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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
hand_n good_a king_n lord_n 7,040 5 3.9036 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59814 A discourse concerning the divine providence by William Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1694 (1694) Wing S3286; ESTC R8109 271,248 406

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but_o we_o must_v represent_v god_n to_o our_o mind_n under_o a_o more_o lovely_a and_o charm_a character_n as_o the_o universal_a parent_n who_o have_v a_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a regard_n for_o all_o his_o creature_n who_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n who_o correct_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o proportion_v the_o severity_n of_o his_o discipline_n either_o to_o the_o end_n of_o public_a government_n or_o to_o our_o spiritual_a want_n such_o a_o idea_n of_o providence_n as_o this_o will_v reconcile_v we_o even_o to_o suffering_n when_o we_o know_v they_o be_v good_a for_o we_o and_o intend_v for_o our_o good_a when_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_a hand_n which_o strike_v we_o shall_v kiss_v the_o rod_n and_o submit_v to_o correction_n with_o as_o equal_v a_o mind_n as_o we_o do_v to_o the_o prescription_n of_o a_o physician_n how_o severe_a the_o method_n of_o cure_n 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and_o in_o annex_v such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o observation_n or_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n as_o may_v reasonable_o invite_v he_o to_o obedience_n and_o deter_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o as_o this_o degenerate_a state_n require_v in_o lay_v such_o external_a restraint_n on_o he_o and_o afford_v he_o such_o internal_a assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v proportion_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v it_o become_v god_n to_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o reward_v or_o punish_v he_o as_o he_o deserve_v for_o a_o force_a virtue_n deserve_v no_o reward_n and_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v will_v reasonable_o excuse_v from_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n represent_v it_o as_o very_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o the_o 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the_o enemy_n of_o israel_n or_o be_v he_o slay_v according_a to_o the_o slaughter_n of_o they_o that_o be_v slay_v by_o he_o in_o measure_n when_o it_o shoot_v forth_o will_v thou_o debate_v with_o it_o he_o stay_v his_o rough_a wind_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o east_n wind_n this_o be_v to_o sing_v to_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o learn_v righteousness_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o suffer_v but_o still_o to_o trust_v in_o his_o help_n chap._n ix_o concern_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n i_o have_v now_o finish_v what_o i_o intend_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o justification_n of_o providence_n and_o all_o that_o remain_v be_v to_o explain_v and_o enforce_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n natural_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n there_o be_v no_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n if_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n there_o 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notice_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v and_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n and_o the_o general_a neglect_n of_o this_o make_v we_o defective_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n now_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n you_o must_v confess_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v only_o apply_v the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o providence_n to_o particular_a event_n without_o which_o particular_a application_n the_o general_a belief_n of_o a_o
his_o promise_n do_v honour_n to_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n but_o to_o trust_v god_n to_o choose_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o we_o either_o what_o we_o desire_v or_o what_o he_o like_v better_a argue_v such_o a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n with_o a_o perfect_a assurance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o creature_n can_v express_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o divine_a perfection_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n do_v we_o so_o much_o honour_n by_o take_v our_o word_n for_o what_o we_o express_o promise_v to_o do_v for_o he_o as_o that_o man_n do_v who_o commit_v all_o his_o concernment_n with_o a_o secure_a confidence_n to_o our_o disposal_n without_o know_v what_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v but_o for_o a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o this_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v and_o what_o 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god_n hand_n and_o no_o wise_a man_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o instrument_n be_v they_o never_o so_o good_a but_o in_o the_o workman_n thus_o much_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n must_v necessary_o signify_v that_o we_o have_v no_o reliance_n but_o only_o on_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o depend_v as_o entire_o on_o he_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o second_n and_o intermediate_v cause_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v and_o use_v but_o not_o to_o be_v the_o final_a object_n of_o our_o trust_n 2_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v our_o absolute_a dependence_n on_o the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o it_o be_v a_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n put_v ourselves_o absolute_o into_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o he_o will_v do_v what_o we_o desire_v or_o do_v what_o shall_v be_v better_o for_o we_o that_o he_o will_v answer_v our_o request_n or_o deny_v they_o with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n than_o he_o can_v grant_v they_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v a_o perfect_a trust_n in_o god_n and_o such_o a_o trust_n and_o dependence_n as_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v it_o not_o become_v all_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o secure_o to_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n take_v care_n of_o we_o what_o need_v we_o know_v any_o more_o will_v we_o desire_v any_o thing_n else_o or_o can_v we_o wish_v for_o any_o thing_n better_o than_o what_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n can_v do_v for_o we_o or_o will_v we_o have_v any_o thing_n which_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v we_o this_o indeed_o do_v not_o give_v we_o that_o security_n which_o some_o man_n desire_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o suffer_v those_o particular_a evil_n which_o we_o fear_v and_o which_o we_o see_v come_v upon_o we_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v some_o other_o blessing_n which_o we_o be_v passionate_o fond_a of_o but_o it_o give_v we_o a_o much_o better_a security_n than_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v always_o what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o which_o be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o shall_v god_n always_o grant_v our_o own_o desire_n this_o give_v we_o a_o most_o profound_a rest_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n deliver_v we_o from_o all_o careful_a and_o solicitous_a thought_n for_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v many_o time_n more_o terrible_a than_o the_o evil_n we_o fear_v it_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n with_o the_o best_a prudence_n and_o industry_n we_o can_v but_o to_o leave_v all_o event_n to_o god_n disposal_n to_o make_v know_v our_o request_n to_o god_n and_o to_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o we_o it_o 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disturb_v ourselves_o with_o unknown_a and_o future_a event_n in_o a_o confident_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v safe_a and_o happy_a in_o god_n hand_n 2_o though_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o absolute_a security_n what_o god_n will_v do_v for_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n to_o obtain_v whatever_o we_o wise_o and_o reasonable_o desire_v of_o god_n