o attribute_v plague_n or_o famine_n or_o such_o like_a evil_a accident_n to_o god_n though_o all_o mankind_n be_v destroy_v by_o they_o but_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o a_o world_n drown_v and_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v water_n to_o drown_v it_o without_o a_o miraculous_a dissolution_n of_o nature_n they_o must_v either_o laugh_v at_o the_o story_n which_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n can_v well_o do_v or_o they_o must_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n but_o whatever_o shift_n the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n may_v make_v to_o disbelieve_v the_o universal_a deluge_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a wise_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o convince_v that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n while_o the_o uncorrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o deluge_n be_v preserve_v 2_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v see_v in_o destroy_v that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n without_o destroy_v the_o earth_n god_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v again_o inhabit_v by_o a_o new_a generation_n and_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n be_v best_o fit_v to_o this_o purpose_n which_o do_v no_o hurt_n to_o the_o earth_n when_o it_o be_v dry_v up_o again_o but_o rather_o moisten_v and_o impregnate_v it_o with_o new_a seed_n and_o principle_n of_o life_n there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n we_o know_v of_o to_o destroy_v this_o earth_n either_o by_o water_n or_o fire_n it_o have_v already_o be_v destroy_v by_o water_n and_o will_v be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o this_o be_v not_o accident_n but_o a_o wise_a design_n to_o consider_v that_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o purge_v and_o reform_v the_o world_n but_o fire_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o it_o whereas_o have_v this_o order_n be_v invert_v as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v have_v it_o be_v mere_a chance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o earth_n can_v neither_o have_v be_v preserve_v from_o fire_n nor_o utter_o destroy_v by_o water_n without_o a_o perpetual_a deluge_n a_o deluge_n of_o water_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o earth_n nor_o make_v it_o uninhabitable_a after_o the_o deluge_n cease_v but_o fire_n destroy_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o melt_v all_o into_o one_o confuse_a mass_n there_o be_v some_o defence_n against_o a_o deluge_n noah_n and_o his_o son_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n to_o people_n the_o new_a world_n but_o there_o be_v no_o defence_n against_o flame_n the_o whole_a earth_n and_o all_o the_o wicked_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o must_v burn_v together_o and_o this_o be_v one_o wise_a reason_n why_o god_n choose_v to_o drown_v the_o world_n not_o to_o burn_v it_o because_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v 3_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o ark_n from_o perish_v by_o water_n for_o first_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o race_n of_o mankind_n to_o new-people_n the_o world_n which_o much_o more_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o to_o have_v create_v man_n anew_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n it_o become_v god_n to_o try_v new_a method_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n for_o this_o open_v new_a and_o surprise_v scene_n of_o providence_n and_o display_v such_o a_o multifarious_a wisdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n as_o be_v much_o more_o wonderful_a
than_o the_o creation_n of_o a_o new_a world_n will_v be_v but_o have_v god_n destroy_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n and_o create_v a_o new_a man_n to_o inhabit_v the_o new_a world_n this_o will_v have_v argue_v some_o defect_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o destroy_a man_n to_o make_v he_o again_o but_o a_o design_n to_o make_v he_o better_o to_o correct_v that_o in_o a_o second_o trial_n which_o experience_n have_v discover_v to_o be_v faulty_a in_o the_o first_o but_o though_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n will_v admit_v of_o various_a trial_n and_o experiment_n the_o wisdom_n of_o creation_n wont_a the_o government_n of_o free_a agent_n must_v be_v accommodate_v to_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n not_o only_o to_o what_o god_n make_v they_o but_o to_o what_o they_o make_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o method_n of_o government_n must_v change_v as_o man_n change_v themselves_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n 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destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n begin_v to_o grow_v very_o corrupt_a as_o god_n foresee_v they_o will_v but_o resolve_v to_o try_v some_o new_a method_n and_o not_o to_o drown_v the_o world_n any_o more_o when_o noah_n have_v offer_v a_o burnt-offering_a to_o the_o lord_n of_o every_o clean_a beast_n and_o of_o every_o clean_a fowl_n after_o his_o come_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n the_o lord_n smell_v a_o sweet_a savour_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v in_o his_o heart_n i_o will_v not_o again_o curse_v the_o ground_n any_o more_o for_o man_n sake_n for_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v evil_a from_o his_o youth_n neither_o will_v i_o again_o smite_v any_o more_o every_o live_a thing_n as_o i_o have_v do_v 8._o gen._n 20_o 21._o the_o first_o exploit_n we_o hear_v of_o they_o be_v their_o building_n the_o tower_n of_o babel_n which_o story_n be_v so_o brief_o relate_v by_o moses_n that_o we_o can_v give_v a_o perfect_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o the_o most_o probable_a account_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o nimrod_n the_o son_n of_o cush_n and_o grandson_n of_o ham_n in_o which_o line_n true_a religion_n and_o piety_n first_o decay_v affect_v a_o universal_a empire_n to_o prevent_v the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o people_n persuade_v they_o to_o build_v a_o magnificent_a seat_n for_o his_o empire_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o centre_n of_o union_n for_o they_o at_o what_o distance_n soever_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o remove_v that_o the_o whole_a earth_n shall_v be_v but_o one_o kingdom_n and_o babel_n the_o royal_a palace_n have_v this_o design_n succeed_v the_o whole_a world_n will_v have_v be_v but_o one_o people_n and_o the_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o line_n of_o
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 ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_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
who_o they_o suppose_v entrust_v with_o the_o immediate_a care_n of_o particular_a country_n and_o how_o can_v god_n give_v a_o more_o sensible_a demonstration_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o pay_v divine_a honour_n to_o any_o but_o himself_o than_o by_o raise_v up_o a_o new_a people_n distinguish_v and_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sole_a worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o own_a by_o he_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n by_z as_o distinguish_v providence_n for_o this_o not_o only_o prove_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n but_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_n and_o this_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o partial_a in_o his_o favour_n as_o to_o prefer_v one_o nation_n before_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o they_o be_v no_o nation_n nor_o people_n when_o god_n choose_v they_o for_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n when_o there_o be_v none_o but_o himself_o but_o when_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v idolater_n god_n promise_v to_o multiply_v abraham_n seed_n into_o a_o great_a nation_n and_o to_o make_v they_o his_o own_o peculiar_a people_n that_o be_v he_o make_v a_o new_a people_n and_o nation_n in_o great_a kindness_n to_o mankind_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o extirpate_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n 2._o that_o to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o these_o divine_a oracle_n a_o system_fw-la of_o law_n both_o for_o religious_a worship_n and_o civil_a conversation_n shall_v be_v deposit_v somewhere_o for_o their_o idolatry_n do_v every_o day_n corrupt_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o be_v likely_a in_o time_n to_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o make_v a_o write_a law_n necessary_a from_o whence_o man_n may_v learn_v their_o duty_n whenever_o they_o please_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o law_n can_v be_v give_v to_o no_o other_o people_n but_o the_o jew_n who_o alone_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v law_n to_o idolater_n who_o do_v not_o own_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o their_o god_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v law_n from_o he_o and_o though_o these_o law_n be_v immediate_o give_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o nation_n at_o that_o time_n which_o own_v and_o worship_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n yet_o as_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n so_o these_o law_n will_v be_v of_o more_o universal_a use_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v even_o to_o this_o day_n nay_o even_o while_o idolatry_n prevail_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n very_o much_o reform_v the_o pagan_a philosophy_n give_v they_o better_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religious_a worship_n and_o more_o divine_a rule_n of_o life_n as_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o pythagoras_n and_o plato_n who_o be_v general_o think_v to_o have_v learn_v some_o of_o their_o best_a notion_n from_o their_o conversation_n with_o jewish_a priest_n but_o yet_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o use_v the_o world_n do_v make_v of_o this_o but_o what_o use_v they_o may_v have_v make_v of_o it_o and_o whither_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n than_o be_v any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o wise_o design_v than_o to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o a_o system_v of_o divine_a law_n in_o a_o nation_n raise_v up_o on_o purpose_n to_o season_v the_o world_n and_o to_o preserve_v it_o from_o a_o universal_a apostasy_n but_o god_n have_v a_o more_o glorious_a design_n than_o all_o this_o in_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o choose_v his_o seed_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o have_v promise_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v it_o be_v not_o fit_v that_o the_o messiah_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v descend_v from_o idolater_n and_o that_o when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v find_v no_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o that_o age_n who_o be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n and_o promise_n to_o multiply_v his_o seed_n and_o to_o preserve_v his_o name_n and_o worship_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v descend_v from_o his_o loin_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o necessary_a preparation_n be_v require_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o for_o his_o reception_n in_o the_o world_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v it_o will_v satisfy_v we_o how_o wise_o this_o be_v design_v by_o god_n the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n be_v very_o surprise_v and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v think_v that_o any_o one_o who_o make_v such_o pretence_n shall_v find_v credit_n unless_o the_o world_n have_v beforehand_o be_v prepare_v to_o expect_v he_o and_o have_v some_o infallible_a mark_n and_o character_n whereby_o to_o know_v he_o when_o he_o come_v and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o law_n to_o contain_v the_o promise_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o character_n whereby_o to_o know_v he_o the_o temple_n itself_o and_o the_o whole_a temple-worship_n be_v little_o more_o than_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o incarnation_n or_o live_v among_o man_n in_o a_o earthly_a tabernacle_n of_o his_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n there_o to_o intercede_v for_o we_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n as_o the_o highpriest_n enter_v once_o a_o year_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n now_o this_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v have_v not_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n have_v a_o temple_n and_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n on_o earth_n that_o be_v a_o people_n peculiar_o devote_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n for_o the_o temple_n and_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o idol_n can_v not_o be_v type_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o confound_v all_o the_o pagan_a god_n and_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n thus_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n have_v there_o be_v no_o prophet_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o these_o prophecy_n will_v have_v meet_v with_o little_a credit_n have_v they_o be_v find_v in_o idol_n temple_n so_o that_o god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o to_o receive_v and_o to_o convey_v down_o to_o future_a age_n with_o a_o unquestionable_a authority_n all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n this_o give_v we_o a_o general_a view_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o that_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o this_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o discover_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n towards_o the_o jewish_a nation_n which_o will_v be_v both_o so_o useful_a and_o entertain_v a_o meditation_n that_o i_o can_v pass_v it_o over_o without_o some_o short_a remark_n now_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o a_o visible_a confutation_n of_o idolatry_n and_o to_o establish_v and_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o effect_v this_o four_o thing_n be_v manifest_o necessary_a 1._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v visible_a to_o all_o that_o know_v they_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n 2._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o visible_a that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n the_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 3._o
