94._o psalm_n 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o yet_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o see_v neither_o shall_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_v it_o understand_v you_o brutish_a among_o the_o people_n and_o you_o fool_n when_o will_v you_o be_v wise_a he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v and_o he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v he_o that_o chastise_v the_o heathen_a shall_v not_o he_o correct_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v man_n knowledge_n shall_v not_o he_o know_v the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v vanity_n so_o that_o these_o man_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o if_o god_n do_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v reward_v man_n according_o and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n by_o his_o see_v and_o observe_v the_o action_n of_o man_n 31._o job_n 4._o do_v not_o he_o see_v my_o way_n and_o count_v all_o my_o step_n 33._o psal._n 18_o 19_o behold_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o upon_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v to_o protect_v they_o and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o as_o it_o follow_v to_o deliver_v their_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o alive_a in_o famine_n and_o therefore_o when_o good_a man_n pray_v for_o help_n and_o succour_n they_o only_o beg_v god_n to_o see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o condition_n 1._o lam._n 11._o see_v o_o lord_n and_o consider_v for_o i_o be_o become_v vile_a 64._o isa._n 9_o behold_v see_v we_o beseech_v thou_o we_o be_v all_o thy_o people_n thus_o in_o hezekiah_n be_v prayer_n incline_v thy_o ear_n o_o lord_n and_o hear_v open_v thy_o eye_n o_o lord_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v all_o the_o word_n of_o senacherib_n which_o have_v send_v to_o reproach_v the_o live_a god_n and_o therefore_o god_n see_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n that_o he_o will_v reward_v or_o punish_v 10._o psalm_n 14._o thou_o have_v see_v it_o for_o thou_o behold_v mischief_n and_o spite_n to_o requite_v it_o with_o thy_o hand_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n who_o see_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v authority_n to_o reward_n and_o punish_v but_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o and_o if_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n be_v resolve_v into_o god_n know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n the_o dispute_n will_v be_v soon_o end_v for_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a omnipresent_v mind_n can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n as_o the_o psalmist_n elegant_o express_v it_o 139._o psalm_n 1._o 13._o o_o lord_n thou_o have_v search_v i_o and_o know_v i_o thou_o know_v my_o down-sitting_a and_o my_o uprising_n thou_o understand_v my_o thought_n afar_o off_o thou_o compasse_v my_o path_n and_o my_o lie_v down_o and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o my_o way_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o my_o tongue_n but_o lo_o o_o lord_n thou_o know_v it_o altogether_o thou_o have_v beset_v i_o hehind_v and_o before_o and_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o i_o such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v too_o high_a i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n behold_v thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o if_o i_o say_v sure_o the_o darkness_n shall_v cover_v i_o even_o the_o night_n shall_v be_v light_n about_o i_o yea_o the_o darkness_n hide_v not_o from_o thou_o but_o the_o night_n shine_v as_o the_o day_n the_o darkness_n and_o the_o light_n be_v both_o alike_o to_o thou_o for_o thou_o have_v possess_v my_o reins_o thou_o have_v cover_v i_o in_o my_o mother_n womb_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o omnipresent_v mind_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n or_o that_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v present_a with_o all_o his_o creature_n or_o that_o be_v present_a and_o see_v all_o their_o action_n he_o shall_v be_v a_o idle_a and_o unconcerned_a spectator_n four_o for_o i_o think_v in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v pass_v all_o dispute_n that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n can_v be_v unconcern_v for_o his_o creature_n he_o have_v implant_v in_o most_o creature_n a_o natural_a care_n of_o their_o offspring_n and_o it_o be_v make_v a_o argument_n of_o want_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o ostrich_n that_o she_o leave_v her_o egg_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o warm_v they_o in_o the_o dust_n and_o forget_v that_o the_o foot_n may_v crush_v they_o or_o that_o the_o wild_a best_n may_v break_v they_o she_o be_v harden_v against_o her_o young_a one_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o she_o her_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a without_o fear_n because_o god_n have_v deprive_v she_o of_o wisdom_n neither_o have_v he_o impart_v to_o her_o understanding_n 39_o job_n 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o can_v we_o think_v then_o that_o a_o infinite_o wise_a be_v shall_v be_v as_o unconcerned_a for_o the_o world_n as_o the_o ostrich_n be_v for_o her_o egg_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o sluggish_a unactive_a be_v for_o to_o make_v a_o world_n be_v a_o work_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o divine_a art_n and_o power_n and_o not_o only_o to_o give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o be_v itself_o a_o act_n of_o excellent_a goodness_n but_o