when_o we_o trust_v in_o god_n he_o reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o but_o if_o what_o we_o desire_v be_v good_a for_o we_o our_o trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n will_v engage_v providence_n on_o our_o side_n trust_v in_o god_n refer_v our_o cause_n to_o he_o to_o judge_v for_o we_o and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o we_o have_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n for_o it_o that_o if_o we_o do_v trust_v in_o he_o he_o will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v want_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a and_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o all_o evil_a 31._o psal._n 21_o 22._o o_o how_o plentiful_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o and_o that_o thou_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n thou_o shall_v hide_v they_o privy_o by_o thy_o own_o presence_n from_o the_o provoke_a of_o all_o man_n thou_o shall_v keep_v they_o secret_o in_o thy_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n thus_o 37._o psal._n 40_o 41._o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o righteous_a come_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v also_o their_o strength_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v stand_v by_o they_o and_o save_v they_o
and_o to_o arbitrate_v the_o difference_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o fate_n of_o man_n and_o kingdom_n and_o if_o god_n govern_v man_n by_o nature_n he_o must_v govern_v nature_n too_o for_o necessary_a cause_n can_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o free_a agent_n without_o the_o direction_n and_o management_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n which_o guide_v exert_n or_o suspend_v the_o influence_n of_o nature_n with_o as_o great_a freedom_n as_o man_n act_n man_n do_v not_o always_o deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o and_o if_o the_o kind_n or_o malign_a influence_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v temper_v to_o man_n desert_n to_o punish_v they_o when_o they_o do_v ill_a and_o to_o reward_v they_o when_o they_o do_v well_o natural_a cause_n which_o of_o themselves_o act_v necessary_o without_o wisdom_n or_o counsel_n must_v be_v guide_v by_o a_o wise_a hand_n thus_o reason_n tell_v we_o it_o must_v be_v if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o god_n challenge_v to_o himself_o this_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a empire_n over_o nature_n god_n have_v bestow_v different_a virtue_n and_o power_n on_o natural_a cause_n and_o in_o ordinary_a case_n make_v use_v of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o neither_o act_n without_o they_o nor_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o make_v some_o unthinking_a man_n resolve_v all_o into_o nature_n without_o a_o god_n or_o a_o providence_n because_o except_v the_o case_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v they_o see_v every_o thing_n else_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n have_v make_v a_o world_n and_o make_v nature_n to_o no_o purpose_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n himself_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n without_o make_v use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o ordinary_a government_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o signify_v to_o act_v without_o it_o or_o to_o over-rule_v its_o power_n but_o to_o steer_v and_o guide_v its_o motion_n to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n for_o as_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o act_v without_o nature_n nor_o against_o its_o law_n so_o neither_o do_v nature_n act_n by_o steady_a and_o uniform_a motion_n without_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n but_o while_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o material_a world_n act_v necessary_o and_o exert_v its_o natural_a power_n god_n can_v temper_v suspend_v direct_v its_o influence_n without_o reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n fire_n and_o water_n wind_n and_o rain_n thunder_n and_o lightning_n have_v their_o natutral_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o natural_a cause_n and_o god_n produce_v such_o effect_n as_o they_o be_v make_v to_o produce_v by_o their_o natural_a power_n he_o warm_v we_o with_o fire_n invigorate_v the_o earth_n by_o the_o benign_a influence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o other_o star_n and_o planet_n refresh_v and_o moisten_v it_o with_o spring_n and_o fountain_n and_o rain_n from_o heaven_n fan_n the_o air_n with_o wind_n and_o purge_v it_o with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o like_a but_o then_o when_o and_o where_o the_o rain_n shall_v fall_v and_o the_o wind_n shall_v blow_v in_o what_o measure_n and_o proportion_n time_n and_o season_n natural_a cause_n shall_v give_v or_o withhold_v their_o influence_n this_o god_n keep_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o can_v govern_v without_o alter_v the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v his_o government_n of_o natural_a cause_n in_o order_n to_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n as_o they_o shall_v deserve_v thus_o god_n reason_n with_o job_n concern_v his_o power_n and_o providence_n 38._o job_n 31_o 32_o etc._n etc._n can_v thou_o bind_v the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o the_o pleyade_n or_o loose_v the_o band_n of_o orion_n can_v thou_o bring_v forth_o mazzaroth_n in_o his_o season_n or_o can_v thou_o guide_v arcturus_n with_o his_o son_n know_v thou_o the_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n or_o can_v thou_o set_v the_o dominion_n thereof_o in_o the_o earth_n can_v thou_o lift_v up_o thy_o voice_n to_o the_o cloud_n that_o abundance_n of_o water_n may_v cover_v thou_o can_v thou_o send_v lightning_n that_o they_o may_v go_v and_o say_v unto_o thou_o here_o we_o be_v this_o be_v above_o human_a power_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o government_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n fire_n and_o hail_n snow_n and_o vapour_n and_o stormy_a wind_n fulfil_v his_o word_n 148._o psal._n 8._o sometime_o god_n restrain_v the_o influence_n of_o nature_n shut_v up_o heaven_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o rain_v 2_o chr._n 7._o 13._o at_o other_o time_n he_o call_v to_o the_o cloud_n that_o abundance_n of_o water_n may_v cover_v the_o earth_n he_o give_v the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a rain_n in_o its_o season_n and_o preserve_v to_o we_o the_o appoint_a week_n of_o harvest_n 5._o jer._n 24_o as_o he_o promise_v to_o israel_n 11_o deut_n 14_o 15._o i_o will_v give_v you_o the_o rain_n of_o your_o land_n in_o his_o due_a season_n the_o first_o rain_n and_o the_o latter_a rain_n that_o thou_o may_v gather_v in_o thy_o corn_n and_o thy_o wine_n and_o thy_o oil_n and_o i_o will_v send_v grass_n in_o thy_o field_n for_o thy_o cattle_n that_o thou_o may_v eat_v and_o be_v full_a he_o prescribe_v in_o what_o proportion_n it_o shall_v rain_v 2._o joel_n 23_o 24._o be_v glad_a you_o child_n of_o zion_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n for_o he_o have_v give_v you_o the_o former_a rain_n moderate_o and_o he_o will_v cause_v to_o come_v down_o for_o you_o the_o former_a rain_n and_o the_o latter_a rain_n in_o the_o first_o month_n nay_o god_n appoint_v on_o what_o place_n it_o shall_v rain_v 34._o ezek._n 26._o and_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o and_o the_o place_n round_o about_o my_o hill_n a_o blessing_n and_o i_o will_v cause_v the_o shower_n to_o come_v down_o in_o his_o season_n there_o shall_v be_v shower_n of_o blessing_n 4._o amos_n 7_o 8._o and_o also_o i_o have_v withhold_v the_o rain_n from_o you_o when_o there_o be_v yet_o three_o month_n to_o the_o harvest_n and_o i_o cause_v it_o to_o rain_v upon_o one_o city_n and_o cause_v it_o not_o to_o rain_v upon_o another_o city_n one_o piece_n be_v rain_v upon_o and_o the_o piece_n whereupon_o it_o rain_v not_o wither_a so_o two_o or_o three_o city_n wander_v to_o one_o city_n to_o drink_v water_n but_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o such_o text_n as_o these_o without_o confess_v that_o god_n keep_v the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o all_o natural_a cause_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o particular_a effect_n and_o all_o the_o change_n of_o nature_n can_v never_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n unless_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n