have_v deliver_v israel_n without_o they_o for_o it_o will_v argue_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o government_n if_o god_n can_v not_o at_o any_o time_n save_o good_a man_n and_o punish_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a without_o a_o miracle_n god_n can_v do_v whatever_o he_o please_v by_o the_o wise_a direction_n and_o government_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a cause_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o work_v miracle_n because_o he_o need_v they_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o natural_a power_n but_o to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o his_o own_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n and_o prophet_n and_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o from_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n mankind_n at_o that_o time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v atheist_n that_o they_o will_v worship_v any_o thing_n the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n rather_o than_o have_v no_o god_n and_o they_o be_v so_o sensible_a how_o much_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n that_o one_o god_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o but_o they_o want_v as_o many_o god_n not_o only_o as_o there_o be_v nation_n but_o as_o they_o have_v want_n to_o supply_v this_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n and_o proclaim_v by_o the_o whole_a visible_a creation_n but_o yet_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o so_o prevail_a that_o their_o wise_a philosopher_n who_o have_v better_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o torrent_n and_o dare_v not_o open_o oppose_v the_o worship_n of_o those_o country_n god_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o popular_a rage_n and_o fury_n now_o when_o neither_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o of_o a_o common_a providence_n can_v secure_v the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n what_o remain_v but_o for_o god_n to_o make_v some_o more_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v have_v be_v take_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n than_o by_o miracle_n especial_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v for_o the_o deliverance_n and_o protection_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n and_o overthrow_n of_o the_o wicked_a when_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v such_o that_o they_o will_v not_o learn_v from_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o teach_v they_o but_o by_o something_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o when_o the_o beautiful_a and_o regular_a and_o uniform_a order_n of_o nature_n will_v not_o convince_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o least_o not_o that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a god_n who_o make_v and_o who_o govern_v this_o world_n miracle_n will_n those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o have_v any_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a cause_n must_v confess_v that_o miracle_n have_v a_o cause_n because_o they_o see_v they_o produce_v and_o that_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o nature_n because_o they_o see_v they_o produce_v without_o any_o natural_a cause_n or_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o chance_v and_o accident_n because_o they_o be_v do_v at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n at_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n as_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o egypt_n be_v wrought_v at_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n who_o word_n have_v no_o natural_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o it_o to_o work_v wonder_n and_o therefore_o miracle_n certain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a intelligent_a cause_n who_o if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o world_n can_v have_v make_v it_o if_o he_o have_v please_v for_o whoever_o can_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n act_n without_o or_o against_o nature_n can_v create_v nature_n too_o for_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o nature_n can_v do_v be_v in_o that_o particular_a to_o make_v nature_n and_o he_o who_o can_v make_v nature_n in_o one_o instance_n can_v do_v so_o in_o all_o and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v when_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o can_v make_v the_o world_n and_o that_o superior_a power_n he_o exercise_v over_o nature_n prove_v that_o he_o both_o can_v and_o do_v govern_v the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a government_n of_o nature_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v give_v new_a power_n to_o it_o or_o suspend_v and_o reverse_v its_o law_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o supernatural_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v can_v be_v a_o atheist_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o atheist_n be_v such_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wonder_n that_o they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o reject_v all_o those_o authentic_a relation_n we_o have_v of_o miracle_n both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o no_o more_o than_o history_n and_o have_v obtain_v the_o most_o universal_a belief_n especial_o this_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a in_o those_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o deism_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n for_o can_v that_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v nature_n act_n without_o or_o above_o or_o against_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v and_o may_v it_o not_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o do_v this_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o more_o abundant_a conviction_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v sink_v into_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n when_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v necessary_a to_o awaken_v man_n into_o the_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n or_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o prophet_n to_o declare_v and_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o miracle_n as_o long_o as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o make_v any_o new_a and_o public_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n when_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a and_o credible_a that_o god_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v shall_v some_o time_n work_v miracle_n as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n and_o to_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v or_o to_o make_v such_o new_a discovery_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o the_o fall_a state_n of_o mankind_n require_v when_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o credible_a and_o so_o worthy_a of_o god_n what_o reasonable_a pretence_n can_v there_o be_v for_o reject_v miracle_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n but_o atheism_n be_v not_o the_o disease_n of_o that_o age_n which_o have_v run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o though_o miracle_n do_v prove_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v principal_o intend_v to_o prove_v the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o no_o other_o god_n can_v do_v such_o as_o make_v the_o egyptian_a magician_n confess_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v be_v take_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n than_o such_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a power_n superior_a to_o all_o those_o who_o worship_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n either_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o power_n rule_v over_o all_o or_o if_o they_o have_v yet_o they_o believe_v that_o this_o supreme_a god_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o mankind_n to_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o therefore_o worship_v with_o divine_a honour_n as_o the_o disposer_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o either_o pay_v no_o worship_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n which_o be_v the_o more_o general_a practice_n or_o worship_v their_o country-god_n together_o with_o he_o and_o that_o with_o the_o most_o frequent_a most_o solemn_a and_o pompous_a worship_n now_o such_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n as_o these_o which_o none_o of_o their_o country-god_n can_v do_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o
my_o anger_n shall_v be_v kindle_v against_o they_o in_o that_o day_n and_o i_o will_v forsake_v they_o and_o i_o will_v hide_v my_o face_n from_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v devour_v and_o many_o evil_n and_o trouble_n shall_v befall_v they_o so_o that_o they_o will_v say_v in_o that_o day_n be_v not_o these_o evil_n come_v upon_o we_o because_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v not_o among_o we_o this_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o judgement_n though_o not_o always_o so_o last_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n 78._o psal._n 34_o 35._o by_o these_o mean_v god_n make_v they_o sensible_a of_o his_o justice_n and_o power_n and_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o idolatry_n and_o restore_v his_o own_o worship_n among_o they_o for_o they_o certain_o know_v by_o the_o threaten_n of_o their_o own_o law_n for_o what_o reason_n they_o be_v thus_o punish_v and_o indeed_o their_o own_o experience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v they_o in_o this_o for_o they_o no_o soon_o forsake_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o worship_v other_o god_n but_o they_o be_v oppress_v by_o their_o enemy_n and_o when_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o return_v to_o god_n he_o raise_v up_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n who_o vanquish_v their_o enemy_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o liberty_n and_o peace_n especial_o since_o those_o wonderful_a deliverance_n which_o god_n wrought_v for_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o judge_n give_v that_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o know_v not_o the_o war_n of_o canaan_n new_a and_o visible_a proof_n of_o god_n power_n and_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o we_o know_v what_o effect_n this_o discipline_n have_v it_o do_v not_o whole_o prevent_v their_o idolatry_n which_o they_o be_v very_o prone_a to_o when_o the_o memory_n of_o such_o judgement_n be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o long_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n but_o then_o the_o repetition_n of_o such_o judgement_n as_o they_o repeat_v their_o provocation_n join_v with_o the_o admonition_n of_o their_o prophet_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o in_o several_a age_n do_v general_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n among_o they_o till_o at_o last_o the_o ten_o tribe_n grow_v incurable_a and_o be_v therefore_o utter_o reject_v by_o god_n and_o carry_v into_o a_o perpetual_a captivity_n never_o to_o return_v more_o into_o their_o own_o land_n and_o judah_n who_o will_v not_o take_v warning_n by_o the_o punishment_n of_o israel_n be_v carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n for_o seventy_o year_n which_o so_o perfect_o cure_v their_o idolatry_n that_o we_o hear_v no_o more_o complaint_n of_o that_o after_o their_o return_n from_o captivity_n and_o this_o answer_v god_n design_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n for_o notwithstanding_o their_o several_a relapse_n into_o idolatry_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o israel_n be_v consecrate_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n and_o when_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o be_v witness_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o israel_n when_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o of_o their_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a state_n while_o they_o keep_v his_o covenant_n it_o be_v a_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n especial_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o ten_o tribe_n utter_o root_v out_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o judah_n carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n and_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n destroy_v and_o the_o land_n lay_v waste_v and_o desolate_a without_o inhabitant_n the_o justice_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o their_o land_n will_v then_o be_v as_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o his_o wonderful_a providence_n in_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o place_v they_o in_o that_o good_a land_n be_v as_o god_n himself_o tell_v solomon_n in_o answer_n to_o his_o prayer_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o if_o you_o turn_v away_o and_o forsake_v my_o statute_n and_o my_o commandment_n which_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o and_o shall_v go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o worship_n they_o then_o will_v i_o pluck_v they_o up_o by_o the_o root_n out_o of_o my_o land_n which_o i_o have_v give_v they_o and_o this_o house_n which_o i_o have_v sanctify_v for_o my_o name_n will_v i_o cast_v out_o of_o my_o sight_n and_o will_v make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o proverb_n and_o a_o byword_n among_o all_o nation_n and_o this_o house_n which_o be_v high_a shall_v be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o every_o one_o that_o pass_v by_o it_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v say_v why_o have_v the_o lord_n do_v thus_o unto_o this_o land_n and_o unto_o this_o house_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v answer_v because_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n which_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o other_o god_n and_o worship_v they_o and_o serve_v they_o therefore_o have_v he_o bring_v all_o this_o evil_a upon_o they_o for_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o god_n have_v as_o well_o choose_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o his_o worship_n as_o israel_n to_o be_v his_o worshipper_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v bestow_v on_o they_o in_o virtue_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v worship_v no_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o and_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n on_o their_o part_n by_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n be_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o right_n to_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o the_o proper_a punishment_n of_o it_o be_v either_o oppression_n at_o home_n which_o make_v they_o servant_n and_o stranger_n in_o their_o own_o land_n or_o captivity_n in_o foreign_a country_n and_o this_o be_v so_o public_o know_v that_o when_o any_o such_o evil_n befall_v israel_n the_o nation_n round_o about_o be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n so_o that_o the_o very_a oppression_n and_o captivity_n of_o israel_n publish_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o partner_n in_o worship_n but_o when_o his_o own_o people_n forsake_v he_o and_o serve_v strange_a god_n in_o the_o land_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o separate_v to_o his_o own_o worship_n he_o make_v they_o serve_v stranger_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v not_o they_o 5._o jer._n 19_o 2_o these_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o israel_n especial_o the_o long_a captivity_n of_o judah_n in_o babylon_n serve_v other_o end_n beside_o the_o punishment_n and_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o idolatry_n for_o into_o what_o country_n soever_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_a they_o carry_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n along_o with_o they_o while_o they_o live_v at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o country_n and_o have_v little_a commerce_n with_o any_o other_o people_n the_o very_a name_n of_o israel_n be_v know_v only_o to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n can_v be_v know_v no_o far_o than_o israel_n be_v but_o when_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_a to_o babylon_n and_o disperse_v through_o all_o the_o province_n of_o that_o vast_a empire_n this_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n too_o who_o by_o many_o wonderful_a providence_n own_v these_o captive_n for_o his_o people_n and_o make_v the_o heathen_n see_v and_o confess_v his_o glory_n and_o power_n but_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o wise_a preparation_n god_n make_v for_o it_o in_o those_o great_a revolution_n of_o state_n and_o empire_n which_o begin_v about_o this_o time_n to_o prevent_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o god_n confound_v their_o language_n and_o thereby_o separate_v they_o from_o each_o other_o and_o form_v they_o into_o several_a distinct_a independent_a society_n and_o kingdom_n which_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o infection_n and_o to_o force_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o great_a many_o moral_a and_o political_a virtue_n but_o when_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v corrupt_v by_o idolatry_n and_o god_n see_v a_o proper_a season_n to_o begin_v a_o reformation_n to_o make_v the_o cure_n more_o easy_a and_o universal_a it_o
