there_o be_v a_o power_n and_o therefore_o a_o god_n above_o they_o all_o who_o all_o mankind_n ought_v to_o fear_v and_o worship_n this_o convince_v nabuchadnezzar_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o have_v deliver_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a from_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n 29._o he_o make_v a_o decree_n that_o every_o people_n nation_n and_o langage_fw-fr which_o speak_v amiss_o against_o the_o god_n of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a shall_v be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o their_o house_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o dunghill_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n that_o can_v deliver_v after_o this_o sort_n thus_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n den_n darius_n make_v a_o decree_n 27._o that_o in_o every_o dominion_n of_o his_o kingdom_n man_n shall_v tremble_v and_o fear_v before_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n for_o he_o be_v the_o live_a god_n and_o steadfast_a for_o ever_o and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v and_o his_o dominion_n shall_v be_v even_o unto_o the_o end_n he_o deliver_v and_o rescue_v and_o work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n who_o have_v deliver_v daniel_n from_o ihe_a power_n of_o the_o lion_n both_o these_o king_n be_v convince_v by_o these_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o supreme_a god_n but_o nebuchadnezzar_n decree_n only_o forbid_v man_n to_o blaspheme_v god_n darius_n seem_v to_o command_v all_o people_n to_o worship_v he_o for_o to_o tremble_v and_o fear_v before_o he_o signify_v a_o religious_a veneration_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o appoint_v any_o solemn_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v he_o much_o less_o do_v they_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o any_o other_o go_n but_o a_o little_a consideration_n will_v have_v carry_v they_o far_o for_o those_o mighty_a work_n which_o prove_v a_o power_n superior_a to_o all_o god_n prove_v a_o sovereign_a providence_n too_o that_o this_o supreme_a god_n have_v not_o so_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o any_o minister_n or_o inferior_a deity_n but_o that_o he_o reserve_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n 35_o as_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v convince_v that_o his_o dominion_n be_v a_o everlasting_a dominion_n and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v repute_v as_o nothing_o and_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 and_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 this_o cut_v off_o all_o reasonable_a pretence_n of_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o their_o country-goods_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a power_n and_o providence_n over_o they_o at_o most_o they_o can_v be_v only_a minister_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o title_n to_o divine_a honour_n no_o more_o than_o minister_n of_o state_n have_v to_o the_o royal_a dignity_n and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v this_o when_o they_o see_v that_o this_o supreme_a god_n will_v not_o suffer_v israel_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o worship_v any_o other_o god_n beside_o himself_o this_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o be_v more_o manifest_a in_o after-age_n when_o god_n so_o severe_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o darius_n when_o god_n deliver_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n out_o of_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o and_o deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lion_n when_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n for_o pray_v to_o his_o god_n this_o show_v the_o strange_a power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o custom_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v wise_o design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n have_v thus_o vindicate_v and_o explain_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o egypt_n and_o the_o hard_a bondage_n they_o suffer_v there_o and_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n let_v we_o now_o follow_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n god_n have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n before_o he_o show_v they_o open_o to_o the_o world_n under_o such_o a_o peculiar_a character_n it_o be_v necessary_a first_o to_o form_v their_o manner_n to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o shall_v own_v he_o for_o their_o god_n and_o behave_v themselves_o as_o it_o become_v so_o glorious_a a_o relation_n this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v in_o egypt_n where_o they_o be_v oppress_v by_o hard_a bondage_n and_o therefore_o god_n first_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n remote_a from_o the_o conversation_n of_o all_o other_o people_n and_o upon_o all_o account_v a_o fit_a place_n both_o to_o instruct_v and_o try_v they_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mystical_a reason_n of_o those_o various_a providence_n with_o which_o god_n exercise_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o often_o refer_v and_o which_o they_o apply_v to_o the_o gospel-state_n but_o shall_v only_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a conduct_n of_o that_o people_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v own_v before_o all_o the_o world_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n they_o have_v live_v two_o hundred_o year_n in_o egypt_n and_o be_v tincture_v with_o the_o idolatry_n and_o have_v learn_v the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o that_o people_n and_o have_v all_o that_o meanness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o perverseness_n of_o humour_n that_o a_o state_n of_o servitude_n and_o bondage_n be_v apt_a to_o create_v of_o which_o we_o have_v too_o many_o visible_a instance_n in_o their_o behaviour_n towards_o moses_n all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v correct_v before_o their_o entrance_n into_o canaan_n which_o will_v give_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o some_o very_a wonderful_a providence_n the_o first_o remarkable_a thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v god_n deliver_v the_o law_n to_o they_o with_o all_o the_o most_o formidable_a solemnity_n in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o mount_n sinai_n which_o moses_n tell_v they_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o know_v before_o 33._o since_o the_o day_n that_o god_n create_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n do_v ever_o people_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n as_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o live_v and_o the_o 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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
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 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_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