determine_v natural_a cause_n to_o the_o produce_v such_o particular_a effect_n great_a part_n of_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a influence_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o if_o god_n take_v care_n of_o mankind_n he_o must_v govern_v nature_n and_o when_o he_o promise_v health_n and_o plenty_n or_o threaten_v pestilence_n and_o famine_n how_o can_v he_o make_v good_a either_o if_o he_o have_v not_o reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_a power_n over_o nature_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o all_o natural_a cause_n be_v under_o the_o immediate_a and_o absolute_a government_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n keep_v the_o spring_n of_o nature_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o turn_v they_o as_o he_o please_v for_o mere_a matter_n though_o it_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n which_o necessary_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o its_o own_o can_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n without_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o wise_a hand_n and_o we_o see_v in_o a_o thousand_o instance_n what_o a_o empire_n human_a art_n have_v over_o nature_n not_o by_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o human_a art_n can_v never_o do_v but_o by_o such_o a_o skilful_a application_n of_o cause_n as_o will_v produce_v such_o effect_n as_o unguided_a and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v untaught_a nature_n can_v never_o have_v produce_v and_o if_o god_n have_v subject_v material_a nature_n to_o human_a art_n sure_o he_o have_v not_o exempt_v it_o from_o his_o own_o guidance_n and_o power_n this_o show_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o god_n by_o a_o immediate_a providence_n shall_v govern_v nature_n for_o natural_a cause_n be_v excellent_a instrument_n but_o to_o make_v they_o useful_a they_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o a_o skilful_a hand_n and_o those_o various_a change_n which_o be_v in_o nature_n especial_o in_o this_o sublunary_a world_n which_o we_o be_v
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
be_v sure_o put_v to_o death_n and_o if_o a_o man_n lie_v not_o in_o wait_n but_o god_n deliver_v he_o into_o his_o hand_n than_o i_o will_v appoint_v thou_o a_o place_n whither_o he_o shall_v flee_v where_o god_n deliver_v he_o into_o his_o hand_n be_v oppose_v to_o he_o that_o smite_v a_o man_n so_o that_o he_o die_v and_o to_o he_o that_o come_v presumptuous_o upon_o his_o neighbour_n to_o slay_v he_o 15._o verse_n and_o therefore_o signify_v one_o who_o kill_v his_o neighbour_n by_o mere_a accident_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o 19_o deut._n 4_o 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o slayer_n that_o shall_v flee_v thither_o i._n e._n to_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n whoso_o kill_v his_o neighbour_n ignorant_o who_o he_o hate_v not_o in_o time_n past_a as_o when_o a_o man_n go_v into_o the_o wood_n with_o his_o neighbour_n to_o hew_v wood_n and_o his_o hand_n fetch_v a_o stroke_n with_o the_o axe_n to_o cut_v down_o the_o tree_n and_o the_o head_n slip_v from_o the_o helve_z and_o light_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o die_v he_o shall_v flee_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o city_n and_o live_v what_o can_v be_v more_o accidental_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o god_n deliver_v the_o man_n who_o be_v kill_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o that_o kill_v he_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o casual_a than_o a_o lot_n and_o yet_o solomon_n tell_v we_o the_o lot_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lap_n but_o the_o whole_a dispose_n thereof_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n 16._o prov._n 33._o which_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o case_n of_o lot_n but_o to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o nothing_o be_v so_o casual_a and_o uncertain_a as_o to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o disposal_n of_o providence_n for_o what_o seem_v accidental_a to_o we_o be_v not_o chance_n but_o providence_n be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v what_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n have_v decree_v as_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n by_o how_o many_o seem_a accident_n and_o casual_a event_n be_v joseph_n advance_v to_o pharoah_n throne_n his_o dream_n whereby_o god_n foretell_v his_o advancement_n make_v his_o brethren_n envious_a at_o he_o and_o watch_v some_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o he_o and_o so_o confute_v his_o dream_n jacob_n send_v joseph_n to_o visit_v his_o brethren_n in_o the_o field_n where_o they_o be_v keep_v their_o sheep_n this_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o execute_v their_o revenge_n and_o at_o first_o they_o intend_v to_o murder_v he_o but_o the_o ishmaelite_n accidental_o pass_v by_o they_o sell_v joseph_n to_o they_o and_o they_o carry_v he_o into_o egypt_n and_o sell_v he_o to_o potiphar_n potiphar_n wife_n tempt_v he_o to_o uncleanness_n and_o be_v deny_v by_o joseph_n she_o accuse_v he_o to_o his_o lord_n who_o cast_v he_o into_o the_o king_n prison_n whilst_o he_o be_v there_o the_o king_n butler_n and_o baker_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o same_o prison_n and_o dream_v their_o several_a dream_n which_o joseph_n expound_v to_o they_o and_o the_o event_n verify_v his_o interpretation_n the_o butler_n who_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o office_n forget_v joseph_n till_o two_o year_n after_o pharaoh_n dream_v a_o dream_n which_o none_o of_o the_o wiseman_n can_v interpret_v and_o then_o joseph_n be_v send_v for_o and_o advance_v to_o the_o high_a place_n of_o dignity_n and_o power_n next_o to_o pharaoh_n the_o year_n of_o famine_n bring_v ioseph_n brethren_n into_o egypt_n to_o buy_v corn_n where_o they_o bow_v before_o he_o according_a to_o his_o dream_n this_o occasion_v the_o removal_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o whole_a family_n into_o egypt_n where_o joseph_n place_v they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n by_o which_o mean_v god_n fulfil_v what_o he_o have_v tell_v abraham_n know_v of_o a_o surety_n that_o thy_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stranger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o and_o shall_v serve_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o four_o hundred_o year_n 15._o genes_n 13_o how_o casual_a do_v all_o this_o appear_v to_o we_o but_o no_o man_n will_v think_v that_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o chance_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o what_o seem_v chance_n to_o we_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n thus_o god_n intend_v to_o deliver_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n moses_n be_v bear_v at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n have_v command_v that_o every_o son_n that_o be_v bear_v to_o the_o israelite_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o river_n his_o mother_n hide_v he_o three_o month_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v he_o any_o long_o expose_v he_o in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n among_o the_o flag_n by_o the_o riverside_n pharaoh_n daughter_n come_v down_o to_o wash_v herself_o in_o the_o river_n and_o find_v the_o ark_n with_o the_o child_n in_o it_o put_v he_o to_o his_o own_o mother_n to_o nurse_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o know_v his_o own_o kindred_n and_o relation_n and_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n afterward_o pharaoh_n daughter_n take_v he_o home_o and_o breed_v he_o up_o as_o her_o own_o son_n whereby_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o egypt_n and_o in_o all_o the_o policy_n of_o pharaoh_n court_n which_o qualify_v he_o for_o government_n when_o he_o be_v forty_o year_n old_a he_o have_v live_v long_o enough_o in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o remove_v he_o into_o better_a company_n and_o to_o accustom_v he_o to_o a_o more_o severe_a life_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o as_o strange_a a_o accident_n he_o slay_v a_o egyptian_a in_o defence_n of_o a_o oppress_a jew_n and_o be_v betray_v by_o his_o own_o brethren_n and_o force_v to_o fly_v from_o pharaoh_n to_o save_v his_o own_o life_n till_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o israel_n and_o then_o god_n send_v he_o