they_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o punish_v they_o very_o severe_o when_o they_o worship_v any_o other_o god_n send_v they_o into_o captivity_n and_o by_o various_a providence_n scatter_v they_o almost_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o thereby_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n make_v numerous_a proselyte_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o make_v ready_a a_o people_n prepare_v for_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o christ_n come_v and_o what_o soon_o time_n you_o fix_v on_o for_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n you_o will_v find_v it_o either_o before_o god_n have_v try_v all_o other_o method_n for_o the_o reform_v the_o world_n or_o before_o the_o world_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o christ._n and_o have_v thus_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n i_o can_v represent_v to_o you_o the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n in_o some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a event_n which_o have_v happen_v i_o shall_v here_o break_v off_o for_o though_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o less_o wonderful_a in_o those_o various_a event_n which_o have_v happen_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o that_o be_v so_o large_a a_o subject_a and_o the_o account_n of_o many_o thing_n so_o imperfect_a or_o doubtful_a that_o i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o man_n of_o great_a leisure_n and_o better_a skill_n and_o judgement_n in_o secular_a and_o ecclesiastical_a story_n but_o i_o hope_v that_o imperfect_a account_n i_o have_v now_o give_v will_v teach_v you_o to_o reverence_n not_o to_o censure_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n for_o if_o we_o who_o understand_v so_o little_a of_o god_n way_n can_v see_v such_o excellent_a wisdom_n in_o they_o what_o unsearchable_a depth_n and_o mystery_n of_o wisdom_n be_v there_o which_o we_o can_v discover_v but_o yet_o to_o complete_a the_o jewish_a history_n as_o far_o as_o the_o scripture-account_n go_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o state_n and_o government_n and_o disperse_v they_o into_o so_o many_o different_a country_n for_o it_o seem_v very_o surprise_v that_o god_n shall_v cast_v off_o his_o people_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o to_o who_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v peculiar_o make_v so_o soon_o after_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o vindicate_v both_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o final_a overthrow_n and_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n we_o must_v distinguish_v as_o st._n paul_n frequent_o do_v especial_o in_o rom._n 9_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n those_o who_o descend_v from_o abraham_n by_o carnal_a generation_n and_o those_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n 3._o galat._n 26_o 29._o the_o carnal_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v choose_v by_o god_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o preserve_v his_o own_o name_n and_o worship_n among_o they_o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n they_o be_v to_o be_v a_o distinct_a nation_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n give_v they_o to_o live_v in_o and_o they_o be_v to_o continue_v so_o till_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o iacob_n prophecy_n the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n until_o shiloh_n come_v and_o to_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v 49._o genes_n 10._o but_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n as_o st._n paul_n prove_v 9_o rom._n 3._o gal._n that_o be_v to_o all_o those_o whither_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a promise_a seed_n and_o in_o christ_n be_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o amen_o and_o therefore_o nothing_o but_o faith_n in_o christ_n can_v entitle_v we_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o abraham_n as_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o place_n confirm_v by_o several_a argument_n which_o i_o can_v now_o insist_v on_o now_o if_o we_o thus_o distinguish_v between_o abraham_n carnal_a and_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o those_o promise_n which_o belong_v to_o abraham_n carnal_a posterity_n and_o those_o which_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n there_o will_v appear_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o god_n destroy_v the_o city_n and_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o disperse_v the_o jew_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n god_n have_v accomplish_v what_o he_o intend_v by_o the_o carnal_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v he_o have_v preserve_v and_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o prepare_v man_n to_o receive_v christ_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o and_o now_o christ_n be_v come_v the_o spiritual_a covenant_n take_v place_n which_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o abraham_n carnal_a posterity_n but_o extend_v to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n over_o so_o that_o god_n have_v no_o long_o any_o one_o nation_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n but_o those_o only_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n whatever_o nation_n they_o be_v of_o who_o believe_v in_o jesus_n the_o jew_n then_o consider_v as_o abraham_n carnal_a posterity_n be_v god_n peculiar_a people_n no_o long_o nor_o do_v god_n promise_n oblige_v he_o to_o preserve_v they_o a_o distinct_a nation_n any_o long_o and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a providence_n may_v now_o as_o just_o destroy_v they_o as_o any_o other_o nation_n if_o they_o deserve_v it_o and_o certain_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o their_o obstinate_a infidelity_n do_v deserve_v it_o and_o when_o they_o have_v thus_o just_o deserve_v a_o final_a excision_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v admirable_a end_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o this_o give_v a_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n in_o that_o terrible_a vengeance_n which_o befall_v his_o murderer_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v so_o express_o and_o punctual_o foretell_v that_o no_o man_n who_o know_v what_o he_o have_v foretell_v with_o so_o many_o particular_a circumstance_n can_v be_v ignorant_a why_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v the_o obstinate_a infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n and_o persecute_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o some_o degree_n hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n but_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o miraculous_a preservation_n of_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o visible_a a_o testimony_n to_o christianity_n and_o deliver_v the_o christian_a church_n from_o such_o bitter_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n that_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o free_a passage_n and_o prevail_v mighty_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o all_o country_n as_o before_o it_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n so_o now_o it_o make_v they_o unwilling_a witness_n to_o christianity_n as_o be_v the_o visible_a triumph_n of_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n in_o a_o word_n when_o all_o mankind_n be_v idolater_n god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n and_o multiply_v they_o into_o a_o great_a nation_n to_o preserve_v and_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o to_o prepare_v man_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n which_o will_v in_o time_n extirpate_v all_o pagan_a idolatry_n wen_n christ_n be_v come_v and_o the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n god_n reject_v that_o nation_n for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n give_v a_o free_a passage_n to_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o st._n paul_n intimate_v that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o the_o sincere_a faith_n and_o exemplary_a piety_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v contribute_v as_o much_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o they_o former_o do_v to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n for_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o argument_n 11._o rom._n 30_o etc._n etc._n for_o as_o you_o in_o time_n past_a have_v not_o believe_v god_n yet_o now_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n through_o their_o unbelief_n even_o so_o have_v these_o also_o now_o not_o believe_v that_o through_o your_o mercy_n they_o also_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n
for_o god_n have_v conclude_v they_o all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a event_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v make_v objection_n against_o providence_n i_o have_v already_o upon_o other_o occasion_n take_v notice_n of_o several_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o more_o transport_v sense_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o see_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v in_o one_o view_n in_o general_n whoever_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o govern_v a_o world_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o must_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n the_o epicurean_o for_o this_o reason_n reject_v a_o providence_n because_o they_o think_v it_o too_o much_o trouble_v for_o their_o god_n full_a of_o care_n solicitude_n and_o distraction_n to_o observe_v all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o over-rule_v and_o determine_v all_o event_n as_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n shall_v direct_v and_o indeed_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a mind_n can_v do_v this_o which_o see_v all_o thing_n at_o one_o view_n judge_n infallible_o at_o first_o sight_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o a_o powerful_a thought_n but_o my_o chief_a design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o show_v you_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o particular_a case_n which_o either_o be_v not_o sufficient_o observe_v or_o not_o right_o understand_v some_o of_o the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n be_v the_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a state_n of_o this_o world_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o event_n the_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o human_a affair_n the_o promiscuous_a dispensation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n both_o to_o good_a and_o to_o bad_a man_n and_o i_o have_v already_o vindicate_v not_o only_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o account_n by_o show_v what_o wise_a end_v god_n serve_v by_o they_o and_o what_o a_o wise_a use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o such_o providence_n and_o therefore_o the_o principal_a thing_n i_o shall_v now_o insist_v on_o shall_v be_v some_o of_o those_o wise_a method_n god_n use_v in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n wherein_o the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o government_n consist_v and_o i_o shall_v brief_o mention_v some_o few_o 1._o that_o god_n reward_n and_o punish_v man_n in_o their_o posterity_n this_o be_v so_o plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n though_o some_o man_n venture_v to_o dispute_v the_o justice_n at_o least_o of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o that_o god_n shall_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n which_o the_o jew_n object_v against_o god_n in_o that_o profane_a proverb_n the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v a_o edge_n 18._o ezek._n and_o by_o the_o answer_n god_n there_o make_v we_o may_v learn_v in_o what_o sense_n god_n threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o posterity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o to_o reward_v the_o posterity_n of_o good_a man_n for_o their_o father_n sake_n which_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o other_o world_n where_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o his_o own_o work_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v and_o as_o to_o this_o world_n where_o we_o may_v allow_v more_o to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n without_o impeach_v the_o divine_a justice_n yet_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o a_o righteous_a son_n shall_v not_o be_v punish_v mere_o because_o he_o have_v a_o wicked_a father_n nor_o a_o wicked_a son_n be_v reward_v mere_o because_o he_o have_v a_o righteous_a father_n for_o thus_o much_o the_o word_n must_v signify_v if_o they_o relate_v to_o this_o life_n as_o they_o certain_o do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o future_a state_n now_o if_o neither_o a_o righteous_a son_n shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o father_n nor_o a_o wicked_a son_n receive_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o father_n virtue_n this_o can_v afford_v no_o pretence_n to_o impeach_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n but_o it_o give_v occasion_n to_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n god_n be_v say_v to_o visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n and_o to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v the_o posterity_n of_o good_a man_n for_o their_o sake_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v a_o righteous_a son_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o father_n then_o