there_o be_v so_o many_o legible_a character_n of_o a_o divine_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n stamp_v upon_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o must_v conclude_v the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o infinite_o good_a be_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a be_v who_o be_v a_o pure_a act_n and_o perfect_a life_n can_v cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o his_o creature_n beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n natural_a affection_n will_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o forget_v their_o child_n and_o though_o god_n have_v no_o superior_a his_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o law_n to_o himself_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o necessary_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n infer_v a_o providence_n and_o therefore_o no_o philosopher_n except_v epicurus_n and_o his_o sect_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n 2._o ever_o deny_v a_o providence_n and_o tully_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o god_n but_o destroy_v his_o be_v 2._o the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n conclude_v a_o providence_n from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o tell_v we_o that_o providence_n signify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n ibid._n and_o those_o philosopher_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o calling_n god_n providence_n and_o fate_n 1._o and_o the_o power_n of_o a_o eternal_a and_o perpetual_a law_n for_o indeed_o mankind_n have_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v ibid._n who_o make_v and_o who_o govern_v the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o notion_n which_o the_o philosopher_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n defend_v against_o epicurus_n and_o other_o atheist_n ibid._n this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n which_o atheist_n oppose_v the_o god_n who_o they_o fear_v a_o eternal_a lord_n who_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o think_v himself_o concern_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o dispute_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o principal_o resolve_v itself_o into_o this_o whether_o this_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v make_v and_o govern_v by_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n or_o by_o chance_n and_o a_o blind_a material_a necessity_n and_o fate_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o god_n include_v a_o providence_n or_o else_o either_o to_o prove_v or_o to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n will_v neither_o prove_v nor_o overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v very_o plain_a that_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 if_o the_o beauty_n variery_a usefulness_n and_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o the_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
protection_n what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o man_n whatever_o their_o power_n how_o furious_a soever_o their_o passion_n be_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o man_n and_o to_o depend_v on_o their_o favour_n for_o they_o can_v neither_o do_v good_a nor_o hurt_n but_o as_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a object_n of_o our_o fear_n and_o trust_v if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o if_o we_o make_v he_o our_o enemy_n who_o can_v save_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n so_o that_o we_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o we_o be_v safe_a let_v we_o make_v god_n our_o friend_n and_o he_o will_v raise_v we_o up_o friend_n and_o patron_n and_o protector_n will_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n or_o make_v our_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o we_o second_o have_v thus_o explain_v god_n government_n of_o cause_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v his_o government_n of_o event_n and_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v i_o that_o if_o all_o those_o cause_n by_o which_o all_o event_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v be_v govern_v by_o god_n god_n must_v also_o have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n but_o yet_o the_o government_n of_o cause_n and_o of_o event_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n and_o to_o represent_v this_o as_o plain_o and_o familiar_o as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v 1._o show_v you_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o event_n when_o i_o attribute_v the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n to_o god_n 2._o wherein_o god_n government_n of_o event_n consist_v 3._o the_o difference_n between_o god_n absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n and_o necessity_n and_o fate_n 4._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 1._o what_o i_o mean_v by_o event_n now_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v may_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n be_v call_v a_o event_n and_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o under_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n as_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n be_v but_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o god_n government_n of_o event_n i_o mean_v only_o such_o event_n as_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v god_n do_n as_o be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o happen_v to_o private_a man_n or_o to_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n in_o this_o