back_o into_o egypt_n to_o bring_v his_o people_n out_o from_o thence_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o a_o mighty_a hand_n thus_o god_n have_v foretell_v ahab_n by_o the_o prophet_n micaiah_n that_o if_o he_o go_v up_o against_o ramoth-gilead_n he_o shall_v perish_v there_o and_o this_o be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o very_a great_a chance_n for_o a_o certain_a man_n draw_v a_o bow_n at_o a_o venture_n and_o smite_v the_o king_n between_o the_o joint_n of_o the_o harness_n of_o which_o he_o die_v 1_o king_n 22._o 34._o the_o blood_n which_o come_v from_o his_o wound_n run_v into_o the_o chariot_n and_o one_o wash_v the_o chariot_n in_o the_o pool_n of_o samaria_n and_o the_o dog_n lick_v up_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v a_o very_a casual_a thing_n and_o little_a thought_n of_o by_o he_o who_o do_v it_o and_o yet_o fulfil_v god_n threaten_v against_o ahab_n in_o the_o place_n where_o dog_n lick_v the_o blood_n of_o naboth_n shall_v dog_n lick_v thy_o blood_n even_o thou_o 21._o ch_z 29._o v._n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o example_n more_o of_o this_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a one_o god_n deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o day_n of_o esther_n from_o the_o wicked_a conspiracy_n of_o haman_n this_o haman_n be_v advance_v to_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n by_o king_n ahasuerus_n take_v great_a offence_n at_o mordecai_n the_o jew_n who_o refuse_v to_o reverence_v he_o as_o other_o do_v and_o for_o his_o sake_n obtain_v a_o decree_n from_o the_o king_n to_o destroy_v all_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o province_n of_o his_o dominion_n mordecai_n send_v to_o queen_n esther_n to_o go_v to_o the_o king_n and_o to_o petition_v he_o about_o this_o matter_n this_o be_v a_o very_a hazardous_a attempt_n it_o be_v death_n by_o the_o law_n for_o any_o person_n man_n or_o woman_n to_o go_v to_o the_o king_n without_o be_v call_v unless_o the_o king_n hold_v out_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n to_o they_o but_o the_o queen_n at_o last_o after_o three_o day_n fast_v venture_v she_o own_o life_n to_o save_v her_o people_n and_o obtain_v favour_n in_o the_o king_n sight_n who_o hold_v out_o the_o golden_a sceptre_n to_o she_o all_o that_o she_o request_v at_o that_o time_n be_v that_o the_o king_n and_o haman_n will_v come_v to_o the_o banquet_n which_o she_o have_v prepare_v and_o be_v then_o ask_v what_o her_o petition_n be_v with_o a_o assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v she_o beg_v that_o the_o king_n and_o haman_n will_v come_v the_o next_o day_n also_o to_o her_o banquet_n and_o then_o she_o will_v declare_v it_o haman_n be_v much_o
upon_o mount_n zion_n and_o on_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o proud_a look_n 10._o isai._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o a_o great_a many_o example_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o different_a intention_n god_n and_o man_n have_v in_o the_o same_o action_n and_o how_o easy_o god_n can_v defeat_v what_o man_n intend_v and_o accomplish_v by_o they_o his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n which_o they_o never_o think_v of_o when_o god_n have_v no_o particular_a end_n of_o providence_n to_o serve_v by_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o evil_a design_n of_o man_n he_o common_o disappoint_v they_o that_o when_o they_o intend_v evil_a and_o imagine_v a_o mischievous_a device_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o 21._o psal._n 11._o or_o he_o turn_v the_o evil_a upon_o their_o own_o head_n the_o heathen_a be_v sink_v down_o in_o the_o pit_n that_o they_o make_v in_o the_o net_n which_o they_o hide_v be_v their_o own_o foot_n take_v the_o lord_n be_v know_v by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v the_o wicked_a be_v snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n 9_o psal._n 15_o 16._o or_o he_o double_o disappoint_v their_o malice_n not_o only_o by_o defeat_v the_o evil_n they_o intend_v but_o by_o turn_v it_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o those_o it_o be_v intend_v against_o which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o case_n of_o haman_n who_o malice_n against_o mordecai_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o sake_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v his_o own_o ruin_n but_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o mordecai_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v thus_o brief_o show_v what_o government_n god_n have_v both_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o action_n of_o man_n how_o easy_o he_o can_v alter_v their_o counsel_n and_o manage_v their_o passion_n make_v they_o do_v what_o good_a they_o never_o intend_v and_o disappoint_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o do_v intend_v or_o turn_v it_o into_o good_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n how_o absolute_a the_o divine_a providence_n be_v for_o he_o who_o have_v such_o a_o absolute_a government_n of_o nature_n of_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o of_o the_o will_n and_o action_n of_o man_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o but_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o god_n government_n of_o mankind_n to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o providence_n i_o shall_v more_o particular_o but_o very_o brief_o state_n this_o matter_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o good_a and_o to_o bad_a man_n 1._o as_o for_o good_a man_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o their_o case_n for_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o a_o good_a and_o beneficent_a providence_n they_o do_v good_a out_o of_o temper_n and_o inclination_n and_o a_o habit_n and_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o obey_v every_o extraordinary_a impression_n to_o excite_v and_o determine_v they_o to_o such_o particular_a good_a office_n as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o employ_v they_o in_o and_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o honourable_a for_o god_n and_o what_o become_v good_a man_n for_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o glory_n of_o human_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o good_a man_n will_v observe_v the_o law_n of_o virtue_n in_o do_v good_a and_o while_o good_a be_v do_v by_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a mean_n there_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n 2_o but_o as_o bad_a man_n be_v most_o difficulty_n govern_v so_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v in_o vindicate_a providence_n in_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ministries_n of_o bad_a man_n for_o it_o be_v common_o think_v a_o great_a blemish_n to_o providence_n when_o glorious_a and_o admirable_a design_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n now_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v a_o great_a mistake_n as_o if_o god_n can_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o providence_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n sin_n for_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n nor_o reasonable_a pretence_n of_o a_o objection_n against_o god_n make_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n serve_v wise_a and_o good_a end_n if_o he_o can_v do_v this_o without_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o man_n sin_n it_o be_v the_o great_a glory_n of_o providence_n to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o while_o all_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v just_o and_o righteous_a and_o holy_a and_o wise_a and_o such_o as_o become_v a_o god_n it_o be_v much_o more_o admirable_a to_o consider_v that_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v while_o there_o be_v so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o short_a be_v this_o god_n never_o suggest_v any_o evil_a design_n to_o man_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o their_o own_o wicked_a heart_n or_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o other_o wicked_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a spirit_n but_o when_o man_n have_v form_v any_o wicked_a design_n he_o sometime_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v change_v their_o purpose_n or_o deter_v they_o from_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n and_o when_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o proceed_v to_o action_n he_o either_o