to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n must_v be_v confine_v only_o to_o such_o child_n as_o inherit_v the_o vice_n and_o imitate_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o parent_n that_o be_v god_n have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n this_o you_o will_v say_v have_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o it_o for_o god_n have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v all_o wicked_a man_n whatever_o their_o parent_n be_v and_o if_o they_o be_v punish_v only_o because_o they_o be_v wicked_a how_o be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n on_o they_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o seem_v as_o obvious_a as_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n shall_v be_v more_o certain_o and_o more_o severe_o punish_v than_o other_o bad_a man_n ordinary_o be_v 1._o as_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o punishment_n we_o know_v a_o great_a many_o bad_a man_n very_o often_o escape_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n for_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o punish_v here_o as_o their_o wickedness_n deserve_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v not_o require_v a_o sudden_a and_o hasty_a execution_n bad_a man_n may_v be_v prosperous_a many_o year_n and_o be_v severe_o punish_v at_o last_o or_o may_v be_v prosperous_a all_o their_o life_n and_o go_v down_o to_o their_o grave_n in_o peace_n and_o only_o answer_v for_o their_o wickedness_n in_o the_o next_o world_n but_o then_o god_n threaten_v that_o a_o more_o speedy_a vengeance_n shall_v overtake_v their_o posterity_n if_o they_o be_v wicked_a that_o god_n will_v then_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n and_o not_o exercise_v the_o same_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n on_o they_o for_o though_o they_o be_v punish_v only_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n yet_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n punish_v they_o in_o this_o world_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o the_o example_n of_o his_o justice_n while_o other_o man_n as_o wicked_a as_o themselves_o escape_v 2._o as_o for_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o punishment_n no_o man_n shall_v be_v punish_v more_o than_o his_o own_o sin_n deserve_v but_o yet_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n may_v be_v and_o very_o often_o be_v punish_v more_o severe_o than_o other_o wicked_a man_n god_n do_v not_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n alike_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v more_o proper_o act_n of_o discipline_n than_o act_n of_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n but_o to_o the_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o to_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o government_n and_o if_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n be_v punish_v though_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n yet_o the_o more_o severe_o for_o their_o father_n sake_n this_o be_v to_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o certain_a measure_n of_o iniquity_n which_o be_v fill_v up_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o till_o a_o last_o it_o make_v a_o nation_n or_o family_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n and_o although_o those_o person_n on_o who_o this_o final_a vengeance_n fall_v suffer_v no_o more_o than_o their_o own_o personal_a sin_n deserve_v yet_o because_o the_o sin_n of_o former_a generation_n which_o they_o equal_a or_o out_o do_v make_v it_o time_n for_o god_n utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o age_n and_o generation_n be_v all_o say_v to_o fall_v upon_o they_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n 23._o matt._n 29_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 34_o 35_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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providence_n so_o order_v human_a affair_n as_o to_o teach_v we_o most_o of_o the_o wise_a rule_n of_o human_a life_n both_o for_o our_o religious_a and_o civil_a conversation_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n six_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v often_o see_v in_o the_o wise_a mixture_n and_o temperament_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n when_o he_o correct_v but_o not_o destroy_v humble_v but_o do_v not_o cast_v down_o when_o he_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o give_v we_o just_a reason_n to_o fear_v but_o without_o despair_n when_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v he_o lifts_z up_o and_o cast_v down_o keep_v we_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o try_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o both_o threaten_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o the_o interchangeable_a scene_n of_o prosperous_a and_o adverse_a event_n thus_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v with_o good_a man_n the_o step_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v order_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o delight_v in_o his_o way_n though_o he_o fall_v he_o shall_v not_o utter_o be_v cast_v down_o for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v he_o with_o his_o hand_n 37._o psal._n 23_o 24._o thus_o 94._o psal_n 14_o 15._o for_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o cast_v off_o his_o people_n neither_o will_v he_o forsake_v his_o inheritance_n but_o judgement_n shall_v return_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n shall_v follow_v it_o and_o he_o prove_v this_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n unless_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v my_o help_n my_o soul_n have_v almost_o dwell_v in_o silence_n when_o i_o say_v my_o foot_n slip_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n hold_v i_o up_o 17_o 18_o verse_n a_o example_n of_o this_o you_o have_v 27._o isaiah_n have_v he_o smite_v they_o that_o be_v israel_n as_o he_o smite_v those_o that_o smite_v he_o he_o smite_v israel_n but_o not_o as_o he_o smite_v the_o enemy_n of_o israel_n or_o be_v he_o slay_v according_a to_o the_o slaughter_n of_o they_o that_o be_v slay_v by_o he_o in_o measure_n when_o it_o shoot_v forth_o will_v thou_o debate_v with_o it_o he_o stay_v his_o rough_a wind_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o east_n wind_n this_o be_v to_o sing_v to_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o learn_v righteousness_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o suffer_v but_o still_o to_o trust_v in_o his_o help_n chap._n ix_o concern_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n i_o have_v now_o finish_v what_o i_o intend_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o justification_n of_o providence_n and_o all_o that_o remain_v be_v to_o explain_v and_o enforce_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n natural_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n there_o be_v no_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n if_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o worship_n but_o a_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o deserve_v the_o praise_n and_o adoration_n of_o all_o a_o god_n who_o neither_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o govern_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o he_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o we_o with_o he_o but_o a_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v be_v the_o supreme_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o reverence_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v and_o of_o all_o those_o religious_a and_o devout_a affection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o our_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o name_v it_o but_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a 1._o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v and_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n and_o the_o general_a neglect_n of_o this_o make_v we_o defective_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n now_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n you_o must_v confess_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v only_o apply_v the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o providence_n to_o particular_a event_n without_o which_o particular_a application_n the_o general_a belief_n of_o a_o
submission_n be_v due_a to_o god_n in_o the_o change_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o condition_n and_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o low_a to_o high_a or_o from_o high_a to_o low_a as_o for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v few_o man_n who_o find_v any_o difficulty_n in_o submit_v to_o providence_n when_o it_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o high_a station_n but_o some_o few_o such_o there_o be_v who_o love_v their_o ease_n and_o retirement_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o the_o security_n of_o a_o private_a life_n before_o noisy_a greatness_n and_o the_o endless_a fatigue_n of_o public_a ministry_n who_o have_v rather_o enjoy_v themselves_o and_o be_v master_n of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o thought_n and_o action_n than_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o flatter_v slave_n to_o be_v envy_v by_o some_o to_o be_v court_v by_o other_o to_o be_v servant_n to_o all_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o censorious_a tongue_n to_o the_o frown_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o emulation_n of_o their_o equal_n and_o to_o all_o the_o change_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o fortune_n it_o be_v not_o often_o that_o man_n of_o this_o temper_n be_v in_o any_o great_a danger_n of_o such_o troublesome_a honour_n there_o be_v enough_o that_o snatch_v at_o they_o before_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o secure_v those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o have_v they_o but_o sometime_o this_o do_v happen_v and_o then_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n and_o conscience_n for_o man_n to_o sacrifice_v their_o own_o ease_n and_o private_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o country_n and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o great_a a_o fault_n obstinate_o to_o decline_v such_o service_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n call_v they_o to_o as_o it_o be_v vanity_n and_o ambition_n to_o affect_v they_o for_o god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o service_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o may_v employ_v they_o in_o what_o station_n he_o please_v then_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o providence_n choose_v our_o station_n for_o we_o when_o it_o be_v what_o we_o do_v not_o and_o will_v not_o choose_v for_o ourselves_o two_o but_o the_o great_a and_o more_o common_a difficulty_n be_v in_o submit_v to_o the_o other_o change_n from_o a_o high_a to_o a_o low_a fortune_n there_o be_v many_o who_o suffer_v such_o a_o change_n as_o this_o though_o most_o of_o they_o may_v thank_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o vice_n for_o it_o but_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o submit_v to_o it_o i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v that_o they_o do_v not_o bear_v such_o a_o change_n of_o fortune_n with_o that_o patience_n and_o submission_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n when_o this_o change_n be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o providence_n and_o not_o to_o their_o own_o fault_n but_o that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o their_o condition_n that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o be_v poor_a when_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v make_v they_o so_o some_o man_n if_o they_o meet_v with_o misfortune_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v their_o creditor_n pay_v for_o it_o and_o be_v their_o own_o carver_n too_o and_o raise_v a_o estate_n out_o of_o force_a and_o knavish_a composition_n other_o though_o they_o be_v very_o poor_a will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o state_n of_o poverty_n will_v not_o bring_v their_o mind_n to_o their_o condition_n they_o can_v stoop_v to_o the_o mean_a and_o frugal_a and_o industrious_a life_n of_o poverty_n they_o have_v always_o live_v well_o and_o easy_o and_o they_o expect_v to_o live_v still_o as_o they_o have_v live_v and_o to_o be_v maintain_v according_a to_o their_o quality_n and_o the_o figure_n they_o have_v former_o make_v in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v work_v but_o to_o beg_v they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a though_o a_o true_o great_a mind_n will_v prefer_v the_o mean_a employment_n before_o it_o for_o that_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o any_o man_n to_o live_v by_o his_o own_o industry_n when_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v he_o low_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o to_o say_v be_v only_o this_o that_o when_o man_n be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n submission_n to_o providence_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v submit_v to_o their_o condition_n imitate_v the_o humility_n and_o modesty_n frugality_n and_o industry_n of_o poor_a man_n and_o not_o expect_v to_o live_v still_o as_o rich_a man_n do_v for_o charity_n be_v never_o intend_v for_o the_o rich_a nor_o to_o excuse_v the_o industry_n of_o the_o poor_a there_o be_v indeed_o great_a regard_n to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o man_n birth_n and_o character_n those_o who_o have_v any_o humanity_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o tender_o and_o compassionate_o affect_v to_o see_v man_n of_o great_a honour_n reduce_v to_o want_v or_o force_v to_o mean_a and_o servile_a employment_n to_o supply_v their_o want_n and_o we_o owe_v so_o much_o to_o the_o modesty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o honour_n to_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o defend_v 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very_o plain_a we_o must_v submit_v as_o far_o as_o the_o condition_n providence_n put_v we_o into_o require_v our_o submission_n providence_n create_v no_o new_a duty_n but_o by_o put_v we_o into_o new_a circumstance_n and_o what_o the_o circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o make_v our_o duty_n that_o be_v our_o submission_n to_o providence_n and_o we_o owe_v no_o other_o submission_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o thief_n break_v open_v my_o house_n or_o rob_v i_o upon_o the_o road_n submission_n to_o providence_n do_v not_o hinder_v i_o from_o pursue_v and_o take_v he_o and_o recover_v my_o own_o of_o he_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o punishment_n if_o i_o can_v for_o my_o be_v rob_v lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o i_o patient_o to_o lose_v what_o be_v unjust_o take_v away_o if_o i_o have_v any_o honest_a way_n leave_v of_o recover_v it_o nor_o of_o suffer_v such_o a_o criminal_a to_o escape_v if_o i_o can_v bring_v he_o to_o punishment_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o injury_n we_o receive_v from_o man_n though_o we_o must_v own_v the_o divine_a providence_n in_o whatever_o we_o suffer_v yet_o submission_n to_o providence_n require_v no_o more_o of_o we_o than_o what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n require_v in_o such_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o allow_v we_o to_o right_v ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o man_n if_o they_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a will_v allow_v we_o but_o if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n shall_v put_v we_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o contract_v with_o they_o for_o our_o life_n and_o liberty_n we_o must_v humble_o submit_v to_o providence_n which_o bring_v we_o into_o this_o necessity_n and_o religious_o observe_v our_o contract_n how_o disadvantageous_a soever_o they_o be_v because_o providence_n have_v now_o alter_v our_o condition_n and_o bring_v we_o under_o new_a obligation_n this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n whereby_o god_n bring_v about_o the_o great_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o world_n by_o such_o power_n as_o force_n a_o compliance_n and_o translate_v kingdom_n and_o empire_n and_o though_o nothing_o be_v more_o grievous_a than_o unjust_a force_n yet_o nature_n teach_v man_n to_o submit_v when_o they_o can_v resist_v and_o power_n will_v absolve_v we_o from_o all_o former_a obligation_n unless_o in_o such_o case_n as_o we_o be_v express_o command_v by_o god_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o power_n though_o we_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n for_o it_o and_o i_o know_v no_o such_o case_n but_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ._n we_o may_v defend_v ourselves_o against_o private_a injury_n as_o far_o as_o law_n and_o justice_n will_v defend_v we_o we_o may_v resist_v unjust_a and_o