world_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v be_v not_o god_n do_v for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o evil_a every_o day_n commit_v which_o god_n do_v not_o order_n and_o appoint_v to_o be_v do_v but_o have_v express_o forbid_v the_o do_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o happen_v to_o any_o man_n or_o to_o any_o society_n of_o man_n but_o what_o god_n order_n and_o appoint_v for_o they_o and_o this_o be_v god_n government_n of_o all_o event_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o providence_n to_o allot_v all_o man_n their_o fortune_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n to_o dispense_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o take_v care_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v receive_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o from_o the_o hand_n and_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n necessary_o suppose_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v or_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n for_o unless_o providence_n be_v concern_v to_o take_v care_n that_o no_o man_n be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a but_o as_o they_o deserve_v which_o can_v be_v without_o the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a the_o many_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o uncertain_a change_n and_o turn_n of_o fortune_n can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n and_o indeed_o be_v not_o this_o the_o case_n providence_n will_v be_v so_o insignificant_a a_o name_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o dispute_v for_o or_o against_o it_o for_o a_o providence_n which_o neither_o can_v do_v we_o good_a nor_o hurt_n or_o which_o can_v always_o and_o in_o all_o case_n do_v it_o be_v worth_a nothing_o or_o worth_n no_o more_o than_o it_o can_v do_v good_a or_o hurt_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o do_v or_o can_v befall_v man_n or_o kingdom_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o providence_n and_o promise_v or_o threaten_v by_o god_n as_o man_n shall_v deserve_v either_o such_o as_o length_n of_o day_n or_o a_o sudden_a and_o untimely_a death_n health_n or_o sickness_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n riches_n or_o poverty_n plenty_n or_o famine_n war_n or_o peace_n the_o change_a time_n and_o season_n the_o remove_a king_n and_o set_v up_o king_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o such_o event_n as_o these_o whatever_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o they_o be_v god_n be_v say_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o 2_o but_o we_o shall_v better_o understand_v this_o by_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n government_n now_o god_n government_n of_o event_n consist_v in_o order_v and_o appoint_v whatever_o good_a or_o evil_n shall_v befall_v man_n for_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v attribute_v such_o a_o government_n to_o god_n as_o make_v all_o these_o event_n his_o will_n and_o do_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v his_o will_n and_o do_v but_o what_o he_o will_v and_o order_n some_o man_n think_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o god_n permit_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v but_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o god_n will_n and_o order_n and_o appoint_v it_o which_o they_o be_v afraid_a will_v charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o true_o so_o it_o will_v do_v god_n order_n and_o appoint_v the_o evil_a to_o be_v do_v but_o though_o god_n order_n and_o appoint_v what_o evil_n every_o man_n shall_v suffer_v he_o order_n and_o appoint_v no_o man_n to_o do_v the_o evil_a he_o only_o permit_v some_o man_n to_o do_v mischief_n and_o appoint_v who_o shall_v suffer_v by_o it_o which_o be_v the_o short_a resolution_n of_o this_o case_n to_o attribute_v the_o evil_n which_o some_o man_n suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n mere_o to_o god_n permission_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o government_n of_o providence_n for_o bare_a permission_n be_v not_o government_n and_o those_o evil_n which_o god_n permit_v but_o do_v not_o order_n can_v be_v call_v his_o will_n and_o do_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n most_o of_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n suffer_v befall_v they_o without_o god_n will_n and_o appointment_n and_o yet_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n do_v to_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v necessary_o distinguish_v between_o the_o evil_n man_n do_v and_o the_o evil_n they_o suffer_v the_o first_o god_n permit_v and_o direct_v the_o second_o he_o order_n and_o appoint_v how_o god_n govern_v man_n heart_n and_o action_n i_o have_v already_o explain_v and_o this_o be_v the_o place_n to_o consider_v god_n permission_n of_o evil_a for_o permission_n relate_v to_o action_n man_n own_o wicked_a heart_n conceive_v and_o form_v wicked_a design_n and_o they_o execute_v they_o by_o god_n permission_n but_o no_o man_n suffer_v by_o they_o but_o by_o god_n appointment_n god_n care_n of_o his_o creature_n require_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o god_n order_n for_o he_o and_o if_o such_o suffering_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a how_o wicked_a soever_o the_o cause_n be_v it_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o providence_n to_o order_n and_o appoint_v they_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v forfeit_v his_o life_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n to_o providence_n or_o though_o he_o have_v make_v no_o criminal_a forfeiture_n of_o it_o yet_o god_n see_v fit_a for_o other_o wise_a reason_n to_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o reduce_v he_o to_o poverty_n and_o contempt_n be_v it_o any_o fault_n in_o providence_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o murderer_n oppressor_n slanderer_n who_o be_v very_o forward_o to_o execute_v such_o decree_n when_o providence_n take_v off_o the_o restraint_n and_o set_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o deserve_v