shameful_o disappoint_v they_o or_o serve_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n by_o what_o they_o wicked_o do_v and_o if_o providence_n consist_v in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o mankind_n how_o can_v god_n govern_v mankind_n better_o than_o to_o permit_v bad_a man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o hurt_n than_o what_o he_o can_v turn_v to_o good_a god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o a_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a power_n but_o govern_v man_n by_o man_n and_o make_v they_o help_v and_o defend_v reward_n and_o punish_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinary_a way_n of_o punish_v bad_a man_n except_v the_o civil_a sword_n which_o reach_v but_o a_o few_o criminal_n but_o to_o punish_v they_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o bad_a man_n and_o what_o can_v more_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o to_o make_v bad_a man_n the_o minister_n and_o executioner_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n upon_o each_o other_o which_o be_v one_o great_a end_n god_n serve_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v the_o government_n of_o bad_a man_n that_o they_o can_v do_v so_o much_o hurt_v as_o they_o will_v and_o that_o the_o mischief_n god_n permit_v they_o to_o do_v be_v direct_v to_o fall_v on_o such_o person_n as_o either_o want_n correction_n or_o deserve_v punishment_n for_o this_o be_v another_o thing_n very_o observable_a in_o god_n government_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n 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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 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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
or_o need_v these_o or_o such_o kind_n of_o punishment_n or_o correction_n and_o such_o vast_a number_n of_o bad_a man_n who_o be_v ready_a every_o day_n to_o commit_v such_o outrage_n do_v not_o god_n restrain_v they_o be_v it_o not_o very_o visible_a how_o easy_o god_n can_v order_v and_o appoint_v such_o suffering_n for_o man_n without_o order_v or_o appoint_v any_o man_n sin_n it_o require_v no_o more_o than_o to_o bring_v those_o who_o god_n appoint_v for_o suffering_n into_o the_o reach_n of_o such_o man_n and_o to_o put_v they_o into_o their_o power_n and_o their_o own_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n will_v do_v the_o rest_n it_o be_v like_o expose_v condemn_a malefactor_n to_o wild_a beast_n who_o nature_n and_o inclination_n be_v to_o devour_v and_o if_o god_n chain_n up_o bad_a man_n as_o we_o do_v wild_a beast_n that_o they_o can_v touch_v any_o one_o but_o who_o god_n deliver_v up_o to_o they_o and_o let_v they_o loose_v only_o to_o execute_v his_o own_o just_a and_o righteous_a judgement_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o honourable_a to_o providence_n or_o a_o great_a security_n to_o mankind_n to_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o this_o in_o our_o mind_n let_v we_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n that_o he_o perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o desert_n and_o all_o the_o inclination_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o have_v such_o a_o invisible_a and_o insensible_a authority_n over_o they_o that_o without_o give_v they_o any_o direction_n or_o let_v they_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o intention_n or_o offer_v any_o violence_n to_o their_o own_o inclination_n he_o can_v determine_v they_o to_o do_v that_o hurt_n which_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v to_o those_o and_o to_o those_o only_a who_o he_o intend_v to_o punish_v and_o to_o do_v the_o good_a they_o be_v desirous_a to_o do_v to_o those_o and_o to_o those_o only_a who_o he_o intend_v to_o reward_v in_o case_n such_o a_o prince_n take_v care_n that_o no_o man_n 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will_n and_o god_n do_v and_o what_o please_v he_o because_o no_o man_n or_o nation_n be_v reward_v or_o punish_v but_o by_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n that_o as_o many_o good_a man_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o they_o can_v and_o as_o many_o bad_a man_n as_o there_o be_v who_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v none_o of_o they_o can_v do_v either_o good_a or_o hurt_n to_o any_o but_o to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o either_o which_o make_v god_n the_o absolute_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n since_o whatever_o man_n intend_v all_o man_n fortune_n and_o condition_n depend_v upon_o his_o will._n and_o since_o god_n absolute_o order_n and_o appoint_v nothing_o but_o the_o event_n if_o the_o event_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a that_o be_v if_o man_n be_v reward_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o work_n as_o far_o as_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o 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of_o his_o brethren_n in_o sell_v he_o for_o a_o slave_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n nothing_o be_v call_v god_n will_n or_o god_n do_v which_o have_v any_o moral_a evil_n in_o it_o all_o wicked_a action_n be_v man_n own_a will_n and_o own_o do_n which_o god_n permit_v for_o wise_a end_n but_o never_o order_n or_o appoint_v but_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o be_v do_v by_o man_n sin_n that_o be_v god_n do_v and_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n you_o all_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o god_n government_n of_o man_n action_n and_o his_o government_n of_o event_n and_o then_o we_o may_v safe_o attribute_v all_o event_n to_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n without_o danger_n of_o charge_v god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n whereby_o such_o event_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v 3_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o god_n absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n and_o necessity_n and_o fate_n for_o many_o man_n 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if_o the_o whole_a world_n consist_v of_o particular_n it_o must_v be_v take_v care_n of_o in_o the_o care_n of_o particular_n for_o if_o all_o particular_n perish_v as_o they_o may_v do_v if_o no_o care_n be_v take_v to_o preserve_v they_o the_o whole_a must_v perish_v and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o whole_a be_v govern_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o part_n and_o mankind_n can_v be_v well_o govern_v without_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o every_o particular_a man._n i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o objection_n against_o a_o particular_a providence_n be_v very_o foolish_a some_o think_v it_o too_o much_o trouble_v to_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o every_o particular_a as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o trouble_n to_o he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v they_o or_o as_o if_o god_n have_v make_v more_o creature_n than_o he_o can_v take_v care_n of_o as_o if_o a_o infinite_a mind_n and_o omnipotent_a power_n be_v as_o much_o disturb_v and_o tire_v with_o various_a and_o perpetual_a care_n as_o we_o be_v other_o think_v it_o below_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o every_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a creature_n or_o of_o every_o private_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o below_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o such_o creature_n than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v they_o as_o if_o number_n make_v creature_n considerable_a to_o god_n that_o though_o one_o man_n be_v below_o god_n care_n yet_o a_o kingdom_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o care_n and_o notice_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o god_n be_v but_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o the_o small_a dust_n of_o the_o balance_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a providence_n without_o god_n government_n of_o all_o event_n for_o if_o any_o good_a or_o evil_n happen_v to_o any_o man_n without_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n that_o be_v not_o providence_n whatever_o other_o name_n you_o will_v give_v it_o so_o that_o if_o god_n do_v take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n for_o without_o it_o he_o can_v take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o if_o god_n have_v