usurp_a power_n as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v resist_v but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o submit_v when_o we_o can_v resist_v and_o when_o by_o such_o submission_n new_a kingdom_n be_v erect_v and_o we_o be_v become_v the_o subject_n of_o new_a power_n than_o providence_n have_v change_v our_o relation_n and_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o submit_v four_o there_o be_v another_o inquiry_n also_o of_o great_a moment_n how_o our_o submission_n to_o providence_n under_o all_o our_o suffering_n and_o change_n of_o fortune_n require_v we_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o man_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o instrument_n of_o such_o misfortune_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v such_o thing_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o man_n who_o do_v they_o why_o shall_v we_o punish_v they_o why_o shall_v we_o revenge_v ourselves_o of_o they_o when_o they_o only_o execute_v the_o divine_a counsel_n and_o do_v what_o god_n see_v fit_a that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v do_v not_o joseph_n thus_o excuse_v his_o brethren_n for_o sell_v he_o into_o egypt_n that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o send_v he_o thither_o and_o do_v not_o david_n for_o this_o reason_n forbear_v his_o revenge_n on_o shimei_n let_v he_o curse_v for_o god_n have_v say_v unto_o he_o curse_n david_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v short_a and_o plain_a that_o god_n overrule_a man_n wickedness_n to_o serve_v wise_a and_o good_a end_n do_v not_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n nor_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o wickedness_n the_o sin_n be_v their_o own_o though_o it_o be_v wise_o order_v by_o god_n for_o our_o trial_n or_o correction_n but_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o god_n make_v no_o change_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n action_n nor_o in_o their_o desert_n god_n himself_o will_v punish_v their_o wickedness_n though_o he_o serve_v wise_a end_n by_o it_o and_o have_v command_v man_n to_o do_v so_o for_o no_o man_n sin_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n though_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o god_n will_n but_o yet_o submission_n to_o providence_n will_v great_o mitigate_v our_o resentment_n and_o calm_v our_o passion_n and_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o whatever_o we_o suffer_v be_v appoint_v for_o we_o by_o god_n that_o how_o wicked_a soever_o man_n be_v we_o can_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o their_o wickedness_n but_o what_o god_n for_o wise_a reason_n see_v fit_a we_o shall_v suffer_v this_o will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v with_o god_n than_o with_o man_n that_o though_o man_n be_v the_o rod_n wherewith_o we_o be_v scourge_v it_o be_v god_n that_o strike_v and_o a_o reverence_n for_o the_o divine_a judgement_n will_v make_v we_o take_v less_o notice_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o our_o suffering_n in_o short_a submission_n to_o providence_n leave_v we_o nothing_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o man_n for_o but_o their_o own_o wickedness_n that_o we_o suffer_v though_o we_o suffer_v by_o their_o wickedness_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o do_n as_o god_n who_o order_v these_o suffering_n for_o we_o and_o without_o who_o order_n and_o appointment_n no_o man_n can_v hurt_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o man_n for_o our_o suffering_n but_o reverence_n god_n whatever_o their_o personal_a hatred_n or_o malice_n or_o revenge_n be_v how_o much_o soever_o they_o intend_v or_o desire_v to_o do_v we_o hurt_v we_o may_v secure_o despise_v they_o as_o out_o of_o their_o reach_n for_o we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o if_o our_o suffering_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o man_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v angry_a with_o man_n for_o what_o we_o suffer_v why_o shall_v we_o revenge_v our_o suffering_n on_o they_o when_o we_o suffer_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v angry_a at_o their_o wickedness_n and_o at_o their_o ill_a will_n to_o we_o but_o humble_o submit_v to_o our_o suffering_n as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o this_o will_v calm_v and_o temper_v our_o passion_n because_o it_o leave_v so_o little_a of_o self_n in_o our_o anger_n and_o resentment_n let_v man_n be_v as_o angry_a with_o wickedness_n as_o they_o please_v and_o punish_v it_o as_o it_o deserve_v this_o be_v a_o virtuous_a anger_n and_o never_o transport_v man_n to_o excess_n it_o be_v self-love_n which_o inflame_v our_o anger_n and_o sharpen_v our_o revenge_n not_o that_o such_o wickedness_n be_v commit_v but_o that_o we_o be_v the_o sufferer_n by_o it_o for_o man_n be_v never_o so_o angry_a in_o another_o man_n cause_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o though_o the_o wickedness_n the_o affront_n the_o injury_n be_v the_o same_o but_o personal_a injury_n and_o affront_v be_v most_o provoke_v that_o be_v we_o love_v ourselves_o more_o than_o we_o hate_v wickedness_n when_o our_o anger_n be_v excessive_a but_o now_o if_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o we_o with_o they_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o suffer_v if_o all_o this_o be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n here_o be_v little_a room_n for_o personal_a resentment_n for_o that_o we_o suffer_v by_o their_o wickedness_n be_v god_n do_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o they_o for_o but_o that_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o than_o though_o our_o own_o suffering_n will_v give_v we_o a_o great_a sense_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o make_v we_o more_o personal_o concern_v to_o punish_v it_o yet_o our_o passion_n will_v be_v more_o gentle_a and_o easy_a the_o more_o we_o attribute_v our_o suffering_n to_o god_n and_o the_o less_o to_o men._n second_o another_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n be_v a_o entire_a trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n the_o state_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v all_o dependence_n and_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v be_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o dependent_a state_n and_o can_v in_o reason_n have_v no_o other_o object_n but_o that_o be_v on_o who_o we_o depend_v the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v all_o other_o dependency_n be_v vain_a because_o none_o else_o can_v help_v we_o but_o god_n have_v all_o event_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o can_v help_v we_o if_o he_o please_v and_o he_o will_v help_v we_o if_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o the_o scripture_n abound_v with_o exhortation_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n with_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o do_v trust_v in_o he_o with_o example_n of_o god_n care_n and_o protection_n of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o make_v he_o their_o only_a hope_n and_o trust_v but_o yet_o the_o duty_n itself_o need_v some_o explication_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o what_o be_v the_o various_a act_n of_o it_o or_o wherein_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o consist_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o the_o divine_a providence_n what_o it_o be_v to_o hope_v and_o trust_v and_o depend_v on_o god_n or_o man_n we_o all_o know_v and_o feel_v but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o it_o be_v we_o must_v trust_v god_n for_o and_o how_o far_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o he_o for_o must_v we_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o do_v if_o suppose_v we_o have_v a_o child_n or_o a_o friend_n dangerous_o sick_a must_v we_o firm_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v spare_v their_o life_n and_o restore_v their_o health_n if_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o do_v it_o must_v a_o merchant_n confident_o expect_v a_o safe_a and_o advantageous_a voyage_n if_o he_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o it_o have_v god_n any_o where_o promise_v to_o give_v we_o whatever_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o or_o do_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o providence_n infer_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o yet_o what_o do_v trust_n in_o god_n signify_v if_o we_o must_v not_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o want_v and_o desire_v and_o trust_v he_o for_o what_o do_v all_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n signify_v if_o they_o give_v we_o no_o security_n that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v our_o desire_n of_o god_n nay_o indeed_o how_o can_v any_o man_n hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o he_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o he_o shall_v obtain_v what_o he_o hope_v for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o make_v most_o man_n so_o distrustful_a of_o providence_n that_o though_o they_o talk_v
his_o promise_n do_v honour_n to_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n but_o to_o trust_v god_n to_o choose_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o we_o either_o what_o we_o desire_v or_o what_o he_o like_v better_a argue_v such_o a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n with_o a_o perfect_a assurance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o creature_n can_v express_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o divine_a perfection_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n do_v we_o so_o much_o honour_n by_o take_v our_o word_n for_o what_o we_o express_o promise_v to_o do_v for_o he_o as_o that_o man_n do_v who_o commit_v all_o his_o concernment_n with_o a_o secure_a confidence_n to_o our_o disposal_n without_o know_v what_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v but_o for_o a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o this_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v and_o what_o security_n it_o give_v we_o 1._o what_o this_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v since_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v do_v what_o we_o desire_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o now_o this_o signify_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o hope_v for_o or_o expect_v we_o expect_v from_o god_n alone_o that_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reliance_n and_o dependence_n but_o only_o on_o god_n though_o we_o just_o value_v the_o kindness_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o the_o patronage_n and_o protection_n of_o prince_n and_o powerful_a favourite_n and_o thank_v god_n when_o he_o raise_v up_o such_o friend_n and_o patron_n to_o we_o yet_o our_o entire_a trust_n and_o hope_n be_v in_o god_n that_o since_o we_o know_v that_o all_o event_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n we_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v help_v we_o but_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n our_o trust_n in_o god_n be_v always_o oppose_v to_o our_o trust_n in_o man_n in_o prince_n in_o human_a counsel_n policy_n or_o strength_n it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o man_n it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o prince_n 118._o psalm_n 8_o 9_o now_o know_v i_o that_o the_o lord_n save_v his_o anointed_n he_o will_v hear_v he_o from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n with_o the_o save_a strength_n of_o his_o right_a hand_n some_o trust_n in_o chariot_n and_o some_o in_o horse_n but_o we_o will_v remember_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n they_o be_v bring_v down_o and_o fall_v but_o we_o be_v rise_v and_o stand_v upright_o 20._o psalm_n 6_o 7_o 8._o all_o wise_a man_n be_v great_o satisfy_v and_o please_v to_o see_v the_o probable_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o safety_n and_o defence_n because_o god_n ordinary_o work_v by_o mean_n but_o good_a man_n know_v that_o they_o be_v but_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n and_o no_o wise_a man_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o instrument_n be_v they_o never_o so_o good_a but_o in_o the_o workman_n thus_o much_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n must_v necessary_o signify_v that_o we_o have_v no_o reliance_n but_o only_o on_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o depend_v as_o entire_o on_o he_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o second_n and_o intermediate_v cause_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v and_o use_v but_o not_o to_o be_v the_o final_a object_n of_o our_o trust_n 2_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v our_o absolute_a dependence_n on_o the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o it_o be_v a_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n put_v ourselves_o absolute_o into_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o he_o will_v do_v what_o we_o desire_v or_o do_v what_o shall_v be_v better_o for_o we_o that_o he_o will_v answer_v our_o request_n or_o deny_v they_o with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n than_o he_o can_v grant_v they_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v a_o perfect_a trust_n in_o god_n and_o such_o a_o trust_n and_o dependence_n as_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v it_o not_o become_v all_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o secure_o to_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n