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 it_o without_o do_v any_o real_a injury_n to_o his_o creature_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v very_o great_a and_o excellent_a reason_n for_o do_v this_o and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n require_v that_o such_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v great_o support_v under_o their_o suffering_n and_o great_o reward_v for_o they_o but_o then_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n give_v he_o authority_n to_o use_v the_o service_n of_o his_o creature_n in_o do_v or_o suffer_v his_o will._n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o job_n who_o god_n exercise_v with_o great_a suffering_n to_o make_v he_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n but_o we_o know_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o job_n and_o how_o great_o god_n reward_v his_o suffering_n though_o job_n himself_o while_o he_o be_v under_o these_o suffering_n know_v not_o what_o other_o account_n to_o give_v of_o they_o but_o to_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n the_o 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
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
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 the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o evil_n and_o madness_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n while_o they_o live_v and_o after_o that_o they_o go_v to_o the_o dead_a 3._o v._n but_o those_o who_o consider_v wise_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o external_a event_n from_o such_o a_o promiscuous_a distribution_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n either_o to_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n since_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o state_n be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o which_o they_o serve_v it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n to_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o correct_v and_o punish_v and_o to_o cure_v our_o discontent_n at_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o what_o be_v good_a in_o such_o a_o state_n man_n have_v sin_v and_o man_n must_v die_v but_o god_n have_v in_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o mankind_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n who_o by_o death_n have_v destroy_v he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n this_o remove_v the_o scene_n of_o happiness_n from_o this_o world_n to_o the_o next_o and_o make_v this_o present_a life_n only_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n for_o eternity_n if_o we_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o imitate_v his_o example_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o raise_v we_o again_o when_o our_o dead_a body_n be_v putrify_v in_o the_o grave_a into_o immortal_a life_n but_o have_v threaten_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o eternal_a death_n against_o incorrigible_a sinner_n so_o that_o the_o great_a good_a that_o god_n or_o man_n can_v do_v for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v 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 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preserve_v a_o man_n from_o the_o press_a want_n and_o necessity_n of_o poverty_n other_o who_o do_v not_o make_v themselves_o poor_a by_o their_o own_o sin_n be_v many_o time_n reduce_v to_o great_a poverty_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n by_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o violence_n by_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o war_n which_o bring_v a_o thousand_o evil_n with_o it_o which_o make_v many_o helpless_a widow_n and_o orphan_n deprive_v man_n of_o their_o patron_n and_o benefactor_n drive_v other_o from_o their_o plentiful_a fortune_n to_o seek_v their_o bread_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n plunder_v poor_a and_o rich_a lay_v a_o flourish_a country_n desolate_a put_v a_o stop_n to_o trade_n make_v provision_n dear_a and_o leave_v no_o work_n for_o the_o poor_a some_o other_o be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n more_o immediate_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n without_o their_o own_o fault_n those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o support_n but_o their_o daily_a labour_n be_v 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the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n if_o they_o suffer_v want_v the_o poverty_n they_o suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o want_n and_o misery_n they_o suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o sin_n to_o the_o uncharitableness_n of_o man_n for_o though_o the_o world_n be_v unequal_o divide_v of_o which_o more_o present_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n shall_v want_v necessary_n that_o one_o man_n plenty_n and_o abundance_n shall_v cause_v another_o man_n to_o starve_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o misery_n of_o life_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o mankind_n which_o make_v they_o miserable_a which_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o one_o who_o will_v consider_v it_o