the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o he_o have_v this_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n for_o if_o all_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o happen_v to_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n that_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o god_n take_v care_n of_o every_o particular_a man._n god_n government_n of_o all_o particular_a event_n and_o his_o care_n of_o all_o individual_n include_v each_o other_o in_o their_o very_a nature_n the_o care_n of_o particular_a creature_n consist_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o particular_a event_n and_o the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n be_v the_o 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and_o mighty_a in_o strength_n who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o he_o and_o have_v prosper_v and_o indeed_o a_o power_n which_o be_v supreme_a and_o absolute_a which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o which_o have_v no_o great_a power_n above_o it_o none_o equal_a to_o it_o have_v a_o right_a to_o sovereignty_n for_o absolute_a power_n must_v be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o must_v give_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o give_v a_o right_a to_o absolute_a government_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o government_n for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o govern_v his_o creature_n he_o must_v have_v a_o right_n to_o absolute_a government_n because_o the_o right_n he_o have_v in_o his_o creature_n be_v absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a no_o creature_n have_v
absolute_a power_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v be_v to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a they_o shall_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v such_o action_n as_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o prove_v good_a and_o just_a mere_o by_o absolute_a power_n the_o glory_n of_o absolute_a power_n be_v to_o do_v what_o all_o the_o world_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o therefore_o absolute_a power_n can_v prove_v those_o action_n to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a nor_o make_v itself_o glorious_a by_o do_v such_o action_n as_o mankind_n think_v very_o infamous_a and_o unjust_a let_v we_o then_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o how_o unaccountable_a soever_o sovereign_a and_o absolute_a will_n and_o power_n be_v it_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v do_v any_o wrong_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a justice_n and_o goodness_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n 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the_o wise_a reason_n of_o providence_n and_o how_o impious_a it_o be_v to_o reproach_n and_o censure_v what_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v understand_v we_o all_o know_v the_o history_n of_o job_n and_o the_o dispute_n betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o three_o friend_n god_n exercise_v job_n with_o very_o severe_a and_o amaze_a suffering_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o virtue_n his_o friend_n conclude_v from_o his_o great_a suffering_n that_o though_o his_o life_n be_v visible_o very_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a yet_o he_o have_v be_v a_o secret_a hypocrite_n because_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o punish_v good_a man_n but_o only_o the_o wicked_a in_o such_o a_o manner_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n job_n justify_v his_o own_o innocence_n and_o assert_n more_o true_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v many_o time_n very_o prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n great_a sufferer_n in_o this_o world_n he_o complain_v very_o tragical_o of_o his_o suffering_n and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n deal_v thus_o with_o he_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v iob_n fault_n that_o he_o insist_v too_o much_o on_o his_o own_o justification_n and_o instead_o of_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a providence_n seem_v to_o accuse_v god_n of_o a_o causeless_a and_o unaccountable_a severity_n for_o which_o elihu_n so_o severe_o reprove_v he_o at_o last_o god_n answer_v job_n himself_o as_o he_o have_v often_o desire_v he_o will_v but_o instead_o of_o a_o particular_a justification_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o of_o give_v job_n the_o reason_n for_o which_o he_o have_v thus_o afflict_v he_o he_o give_v he_o some_o sensible_a proof_n of_o his_o own_o great_a and_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n which_o job_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o imitate_v that_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v how_o they_o be_v do_v the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o so_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n be_v ought_v not_o to_o censure_v the_o divine_a providence_n how_o mysterious_a and_o unaccountable_a soever_o it_o be_v when_o the_o very_a work_n of_o nature_n convince_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o more_o powerful_a than_o we_o be_v this_o shall_v teach_v we_o great_a modesty_n and_o humility_n to_o adore_v the_o divine_a judgement_n not_o to_o censure_v what_o we_o can_v understand_v for_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v do_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n above_o our_o understanding_n vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a 12._o though_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n they_o be_v impatient_a to_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o they_o do_v understand_v and_o if_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n why_o shall_v we_o expect_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o unsearchable_a depth_n and_o mystery_n of_o providence_n if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a why_o shall_v we_o not_o allow_v his_o wisdom_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n to_o be_v as_o unsearchable_a as_o his_o wisdom_n in_o make_v it_o for_o a_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n will_v do_v incomprehensible_a thing_n whatever_o it_o employ_v its_o self_n about_o and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v at_o all_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v many_o event_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o can_v fathom_v and_o much_o less_o reason_n to_o deny_v a_o providence_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o event_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n to_o silence_v the_o sceptical_a humour_n of_o the_o age_n and_o to_o shame_v those_o trifle_a and_o ridiculous_a pretence_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n in_o censure_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n that_o it_o deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a discourse_n for_o can_v we_o make_v man_n confess_v what_o all_o modest_a consider_v man_n must_v blush_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a this_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o providence_n and_o teach_v we_o humble_o to_o adore_v and_o reverence_n that_o wisdom_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o to_o prepare_v my_o way_n to_o give_v such_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o you_o may_v secure_o acquiesce_v in_o without_o dispute_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n or_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v a_o providence_n when_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n too_o hard_o for_o you_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o be_v shall_v be_v otherwise_o both_o from_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o great_a ignorance_n of_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o many_o case_n so_o much_o above_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o knowledge_n and_o 1._o i_o shall_v show_v you_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v secure_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o trust_v god_n beyond_o our_o own_o knowledge_n because_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v never_o err_v or_o mistake_v or_o do_v wrong_v 2._o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n must_v be_v as_o unsearchable_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o we_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creation_n 3._o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v