take_v care_n of_o we_o what_o need_v we_o know_v any_o more_o will_v we_o desire_v any_o thing_n else_o or_o can_v we_o wish_v for_o any_o thing_n better_o than_o what_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n can_v do_v for_o we_o or_o will_v we_o have_v any_o thing_n which_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v we_o this_o indeed_o do_v not_o give_v we_o that_o security_n which_o some_o man_n desire_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o suffer_v those_o particular_a evil_n which_o we_o fear_v and_o which_o we_o see_v come_v upon_o we_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v some_o other_o blessing_n which_o we_o be_v passionate_o fond_a of_o but_o it_o give_v we_o a_o much_o better_a security_n than_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v always_o what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o which_o be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o shall_v god_n always_o grant_v our_o own_o desire_n this_o give_v we_o a_o most_o profound_a rest_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n deliver_v we_o from_o all_o careful_a and_o solicitous_a thought_n for_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v many_o time_n more_o terrible_a than_o the_o evil_n we_o fear_v it_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n with_o the_o best_a prudence_n and_o industry_n we_o can_v but_o to_o leave_v all_o event_n to_o god_n disposal_n to_o make_v know_v our_o request_n to_o god_n and_o to_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o we_o it_o will_v not_o make_v we_o whole_o unconcern_v and_o indifferent_a whatever_o happen_v because_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o equal_a or_o alike_o indifferent_a riches_n and_o poverty_n health_n or_o sickness_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n war_n or_o peace_n plenty_n or_o famine_n can_v be_v alike_o indifferent_a to_o any_o man_n who_o have_v his_o sense_n about_o he_o but_o it_o will_v make_v we_o quiet_a and_o patient_a under_o all_o event_n and_o help_v we_o to_o bear_v the_o most_o adverse_a fortune_n with_o such_o a_o unbroken_a greatness_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v natural_a to_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a trust_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n this_o be_v proper_o to_o trust_v providence_n not_o to_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o desire_v which_o be_v to_o command_v and_o govern_v or_o at_o least_o to_o direct_v providence_n not_o to_o trust_v it_o but_o to_o live_v secure_o under_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n without_o disturb_v ourselves_o with_o unknown_a and_o future_a event_n in_o a_o confident_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v safe_a and_o happy_a in_o god_n hand_n 2_o though_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o absolute_a security_n what_o god_n will_v do_v for_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n to_o obtain_v whatever_o we_o wise_o and_o reasonable_o desire_v of_o god_n when_o we_o trust_v in_o god_n he_o reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o but_o if_o what_o we_o desire_v be_v good_a for_o we_o our_o trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n will_v engage_v providence_n on_o our_o side_n trust_v in_o god_n refer_v our_o cause_n to_o he_o to_o judge_v for_o we_o and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o we_o have_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n for_o it_o that_o if_o we_o do_v trust_v in_o he_o he_o will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v want_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a and_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o all_o evil_a 31._o psal._n 21_o 22._o o_o how_o plentiful_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o and_o that_o thou_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n thou_o shall_v hide_v they_o privy_o by_o thy_o own_o presence_n from_o the_o provoke_a of_o all_o man_n thou_o shall_v keep_v they_o secret_o in_o thy_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n thus_o 37._o psal._n 40_o 41._o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o righteous_a come_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v also_o their_o strength_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v stand_v by_o they_o and_o save_v they_o
he_o shall_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o ungodly_a and_o shall_v save_v they_o because_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o the_o whole_a 91_o sy_n psalm_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o this_o that_o i_o need_v name_n no_o more_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n be_v call_v dwell_v in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o most_o high_a or_o under_o the_o defence_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o most_o high_a that_o be_v such_o a_o man_n put_v himself_o under_o god_n protection_n and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o shall_v abide_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o be_v he_o shall_v defend_v thou_o under_o his_o wing_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v safe_a under_o his_o feather_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n shall_v be_v thy_o shield_n and_o buckler_n and_o the_o psalmist_n particular_o reckon_v up_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o human_a life_n and_o promise_n security_n against_o they_o all_o because_o thou_o have_v make_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v my_o refuge_n even_o the_o most_o high_a thy_o habitation_n there_o shall_v no_o evil_n befall_v thou_o neither_o shall_v any_o plague_n come_v nigh_o thy_o dwell_n this_o psalm_n indeed_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o the_o height_n and_o latitude_n of_o the_o expression_n be_v applicable_a only_o to_o he_o but_o yet_o it_o give_v a_o general_a security_n to_o all_o who_o trust_v in_o god_n of_o protection_n from_o all_o evil_a this_o no_o man_n can_v promise_v himself_o who_o do_v not_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o how_o be_v providence_n concern_v for_o they_o who_o expect_v nothing_o from_o it_o nay_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v disappoint_v and_o fall_v into_o misery_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o no_o human_a strength_n or_o policy_n can_v save_v they_o but_o trust_v in_o god_n make_v we_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n none_o so_o much_o deserve_v his_o protection_n as_o those_o who_o commit_v themselves_o to_o his_o care_n a_o good_a man_n will_v not_o deceive_v or_o forsake_v those_o who_o depend_v on_o he_o much_o less_o will_v a_o good_a god_n three_o another_o duty_n we_o own_o to_o providence_n be_v prayer_n to_o ask_v of_o god_n all_o those_o blessing_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o need_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o own_v a_o god_n and_o that_o natural_a impulse_n all_o man_n find_v to_o seek_v to_o god_n in_o their_o distress_n show_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o nature_n be_v but_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v much_o puzzle_v how_o to_o reconcile_v prayer_n with_o their_o notion_n of_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o indeed_o be_v providence_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o necessary_a chain_n of_o cause_n or_o fix_v and_o immutable_a decree_n there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a encouragement_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n who_o upon_o this_o supposition_n can_v help_v we_o no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v alter_v destiny_n and_o fate_n but_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n with_o as_o great_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n govern_v his_o family_n or_o a_o prince_n govern_v his_o kingdom_n there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o petition_n to_o our_o parent_n or_o to_o our_o prince_n for_o if_o we_o must_v receive_v all_o from_o god_n what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o ask_v every_o thing_n of_o he_o but_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n more_o particular_o for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n wherein_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o reason_n themselves_o out_o of_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o form_v such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n as_o make_v it_o needless_a nay_o absurd_a to_o worship_v he_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o 11._o heb._n 6._o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o that_o this_o god_n do_v take_v care_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a favour_n for_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o for_o if_o god_n neither_o take_v any_o care_n of_o we_o or_o take_v no_o more_o care_n of_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o than_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o but_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o suppose_n that_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a for_o worship_v be_v a_o reasonable_a foundation_n for_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n as_o allow_v no_o peculiar_a reward_n and_o benefit_n to_o worshipper_n be_v certain_o false_a how_o philosophical_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v and_o impious_a too_o because_o they_o shut_v all_o religious_a worship_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o some_o man_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n understand_v for_o what_o reason_n they_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n they_o comply_v with_o the_o superstitious_a custom_n of_o the_o country_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o public_a censure_n but_o think_v they_o may_v as_o well_o let_v it_o alone_o as_o for_o any_o advantage_n they_o hope_v for_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o have_v as_o good_a not_o be_v present_a at_o prayer_n as_o not_o to_o pray_v for_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v to_o any_o advantage_n who_o despise_v prayer_n it_o will_v therefore_o be_v high_o necessary_a plain_o to_o state_n this_o matter_n and_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n lay_v the_o strong_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n the_o scripture-proof_n of_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o at_o large_a repeat_v they_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n we_o be_v more_o frequent_o command_v none_o we_o be_v more_o earnest_o exhort_v to_o than_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a man_n for_o it_o and_o of_o christ_n himself_o who_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n and_o we_o have_v the_o encouragement_n of_o as_o express_v promise_n as_o any_o in_o scripture_n that_o if_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n he_o will_v hear_v and_o answer_v we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o encouragement_n we_o can_v desire_v for_o our_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v 65._o psal._n 2._o to_o thou_o they_o shall_v pray_v because_o thou_o hear_v prayer_n for_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n to_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n will_v i_o call_v upon_o thou_o for_o thou_o will_v answer_v i_o 86._o psal._n 5_o 7._o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o also_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o 145._o psal._n 18_o 19_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o express_a than_o our_o saviour_n promise_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v 7._o matt._n 7_o 8._o and_o what_o great_a thing_n be_v attribute_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o power_n of_o prayer_n st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o and_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o example_n of_o elias_n who_o be_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v and_o he_o pray_v earnest_o that_o it_o may_v not_o rain_v and_o it_o rain_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n and_o he_o pray_v again_o and_o the_o heaven_n give_v rain_v and_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n 5._o james_n 17_o 18._o and_o all_o those_o wonder_n which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n attribute_n to_o faith_n belong_v to_o this_o prayer_n of_o faith_n 11._o heb._n 32_o 33_o 34._o for_o this_o
all_o our_o concernment_n to_o he_o i_o say_v in_o all_o condition_n because_o god_n have_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a disposal_n of_o all_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o think_v that_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v prosperous_a when_o they_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n when_o they_o have_v powerful_a friend_n and_o their_o enemy_n at_o their_o foot_n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n then_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o want_v he_o the_o psalmist_n himself_o be_v tempt_v by_o a_o prosperous_a fortune_n to_o great_a security_n in_o my_o prosperity_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v but_o god_n quick_o convince_v he_o that_o his_o security_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o external_n support_v but_o in_o the_o divine_a favour_n lord_n by_o thy_o favour_n thou_o have_v make_v my_o mountain_n to_o stand_v strong_a thou_o do_v hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v 30._o psalm_n 6_o 7._o no_o man_n be_v safe_a but_o in_o god_n protection_n there_o be_v a_o thousand_o unseen_a accident_n and_o surprise_a event_n which_o may_v disappoint_v all_o other_o hope_n and_o confidence_n but_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v as_o mount_n zion_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o abide_v for_o ever_o as_o the_o mountain_n be_v round_o about_o jerusalem_n so_o the_o lord_n be_v round_o about_o his_o people_n henceforth_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 125._o psalm_n 1_o 2._o other_o think_v it_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o pray_v when_o their_o condition_n be_v desperate_a and_o hopeless_a when_o they_o can_v see_v how_o god_n can_v save_v they_o without_o a_o miracle_n and_o miracle_n they_o must_v not_o hope_v for_o but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o god_n can_v do_v who_o have_v all_o nature_n at_o his_o command_n we_o must_v not_o indeed_o expect_v miracle_n but_o he_o who_o have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o the_o natural_a and_o moral_a world_n can_v do_v what_o he_o please_v without_o 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unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v he_o from_o death_n and_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o he_o fear_v 5._o heb._n 7._o that_o be_v though_o god_n do_v not_o deliver_v he_o from_o death_n he_o deliver_v he_o from_o his_o fear_n send_v a_o angel_n to_o comfort_v he_o and_o enable_v he_o to_o endure_v the_o pain_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross._n and_o though_o god_n shall_v in_o like_a manner_n afflict_v we_o or_o we_o shall_v have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v he_o will_v do_v so_o yet_o if_o