that_o i_o need_v not_o expatiate_v on_o every_o particular_a i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v confess_v that_o be_v all_o man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a this_o world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a happy_a place_n and_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_n and_o sociable_a virtue_n will_v make_v mankind_n happy_a it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o guess_v what_o it_o be_v that_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o reproach_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o those_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o mankind_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o most_o man_n make_v themselves_o miserable_a it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o defend_v and_o justify_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o these_o evil_n which_o man_n complain_v of_o be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o providence_n and_o therefore_o be_v un_o unreasonable_a objection_n against_o providence_n god_n do_v not_o bring_v these_o evil_n upon_o mankind_n but_o man_n bring_v they_o upon_o themselves_o suppose_v the_o 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what_o follow_v these_o evil_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o providence_n because_o providence_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o no_o more_o than_o providence_n make_v man_n wicked_a man_n make_v themselves_o wicked_a and_o wickedness_n make_v they_o miserable_a and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o with_o those_o misery_n which_o their_o own_o wickedness_n bring_v upon_o they_o now_o since_o most_o of_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o providence_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o those_o very_a evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v for_o 1._o god_n have_v in_o ordinary_a case_n put_v it_o into_o every_o man_n power_n to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o most_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o misery_n of_o life_n even_o from_o all_o those_o which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o than_o this_o for_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o make_v it_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o his_o own_o power_n whether_o he_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a god_n have_v not_o only_o in_o his_o law_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n set_v before_o we_o life_n and_o death_n happiness_n and_o misery_n all_o man_n see_v what_o the_o visible_a and_o natural_a punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v and_o have_v a_o natural_a aversion_n to_o those_o evil_n and_o may_v avoid_v they_o if_o they_o will_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o in_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o those_o natural_a evil_n which_o attend_v it_o but_o also_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o show_v man_n a_o plain_a and_o natural_a method_n how_o to_o avoid_v the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o easy_a and_o
meaning_n of_o it_o from_o what_o noah_n have_v often_o tell_v they_o and_o this_o must_v needs_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o terrible_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o the_o flood_n give_v they_o some_o time_n to_o repent_v in_o and_o to_o beg_v god_n pardon_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o make_v a_o glorious_a representation_n both_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o most_o terrible_a judgement_n that_o ever_o be_v execute_v upon_o the_o world_n if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v as_o there_o want_v not_o some_o fair_a appearance_n of_o it_o that_o god_n intend_v the_o deluge_n as_o well_o to_o convince_v and_o save_v all_o that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o old_a world_n as_o to_o reform_v the_o new_a thus_o since_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o preserve_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o three_o son_n to_o destroy_v the_o 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but_o four_o man_n in_o it_o the_o whole_a earth_n will_v quick_o have_v be_v possess_v by_o wild_a and_o savage_a creature_n which_o will_v have_v make_v it_o a_o very_a unsafe_a habitation_n for_o man_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n the_o sum_n of_o it_o in_o short_a be_v this_o when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n be_v grow_v universal_a and_o incurable_a it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o corrupt_a state_n and_o to_o propagate_v a_o new_a race_n of_o man_n from_o a_o righteous_a stock_n and_o to_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o last_a belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o with_o a_o religious_a awe_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o power_n to_o this_o end_n he_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n with_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o ark_n which_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n imaginable_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n which_o bring_v a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o old_a world_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o preserve_v noah_n from_o the_o common_a ruin_n we_o see_v in_o this_o example_n that_o number_n be_v no_o defence_n against_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o therefore_o no_o security_n to_o sinner_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n god_n destroy_v they_o all_o nay_o we_o see_v