secret_a and_o hide_a method_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o at_o least_o in_o this_o present_a state_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v or_o desire_v a_o particular_a account_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o event_n 4._o that_o our_o ignorance_n of_o other_o matter_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n make_v we_o utter_o uncapable_a of_o such_o knowledge_n in_o this_o state_n 5._o i_o shall_v inquire_v in_o what_o case_n this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o difficulty_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o 1._o that_o infinite_a wisdom_n how_o unsearchable_a and_o unaccountable_a soever_o its_o way_n be_v can_v do_v no_o wrong_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o god_n absolute_a power_n be_v absolute_a rectitude_n and_o justice_n so_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a wisdom_n be_v always_o in_o the_o right_a for_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n be_v ignorance_n and_o mistake_n if_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v always_o judge_v and_o choose_v and_o act_v wise_o it_o be_v then_o impossible_a that_o infinite_a wisdom_n shall_v ever_o do_v wrong_n for_o to_o do_v wrong_n be_v either_o not_o to_o judge_v or_o not_o to_o choose_v wise_o in_o scripture_n all_o
mankind_n now_o be_v will_v destroy_v the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o most_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n and_o yet_o without_o this_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o uniform_a towards_o man_n as_o it_o be_v towards_o beast_n and_o those_o who_o fare_v worse_o than_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o will_v still_o complain_v if_o then_o providence_n must_v not_o deal_v alike_o by_o all_o man_n do_v they_o mean_v by_o the_o uniformity_n and_o stability_n of_o providence_n that_o man_n fortune_n whatever_o they_o be_v shall_v always_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o rich_a and_o prosperous_a shall_v always_o be_v rich_a and_o prosperous_a and_o the_o poor_a always_o poor_a and_o beggar_n and_o slave_n unless_o these_o objector_n be_v all_o rich_a and_o happy_a i_o doubt_v they_o will_v never_o agree_v to_o this_o for_o the_o poor_a and_o miserable_a must_v needs_o think_v it_o hard_a usage_n to_o be_v always_o poor_a without_o room_n for_o better_a hope_n but_o such_o a_o stability_n of_o providence_n as_o this_o will_v destroy_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o how_o shall_v god_n restrain_v and_o punish_v wickedness_n and_o reward_n and_o encourage_v virtue_n if_o the_o rich_a must_v always_o be_v rich_a and_o the_o poor_a always_o poor_a nay_o how_o can_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v this_o without_o make_v man_n virtuous_a and_o vicious_a too_o by_o necessity_n and_o fate_n when_o wantonness_n and_o prodigality_n idleness_n and_o folly_n will_v spend_v or_o lose_v a_o estate_n and_o frugality_n prudence_n and_o diligence_n will_v get_v one_o and_o when_o all_o man_n in_o this_o world_n must_v not_o be_v equal_a do_v it_o not_o more_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n that_o man_n own_o virtue_n and_o vice_n shall_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n make_v the_o distinction_n and_o carve_v out_o their_o own_o fortune_n for_o they_o so_o that_o when_o man_n complain_v of_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o instability_n of_o fortune_n as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o complain_v of_o they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o be_v it_o put_v to_o their_o own_o choice_n what_o to_o have_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o know_v how_o to_o mend_v the_o matter_n the_o wise_a government_n of_o free_a agent_n who_o so_o often_o change_v themselves_o require_v very_o frequent_a sudden_a surprise_v turn_v of_o providence_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o invisible_a to_o we_o as_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o their_o most_o secret_a intrigue_n and_o counsel_n till_o we_o can_v make_v man_n all_o move_v alike_o as_o regular_o and_o uniform_o as_o the_o heavenly_a body_n do_v it_o be_v a_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a complaint_n that_o providence_n do_v not_o act_v regular_o and_o that_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o another_o great_a complaint_n against_o providence_n be_v that_o good_a man_n be_v not_o always_o reward_v nor_o bad_a man_n punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n that_o many_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o some_o good_a man_n great_a sufferer_n that_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n 9_o eccl._n 2._o this_o make_v the_o event_n of_o providence_n very_o sudden_a mysterious_a and_o unaccountable_a that_o no_o man_n know_v what_o course_n to_o take_v to_o make_v his_o life_n easy_a and_o prosperous_a for_o whether_o he_o be_v good_a or_o wicked_a he_o may_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a as_o it_o happen_v as_o for_o the_o objection_n itself_o i_o shall_v 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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 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just_a and_o righteous_a man_n not_o that_o every_o particular_a bad_a man_n who_o do_v unjust_a thing_n shall_v be_v immediate_o punish_v for_o his_o unjustice_n nor_o that_o every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n shall_v be_v protect_v from_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o world_n prove_v that_o this_o never_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o mean_v by_o it_o to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o support_n to_o good_a man_n and_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a 1._o for_o first_o it_o signify_v that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o providence_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o justice_n or_o injustice_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o be_v consider_v god_n will_v favour_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n there_o may_v be_v 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why_o the_o psalmist_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v so_o often_o plead_v his_o own_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o cause_n to_o move_v god_n to_o save_v and_o defend_v he_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o protection_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n and_o whenever_o injustice_n prosper_v it_o be_v not_o in_o favour_n to_o the_o unjust_a man_n or_o his_o unjust_a cause_n but_o in_o punishment_n to_o other_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v by_o such_o injustice_n though_o wickedness_n may_v prosper_v for_o a_o while_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o obtain_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o protection_n but_o by_o do_v good_a for_o a_o righteous_a god_n can_v have_v no_o favour_n for_o a_o unjust_a cause_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n we_o must_v expect_v his_o protection_n only_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o will_v give_v we_o a_o secure_a hope_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a while_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o his_o commandment_n three_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n though_o injustice_n may_v prosper_v for_o a_o time_n no_o unjust_a man_n can_v be_v secure_a from_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n god_n do_v not_o always_o punish_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o deserve_v it_o but_o sometime_o he_o do_v and_o he_o be_v always_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v always_o in_o danger_n god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n if_o he_o turn_v not_o he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n he_o have_v bend_v his_o bow_n and_o make_v it_o ready_a he_o have_v also_o prepare_v for_o he_o the_o instrument_n of_o death_n he_o have_v ordain_v his_o arrow_n against_o the_o persecutor_n 7._o psalm_n 11_o 12_o 13._o four_o and_o therefore_o though_o every_o particular_a good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o every_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o the_o divine_a providence_n furnish_v we_o with_o numerous_a example_n of_o justice_n both_o in_o the_o protection_n and_o defence_n of_o good_a man_n and_o