in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o cry_v he_o shall_v pull_v out_o the_o sting_n of_o affliction_n and_o sweeten_v they_o with_o divine_a comfort_n and_o some_o unexpected_a allay_v and_o give_v we_o courage_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v they_o it_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o deliveranee_n and_o usual_o better_a for_o we_o than_o to_o have_v be_v deliver_v for_o when_o god_n inflict_v such_o punishment_n on_o we_o even_o when_o he_o merciful_o hear_v our_o 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god_n be_v the_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n to_o we_o can_v we_o do_v less_o than_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o receive_v all_o from_o god_n the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n be_v full_a of_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o there_o be_v so_o little_a need_n to_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o every_o man_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o kindness_n that_o be_v do_v he_o can_v no_o more_o avoid_v thank_v his_o benefactor_n than_o rejoice_v in_o the_o benefit_n he_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o duty_n but_o of_o necessity_n to_o do_v it_o till_o man_n have_v put_v off_o human_a nature_n and_o lose_v the_o sensation_n of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o indeed_o conceive_v so_o mean_o of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v charm_v with_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o creature_n as_o some_o vain_a man_n be_v with_o popular_a applause_n a_o wise_a man_n be_v above_o this_o much_o more_o god_n a_o man_n who_o know_v himself_o think_v neither_o the_o better_o nor_o worse_o of_o himself_o for_o popular_a praise_n or_o reproach_n praise_n be_v due_a to_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o miss_v of_o it_o the_o world_n may_v suffer_v by_o it_o not_o the_o virtuous_a man_n if_o he_o have_v that_o command_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o resentment_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o have_v praise_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o other_o man_n concern_v we_o and_o reproach_v their_o ill_a opinion_n and_o if_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o opinion_n they_o make_v we_o neither_o better_o nor_o worse_o unless_o we_o make_v ourselves_o so_o but_o the_o world_n may_v suffer_v by_o it_o for_o a_o good_a man_n when_o he_o be_v unjust_o reproach_v though_o he_o may_v support_v himself_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o innocence_n and_o virtue_n yet_o he_o lose_v the_o pleasure_n and_o freedom_n of_o conversation_n the_o authority_n of_o his_o example_n and_o counsel_n and_o many_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a to_o apply_v this_o to_o god_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o so_o glorious_a and_o perfect_a a_o be_v be_v infinite_o above_o our_o praise_n that_o we_o can_v add_v nothing_o to_o he_o by_o our_o most_o triumphant_a hymn_n and_o hallelujah_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o see_v it_o infinite_o reasonable_a and_o congruous_a for_o the_o happiness_n of_o creature_n and_o a_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n that_o they_o shall_v praise_n he_o god_n suffer_v nothing_o by_o it_o if_o we_o refuse_v to_o praise_n he_o but_o we_o do_v and_o the_o world_n do_v and_o he_o have_v no_o other_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o than_o to_o see_v his_o creature_n do_v what_o become_v they_o and_o what_o will_v make_v they_o happy_a all_o the_o blessing_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n especial_o such_o as_o concern_v this_o life_n lose_v their_o true_a taste_n and_o relish_v without_o praise_n to_o contemplate_v and_o adore_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o encompass_n the_o whole_a creation_n and_o dispense_v his_o favour_n with_o a_o liberal_a hand_n be_v a_o more_o transport_v pleasure_n than_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n can_v give_v we_o here_o be_v a_o noble_a exercise_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o admiration_n which_o be_v the_o most_o delightful_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o as_o far_o above_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n as_o a_o man_n excel_v a_o beast_n this_o make_v we_o feel_v ourselves_o happy_a not_o only_o in_o what_o we_o at_o present_a have_v which_o if_o we_o look_v no_o far_o than_o intermediate_v cause_n be_v very_o uncertain_a but_o in_o a_o secure_a prospect_n of_o happiness_n while_o we_o adhere_v to_o god_n a_o soul_n which_o be_v ravish_v with_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n
and_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n can_v fear_v no_o evil_a be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o solicitous_a care_n be_v content_v in_o every_o condition_n as_o allot_v he_o by_o god_n nay_o be_v patient_a under_o suffering_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o correction_n or_o discipline_n of_o a_o kind_a father_n he_o consider_v how_o much_o good_a he_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o how_o far_o it_o exceed_v all_o the_o evil_n he_o suffer_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n still_o as_o job_n do_v for_o shall_v we_o receive_v good_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a especial_o when_o the_o good_a we_o receive_v prove_v the_o very_a evil_n we_o suffer_v to_o be_v good_a because_o they_o be_v inflict_v by_o a_o good_a god_n all_o these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o can_v be_v have_v without_o it_o they_o belong_v to_o that_o submission_n to_o god_n and_o trust_v in_o his_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o explain_v but_o it_o be_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o awaken_v that_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o god_n which_o exercise_v all_o these_o virtue_n and_o give_v we_o the_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o they_o thus_o when_o god_n lose_v his_o praise_n we_o lose_v the_o ease_n and_o security_n of_o our_o life_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o the_o world_n also_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o god_n government_n which_o as_o much_o disappoint_v the_o wise_a design_n of_o providence_n not_o to_o own_o our_o benefactor_n be_v to_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o dependence_n which_o make_v all_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lose_v on_o sinner_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v affect_v any_o man_n can_v lead_v he_o to_o repentance_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n nor_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n if_o it_o be_v not_o own_v this_o spoil_v the_o very_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o we_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o use_v to_o our_o own_o happiness_n without_o own_v and_o praise_v the_o giver_n of_o they_o he_o who_o remember_v that_o he_o receive_v all_o from_o god_n and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o bounty_n in_o give_v will_v use_v the_o good_a thing_n he_o receive_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gift_n god_n do_v not_o give_v man_n riches_n mere_o to_o look_v on_o or_o to_o imprison_v or_o to_o spend_v on_o their_o lust_n nor_o advance_v they_o to_o honour_n to_o make_v they_o proud_a and_o insolent_a nor_o give_v they_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o this_o world_n to_o make_v they_o forget_v the_o next_o he_o who_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o blessing_n can_v do_v this_o for_o this_o be_v the_o high_a ingratitude_n to_o affront_v and_o provoke_v god_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o what_o he_o give_v and_o he_o who_o do_v thus_o lose_v the_o blessing_n though_o he_o have_v the_o gift_n a_o covetous_a man_n be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o his_o riches_n because_o he_o can_v use_v they_o and_o a_o voluptuous_a man_n be_v much_o the_o worse_o because_o he_o use_v they_o to_o his_o own_o hurt_n when_o high_a place_n and_o dignity_n make_v man_n proud_a and_o insolent_a it_o forfeit_v the_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o he_o who_o forget_v and_o by_o forget_v lose_v the_o next_o world_n have_v a_o very_a hard_a purchase_n of_o this_o nay_o such_o man_n do_v not_o only_o disappoint_v god_n goodness_n to_o themselves_o but_o frustrate_v the_o gracious_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o other_o for_o those_o who_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n but_o be_v very_o unthankful_a to_o god_n for_o what_o they_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v any_o good_a that_o they_o general_o do_v great_a mischief_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o themselves_o those_o who_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o receive_v all_o from_o god_n and_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o god_n steward_n which_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n but_o a_o great_a trust_n too_o and_o require_v faithfulness_n in_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n who_o have_v so_o liberal_o provide_v for_o they_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o imitate_v his_o goodness_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n and_o undertake_v the_o patronage_n of_o those_o who_o want_v their_o help_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n deserve_v it_o but_o a_o unthankful_a man_n have_v no_o more_o regard_n to_o his_o fellow_n creature_n than_o he_o have_v to_o god_n a_o covetous_a man_n who_o will_v not_o supply_v his_o own_o want_n to_o be_v sure_o will_v not_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o other_o and_o if_o a_o voluptuous_a man_n do_v any_o kindness_n the_o receiver_n pay_v dear_a for_o it_o for_o he_o make_v they_o the_o partner_n or_o instrument_n of_o his_o lust_n a_o rich_a sinner_n help_v to_o debauch_v a_o whole_a neighbourhood_n and_o a_o powerful_a sinner_n to_o oppress_v they_o and_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n tell_v we_o what_o mischief_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n do_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a and_o unthankful_a man_n this_o i_o think_v may_v satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v not_o only_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n as_o become_v creature_n but_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o own_o happiness_n to_o our_o wise_a improvement_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o god_n to_o recall_v his_o gift_n to_o take_v away_o what_o he_o have_v give_v to_o unthankful_a man_n and_o to_o give_v they_o no_o more_o not_o only_o because_o they_o disow_v their_o benefactor_n but_o because_o they_o abuse_v all_o that_o he_o give_v they_o to_o their_o own_o and_o to_o other_o man_n hurt_n all_o that_o he_o give_v be_v lose_v on_o they_o he_o lose_v the_o praise_n and_o they_o themselves_o and_o every_o body_n else_o the_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v this_o discourse_n of_o providence_n whereby_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v a_o providence_n that_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v ignorant_a mistake_v and_o that_o nothing_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o ease_n and_o comfort_n and_o good_a government_n of_o our_o life_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n the_o end_n errata_fw-la page_n 11._o line_n 3._o r._n and_o that_o p._n 13._o l._n 27._o del_o make_v p._n 38._o l._n 17._o for_o or_o r._n and_o uniform_a p._n 97._o l._n 34._o r._n counsel_n p._n 189._o l._n 14._o f._n on_o r._n of_o p._n 208._o l._n 4._o f._n shall_v r._n shall_v p._n 227._o l._n 3._o f._n end_n r._n mean_n p._n 272._o l._n 9_o r._n victory_n p._n 273._o l._n 3._o f._n that_o r._n the._n l._n 17._o f._n or_o r._n and._n p._n 280._o l._n 30._o r._n undeniable_a p._n 287._o l._n 25._o r._n virtue_n p._n 291._o l._n 16._o r._n that_o p._n 327._o l._n 31._o r._n messiah_n l._n 33._o r._n whatever_o p._n 332._o l._n 26._o f._n a_o r._n on_o p._n 344._o l._n 19_o r._n foot_n p._n 338_o l._n 34._o r._n reasonable_a p._n 340._o l._n 20._o r._n nemesis_n p._n 353._o l._n 2._o r._n how_o severe_a soever_o l._n 22._o deal_n most_o book_n publish_v by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n sherlock_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n a_o answer_n to_o a_o discourse_n entitle_v papist_n protest_v against_o protestant_a popery_n second_o edition_n quarto_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o amicable_a accommodation_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o representer_n and_o the_o answerer_n quarto_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_n dr._n calamy_n quarto_n a_o vindication_n of_o some_o protestant_a principle_n of_o church-unity_n and_o catholic_n communion_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n quarto_n a_o preservative_n against_o poperty_n in_o two_o part_n with_o the_o vindication_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o cavil_n of_o lewis_n salran_n jesuit_n quarto_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n first_o part_n quarto_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord-mayor_n november_n four_o 1688._o quarto_fw-la a_o vindication_n