that_o the_o more_o wickedness_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n the_o near_a it_o be_v to_o destruction_n that_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reasonable_a temptation_n and_o encouragement_n to_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v a_o fair_a warning_n to_o consider_v man_n to_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o a_o wicked_a world_n by_o a_o exemplary_a virtue_n that_o god_n may_v distinguish_v they_o also_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n which_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n show_v to_o be_v very_o near_o and_o it_o 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and_o raise_v a_o expectation_n even_o among_o the_o roman_n of_o some_o great_a prince_n who_o be_v to_o rise_v in_o the_o east_n as_o tacitus_n observe_v and_o though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o reform_v nation_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o make_v a_o great_a many_o private_a convert_v who_o secret_o forsake_v the_o idolatry_n of_o their_o country_n and_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v it_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o we_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v wise_o design_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o some_o few_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o we_o know_v may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o on_o the_o famous_a day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v on_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o visible_a appearance_n of_o cleave_a tongue_n like_o as_o of_o fire_n there_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n great_a number_n not_o only_o of_o jew_n but_o of_o proselyte_n 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these_o last_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o circumcise_a proselyte_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v some_o learned_a man_n there_o be_v frequent_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o in_o scripture_n under_o the_o name_n of_o worship_v greek_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o those_o which_o fear_v god_n when_o saint_n paul_n preach_v at_o thessalonica_n there_o consort_v with_o paul_n and_o silas_n of_o the_o devout_a greek_n a_o great_a multitude_n 17._o act_n 24._o the_o very_a name_n of_o greek_n prove_v they_o to_o be_v gentile_n not_o jew_n who_o be_v always_o distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d devout_a or_o worship_a greek_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o that_o title_n be_v never_o give_v in_o scripture_n to_o idolater_n and_o their_o frequent_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n sufficient_o prove_v it_o for_o no_o gentile_n resort_v thither_o but_o those_o who_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n of_o this_o number_n be_v lydia_n 16._o act_n 14._o and_o cornelius_n the_o roman_a centurion_n who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o devout_a man_n and_o one_o who_o fear_v god_n himself_o but_o all_o his_o family_n be_v so_o too_o 10._o act_n 2._o and_o the_o eunuch_n 8._o act_n 27._o and_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n where_o st._n paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n we_o find_v great_a number_n of_o these_o worship_a gentile_n at_o thessalonica_n and_o philippi_n as_o you_o have_v see_v at_o corinth_n 18._o act_n 4._o at_o antioch_n of_o pisidia_n 13._o act_n 43._o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o other_o place_n which_o show_v what_o a_o great_a effect_n the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o all_o these_o country_n have_v in_o make_v proselyte_n some_o to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o many_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n which_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n when_o 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gentile_n that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ready_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a life_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n who_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n to_o consider_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n relate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o concern_v my_o present_a argument_n but_o if_o we_o take_v a_o brief_a review_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n for_o he_o come_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o world_n be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v he_o for_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n who_o complain_v that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v 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the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n all_o true_o good_a man_n be_v save_v by_o christ_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o more_o to_o recommend_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o seem_v very_o congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o all_o other_o method_n shall_v be_v first_o try_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o mankind_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o world_n be_v best_o prepare_v to_o receive_v he_o and_o as_o little_a as_o we_o understand_v of_o the_o unsearchable_a counsel_n of_o god_n it_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o upon_o both_o these_o account_v christ_n appear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v the_o only_a probable_a mean_n of_o restore_a piety_n and_o virtue_n 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