and_o in_o annex_v such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o observation_n or_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n as_o may_v reasonable_o invite_v he_o to_o obedience_n and_o deter_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o as_o this_o degenerate_a state_n require_v in_o lay_v such_o external_a restraint_n on_o he_o and_o afford_v he_o such_o internal_a assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v proportion_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v it_o become_v god_n to_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o reward_v or_o punish_v he_o as_o he_o deserve_v for_o a_o force_a virtue_n deserve_v no_o reward_n and_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v will_v reasonable_o excuse_v from_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n represent_v it_o as_o very_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o deserve_v reward_n or_o punishment_n as_o far_o as_o he_o himself_o be_v only_o concern_v in_o it_o but_o when_o we_o consider_v man_n in_o society_n the_o case_n be_v alter_v for_o when_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o their_o action_n extend_v beyond_o themselves_o to_o do_v good_a or_o hurt_n to_o other_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n become_v concern_v either_o to_o hinder_v or_o to_o permit_v and_o order_v it_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o government_n as_o those_o other_o man_n who_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o better_a or_o the_o worse_a for_o it_o have_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o of_o god_n though_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o free_a agent_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o he_o have_v make_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o he_o himself_o can_v govern_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o that_o god_n can_v when_o he_o please_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n turn_v man_n heart_n and_o chain_v up_o their_o passion_n and_o alter_v their_o counsel_n the_o only_a question_n be_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o do_v this_o and_o no_o man_n can_v question_v the_o fitness_n of_o it_o when_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o god_n make_v no_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a virtuous_a or_o vicious_a by_o a_o perpetual_a and_o irresistible_a force_n for_o this_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o require_v a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o choice_n but_o god_n may_v by_o a_o secret_a and_o irresistible_a influence_n upon_o man_n mind_n even_o force_v they_o to_o do_v that_o good_a which_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o do_v and_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v that_o evil_a which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v which_o do_v not_o make_v they_o good_a man_n but_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v good_a to_o man_n and_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o creature_n may_v when_o he_o see_v fit_a press_v those_o man_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v to_o his_o service_n who_o will_v not_o do_v good_a upon_o choice_n this_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o government_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n the_o first_o have_v relation_n to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n to_o make_v man_n good_a to_o change_v their_o nature_n and_o sinful_a inclination_n into_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o admit_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n respect_v the_o external_a happiness_n or_o misery_n reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o man_n or_o nation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n god_n may_v use_v what_o instrument_n he_o please_v and_o exercise_v such_o authority_n over_o nature_n or_o man_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n of_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v this_o distinction_n because_o the_o confound_a these_o two_o have_v occasion_v great_a difficulty_n and_o mistake_n both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n let_v we_o then_o now_o more_o particular_o consider_v how_o god_n govern_v mankind_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a and_o we_o must_v not_o expectful_o to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n government_n but_o something_o we_o may_v know_v of_o this_o enough_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o reverence_n god_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o to_o vindicate_v his_o providence_n from_o the_o cavil_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v useful_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o two_o general_a head_n 1._o the_o government_n of_o man_n mind_n of_o their_o will_n their_o passion_n and_o counsel_n 2._o the_o government_n of_o their_o action_n 1._o god_n government_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n their_o will_n and_o passion_n and_o counsel_n for_o these_o be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o as_o free_v a_o principle_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v it_o be_v not_o ungovernable_a it_o may_v be_v govern_v and_o that_o without_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n against_o its_o own_o bias_n and_o without_o change_v its_o inclination_n and_o what_o may_v be_v do_v certain_o god_n can_v do_v and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o providence_n we_o may_v conclude_v he_o will_v do_v it_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o bend_v upon_o any_o project_n yet_o hope_v or_o fear_n some_o present_a great_a advantage_n or_o great_a inconvenience_n the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o friend_n a_o sudden_a change_n of_o circumstance_n the_o improbability_n of_o success_n the_o irreparable_a mischief_n of_o a_o defeat_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o consideration_n will_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o god_n to_o imprint_v such_o thought_n upon_o man_n mind_n with_o a_o irresistible_a vigour_n and_o brightness_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o than_o to_o resist_v all_o the_o charm_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n than_o to_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o to_o choose_v misery_n and_o ruin_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o 21._o prov._n 1_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n he_o turn_v it_o whither_o soever_o he_o will_v and_o if_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o he_o have_v all_o other_o man_n heart_n in_o his_o hand_n also_o and_o can_v turn_v and_o change_v they_o as_o he_o please_v thus_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o a_o man_n heart_n devise_v his_o way_n but_o the_o lord_n direct_v his_o step_n 16._o prov._n 9_o man_n consult_v and_o advise_v what_o to_o do_v but_o after_o all_o god_n steer_v and_o direct_v they_o which_o way_n he_o please_v for_o though_o there_o be_v many_o device_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n nevertheless_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v 19_o prov._n 21._o which_o make_v the_o wise_a man_n conclude_v man_n go_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n how_o then_o shall_v a_o man_n understand_v his_o own_o way_n 20._o prov._n 24._o that_o be_v god_n have_v such_o a_o absolute_a government_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o action_n of_o man_n when_o his_o providence_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o event_n that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o know_v what_o he_o himself_o shall_v choose_v and_o do_v for_o god_n can_v in_o a_o instant_n alter_v his_o mind_n and_o make_v he_o steer_v a_o very_a different_a course_n from_o what_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n assure_v we_o i_o know_v that_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n 10._o jer_n 23._o and_o solomon_n tell_v we_o something_o more_o strange_a than_o this_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o man_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n 16._o prov._n 1._o or_o as_o the_o hebrew_n seem_v to_o signify_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o man_n a_o man_n premeditate_v and_o resolve_v what_o he_o will_v say_v but_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v he_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n please_v which_o say_n must_v not_o be_v expound_v to_o a_o universal_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v always_o thus_o but_o that_o