what_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o man_n be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n who_o live_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o this_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o believe_v so_o well_o of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v very_o persuade_v can_v we_o see_v what_o their_o state_n be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o account_n and_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n then_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n only_o because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o ignorant_a heathen_n in_o the_o next_o world_n if_o we_o know_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o these_o man_n and_o know_v that_o he_o deal_v hardly_o by_o they_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v this_o will_v be_v a_o difficulty_n but_o what_o difficulty_n be_v there_o in_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n for_o if_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v and_o judge_v nothing_o of_o it_o neither_o man_n must_v be_v very_o much_o incline_v to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n who_o will_v raise_v objection_n from_o what_o they_o confess_v they_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o yet_o i_o can_v guess_v how_o they_o shall_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o state_n of_o ignorant_a heathen_n in_o the_o next_o world_n since_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n for_o we_o can_v look_v into_o the_o other_o world_n the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o some_o man_n without_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n confident_o affirm_v that_o ignorant_a heathen_n shall_v suffer_v the_o same_o condemnation_n which_o christ_n have_v threaten_v against_o wilful_a infidel_n and_o wicked_a christian_n and_o than_o it_o may_v well_o be_v think_v a_o great_a difficulty_n that_o god_n shall_v as_o severe_o punish_v man_n for_o not_o know_v christ_n when_o he_o be_v never_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o possible_a way_n of_o know_v he_o as_o he_o will_v punish_v those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n preach_v to_o they_o but_o refuse_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o or_o have_v profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o live_v very_o wicked_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n but_o it_o be_v a_o difficulty_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o much_o more_o safe_a for_o ourselves_o and_o much_o more_o honourable_a for_o god_n to_o confess_v our_o ignorance_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o we_o have_v no_o possible_a way_n to_o know_v and_o to_o refer_v all_o such_o unknown_a case_n to_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n than_o to_o pretend_v to_o know_v what_o we_o can_v know_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o raise_v such_o objection_n as_o we_o can_v answer_v whatever_o difficulty_n immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v be_v content_v shall_v remain_v difficulty_n till_o we_o go_v thither_o for_o we_o know_v so_o little_a in_o particular_a about_o the_o other_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a either_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o or_o other_o in_o such_o matter_n but_o these_o be_v not_o proper_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n for_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n as_o of_o the_o next_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o large_a show_v not_o only_o that_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n make_v he_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o our_o narrow_a understanding_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o all_o the_o wise_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o receive_v it_o this_o indeed_o be_v so_o plain_a at_o the_o first_o hear_n to_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n that_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v insist_v so_o long_o on_o it_o do_v not_o all_o man_n know_v who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o dispute_n that_o most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n be_v owe_v whole_o to_o this_o cause_n that_o man_n will_v not_o allow_v god_n to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o the_o best_a way_n i_o can_v take_v to_o teach_v these_o man_n more_o modesty_n in_o censure_v providence_n be_v to_o show_v they_o particular_o that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n wise_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n which_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o then_o it_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v in_o many_o case_n give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o particular_a reason_n of_o providence_n five_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v in_o what_o case_n this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n give_v no_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o this_o enquiry_n that_o no_o man_n may_v presume_v to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o unaccountable_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o those_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o some_o modern_a controversy_n in_o religion_n i_o need_v instance_n at_o present_a only_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a and_o absolute_a election_n and_o reprobation_n on_o which_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a unaccountable_a doctrine_n depend_v that_o god_n create_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o eternal_o miserable_a or_o at_o least_o as_o other_o state_z it_o that_o he_o order_v and_o decree_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n effectual_o permit_v the_o sin_n and_o fall_n of_o adam_n that_o he_o may_v glorify_v his_o mercy_n in_o choose_v some_o few_o out_o of_o the_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v vessel_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o glorify_v his_o justice_n in_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o all_o other_o even_o of_o reprobated_a infant_n as_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o adam_n sin_n now_o thus_o far_o i_o confess_v they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o these_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a doctrine_n for_o to_o make_v creature_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o just_a and_o good_n but_o though_o we_o ready_o confess_v that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a yet_o man_n must_v not_o think_v upon_o this_o pretence_n to_o attribute_v what_o they_o please_v to_o god_n how_o absurd_a unreasonable_a unjust_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o then_o shelter_v themselves_o against_o all_o objection_n by_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o unaccountable_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o god_n have_v no_o such_o unaccountable_a will_n as_o this_o be_v to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o manifest_o contradict_v all_o the_o notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n abhor_v all_o such_o imputation_n as_o these_o as_o infinite_o injurious_a to_o he_o and_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o justify_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o whole_a 18_o chapter_n of_o ezekiel_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o this_o where_o god_n complain_v of_o that_o proverb_n as_o reflect_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o providence_n 2._o the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n that_o be_v that_o the_o child_n be_v punish_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o father_n how_o unreasonable_a a_o imputation_n this_o be_v god_n prove_v from_o that_o equal_a right_n which_o he_o have_v in_o parent_n and_o child_n 4._o which_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o such_o partiality_n behold_v all_o soul_n be_v i_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o father_n so_o also_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o son_n be_v i_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v and_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o a_o good_a man_n who_o do_v what_o be_v just_a and_o right_a shall_v sure_o live_v that_o if_o
nor_o happy_a state_n after_o this_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a to_o come_v into_o this_o world_n and_o live_v as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v here_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o life_n and_o though_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o happy_a life_n after_o this_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n as_o general_o make_v even_o good_a man_n very_o well_o content_v to_o stay_v here_o as_o long_o as_o god_n please_v 2_o but_o still_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o though_o man_n may_v live_v very_o happy_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o if_o we_o only_o compare_v the_o sensible_a advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o life_n may_v make_v death_n much_o more_o desirable_a than_o life_n i_o praise_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n which_o be_v yet_o alive_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o say_n which_o must_v not_o be_v strict_o and_o philosophical_o examine_v nor_o stretch_v to_o the_o utmost_a sense_n the_o word_n will_v bear_v it_o have_v some_o truth_n and_o something_o of_o figure_n and_o rhetoric_n in_o it_o as_o many_o of_o our_o common_a and_o proverbial_a speech_n have_v which_o must_v be_v expound_v to_o a_o qualify_a sense_n we_o must_v observe_v then_o that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n be_v not_o to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o life_n but_o to_o cure_v our_o vain_a expectation_n of_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n to_o convince_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o mere_a external_a enjoyment_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o life_n but_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o moderate_v our_o love_n to_o present_a thing_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o happiness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n for_o this_o be_v the_o application_n of_o all_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n not_o only_o his_o duty_n but_o his_o happiness_n too_o for_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a 12._o eccl._n 13_o 14._o among_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o expect_v a_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n the_o wiseman_n instance_n in_o the_o many_o oppression_n and_o suffering_n which_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o and_o which_o sometime_o befall_v they_o which_o may_v be_v so_o sore_a and_o grievous_a and_o make_v life_n so_o uneasy_a and_o troublesome_a as_o may_v tempt_v man_n who_o only_o consult_v their_o own_o sensible_a satisfaction_n to_o prefer_v death_n before_o life_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v all_o that_o the_o wiseman_n mean_v that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o such_o a_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a state_n of_o thing_n that_o the_o mere_a external_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n can_v recompense_v the_o trouble_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o his_o design_n require_v he_o to_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o external_a enjoyment_n and_o if_o ever_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o a_o wiseman_n will_v choose_v rather_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o to_o leave_v all_o these_o enjoyment_n behind_o he_o than_o to_o endure_v the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n wherewith_o they_o be_v attend_v they_o be_v vain_a indeed_o but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o a_o wiseman_n ought_v to_o despise_v life_n for_o the_o trouble_n of_o it_o that_o he_o shall_v choose_v to_o run_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v ease_v of_o its_o trouble_n or_o that_o a_o wiseman_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o trouble_n can_v make_v himself_o easy_a and_o happy_a in_o it_o and_o consequent_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o a_o wiseman_n in_o such_o case_n shall_v prefer_v death_n before_o life_n though_o it_o may_v reasonable_o enough_o cure_v his_o fondness_n for_o life_n and_o make_v he_o welcome_a death_n whenever_o god_n please_v to_o send_v it_o let_v we_o then_o brief_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o 1._o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o trouble_n and_o disorder_n which_o may_v make_v a_o wiseman_n willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o the_o external_a enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o trouble_n of_o it_o and_o make_v he_o think_v those_o man_n happy_a who_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o this_o world_n or_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v into_o it_o king_n solomon_n the_o preacher_n give_v we_o two_o account_n of_o this_o the_o first_o before_o the_o second_o immediate_o after_o this_o text._n in_o the_o one_a verse_n he_o tell_v we_o so_o i_o return_v and_o consider_v all_o the_o oppression_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n and_o behold_v the_o tear_n of_o such_o as_o be_v oppress_v and_o they_o have_v no_o comforter_n and_o on_o the_o side_n of_o their_o oppressor_n there_o be_v power_n but_o they_o have_v no_o comforter_n and_o hence_o he_o conclude_v wherefore_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a that_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n who_o be_v yet_o alive_a which_o signify_v the_o public_a oppression_n either_o of_o the_o supreme_a power_n or_o of_o subordinate_a magistrate_n the_o second_o relate_v to_o private_a faction_n envy_n emulation_n which_o many_o time_n make_v life_n as_o uneasy_a as_o the_o public_a miscarriage_n of_o government_n again_o i_o consider_v all_o travel_n and_o every_o right_a work_n that_o for_o this_o a_o man_n be_v envy_v of_o his_o neighbour_n this_o be_v also_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n v_o 4._o these_o two_o contain_v most_o of_o those_o evil_n in_o they_o which_o disturb_v and_o distract_v human_a life_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o discourse_v this_o matter_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o method_n but_o shall_v beg_v leave_n to_o give_v you_o a_o short_a view_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o may_v make_v a_o man_n who_o consult_v only_o his_o own_o ease_n very_o content_v to_o slip_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o leave_v foolish_a mortal_n to_o end_v the_o scuffle_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v in_o a_o strong_a convulsion_n assault_v by_o powerful_a enemy_n abroad_o and_o divide_v by_o busy_a and_o restless_a faction_n at_o home_n when_o man_n live_v in_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o suspense_n know_v not_o what_o to_o call_v their_o own_o nor_o how_o long_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o when_o some_o man_n think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o ruin_v themselves_o their_o country_n and_o their_o religion_n other_o will_v sacrifice_v their_o country_n and_o consequent_o themselves_o too_o to_o private_a ambition_n resentment_n or_o revenge_n and_o try_v their_o fortune_n over_o again_o in_o some_o new_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o government_n when_o such_o public_a dispute_n as_o these_o influence_n all_o inferior_a society_n and_o as_o sometime_o they_o have_v do_v corrupt_v public_a justice_n dissolve_v the_o most_o intimate_v friendship_n make_v conversation_n uneasy_a or_o dangerous_a set_v every_o man_n sword_n or_o which_o be_v almost_o as_o fatal_a every_o man_n tongue_n against_o his_o brother_n when_o no_o man_n fame_n no_o man_n life_n be_v secure_a but_o a_o slander_v tongue_n may_v blast_v one_o and_o a_o perjure_a tongue_n destroy_v the_o other_o when_o zeal_n and_o faction_n make_v character_n of_o man_n dispose_n of_o life_n of_o honour_n of_o estate_n and_o religion_n itself_o serve_v for_o little_a else_o but_o to_o inspire_v man_n with_o zeal_n and_o faction_n when_o we_o can_v live_v in_o the_o world_n without_o see_v or_o hear_v or_o feel_v ten_o thousand_o villainy_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o it_o what_o shall_v make_v any_o man_n fond_a of_o life_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o come_v to_o good_a old_a simeon_n nunc_fw-la dimittis_fw-la lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n such_o a_o troublesome_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n must_v needs_o make_v all_o consider_v man_n think_v of_o a_o better_a and_o as_o glad_a to_o get_v out_o of_o this_o as_o a_o mariner_n be_v to_o recover_v the_o haven_n after_o a_o violent_a storm_n at_o sea_n thus_o i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o present_a advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o life_n for_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o care_n strife_n and_o contention_n oppression_n injustice_n defamation_n etc._n