in_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o be_v so_o notorious_o know_v that_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v it_o that_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o sinner_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n and_o reward_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o the_o scorn_n and_o the_o pity_n of_o mankind_n god_n do_v very_o often_o execute_v very_o remarkable_a judgement_n upon_o remarkable_a sinner_n which_o bear_v the_o evident_a token_n and_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n on_o they_o and_o do_v appear_v as_o wonderful_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o just_a and_o good_a man_n in_o a_o righteous_a cause_n both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a story_n and_o our_o own_o observation_n may_v furnish_v we_o with_o many_o example_n of_o both_o kind_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o be_v make_v in_o scripture_n two_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v that_o account_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o protection_n and_o defence_n of_o providence_n be_v never_o promise_v in_o scripture_n mere_o to_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n but_o only_o to_o just_a and_o righteous_a and_o good_a man_n this_o be_v not_o common_o observe_v and_o yet_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v name_v it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a we_o can_v indeed_o separate_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a man_n from_o a_o righteous_a cause_n for_o as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o unjust_a cause_n he_o be_v a_o unjust_a man_n but_o if_o the_o divine_a protection_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o righteous_a man_n not_o to_o the_o righteous_a cause_n than_o a_o righteous_a cause_n may_v be_v oppress_v when_o the_o man_n have_v no_o right_a to_o god_n protection_n without_o any_o impeachment_n either_o of_o the_o righteousness_n or_o justice_n of_o god_n which_o show_v the_o difference_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o between_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n consider_v man_n right_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consider_v their_o moral_a desert_n human_a justice_n defend_v bad_a man_n in_o their_o just_a right_n the_o divine_a justice_n which_o be_v supreme_a and_o absolute_a have_v no_o regard_n to_o human_a right_n when_o the_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o god_n challenge_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o absolute_a right_n and_o propriety_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o give_v or_o take_v they_o away_o when_o he_o please_v and_o therefore_o he_o threaten_v israel_n by_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n that_o since_o they_o have_v serve_v baal_n with_o the_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o silver_n and_o gold_n which_o he_o give_v they_o therefore_o will_v i_o return_v and_o take_v away_o my_o corn_n in_o the_o time_n thereof_o and_o my_o wine_n in_o the_o season_n thereof_o and_o will_v recover_v my_o wool_n and_o my_o flax_n give_v to_o cover_v her_o nakedness_n 2._o hos._n 8_o 9_o the_o 26._o levit._n contain_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n to_o israel_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o both_o be_v their_o keep_n or_o transgress_v his_o law_n and_o statute_n and_o commandment_n if_o they_o observe_v his_o law_n he_o will_v bestow_v all_o good_a thing_n on_o they_o if_o they_o transgress_v his_o law_n he_o will_v take_v they_o all_o away_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o their_o right_n or_o property_n among_o other_o judgement_n he_o threaten_v they_o to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o shall_v oppress_v
never_o become_v a_o holy_a god_n to_o infuse_v hardness_n into_o man_n heart_n yet_o when_o man_n have_v harden_v themselves_o and_o will_v abuse_v all_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o providence_n to_o harden_v themselves_o and_o be_v now_o ripe_a for_o destruction_n it_o very_o much_o become_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a god_n to_o exercise_v they_o with_o such_o providence_n as_o he_o know_v will_v still_o harden_v they_o till_o they_o make_v themselves_o such_o infamous_a example_n of_o wickedness_n as_o may_v deserve_v a_o more_o glorious_a and_o exemplary_a vengeance_n which_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o very_o necessary_a to_o the_o full_a understanding_n this_o difficult_a case_n of_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n god_n have_v peremptory_o decree_v not_o only_o to_o deliver_v israel_n but_o to_o punish_v egypt_n both_o king_n and_o people_n for_o the_o cruel_a oppression_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v without_o any_o more_o solemnity_n have_v destroy_v pharaoh_n his_o people_n and_o land_n and_o have_v carry_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n but_o when_o they_o have_v deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o destroy_v and_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o punish_v they_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o punishment_n be_v at_o the_o free_a disposal_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o choose_v to_o punish_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v make_v the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a account_n which_o god_n himself_o give_v why_o he_o take_v such_o a_o course_n with_o pharaoh_n as_o he_o foresee_v will_v harden_v and_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o resolution_n of_o not_o part_v with_o israel_n when_o he_o can_v have_v force_v he_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o few_o miracle_n to_o have_v send_v they_o away_o if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o multiply_v my_o sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o pharaoh_n shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o you_o that_o i_o may_v lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v forth_o my_o army_n and_o my_o people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n by_o great_a judgement_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n when_o i_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v out_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o 7._o exod._n 3_o 4_o 5._o the_o same_o thing_n he_o tell_v pharaoh_n i_o will_v at_o this_o time_n send_v all_o my_o plague_n upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o upon_o thy_o servant_n and_o upon_o thy_o people_n that_o thou_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o i_o in_o all_o the_o earth_n for_o now_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n that_o i_o may_v smite_v thou_o and_o thy_o people_n with_o pestilence_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o very_a deed_n for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o raise_v thou_o up_o have_v all_o this_o time_n preserve_v thou_o and_o not_o cut_v thou_o off_o for_o to_o show_v in_o thou_o my_o power_n and_o that_o my_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n 9_o exod._n 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o this_o reason_n god_n give_v why_o he_o harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n to_o pursue_v israel_n i_o will_v be_v honour_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o upon_o all_o his_o host_n that_o the_o egyptian_n may_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n 14._o exod._n 4._o this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n for_o though_o god_n infuse_v no_o hardness_n into_o man_n heart_n yet_o if_o he_o exercise_v they_o with_o such_o providence_n as_o he_o foresee_v will_v harden_v they_o and_o do_v this_o with_o a_o intention_n and_o design_n to_o harden_v they_o this_o signify_v his_o will_n to_o harden_v they_o and_o such_o a_o moral_a efficiency_n in_o use_v harden_v providence_n as_o will_v as_o certain_o harden_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v infuse_v hardness_n into_o they_o and_o this_o make_v little_a difference_n whether_o god_n harden_v man_n by_o external_a providence_n or_o by_o a_o internal_a operation_n on_o their_o mind_n when_o he_o intend_v such_o providence_n to_o harden_v they_o and_o know_v that_o they_o will_v effectual_o do_v it_o now_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o though_o god_n infuse_v no_o hardness_n into_o pharaoh_n heart_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o unbecome_v a_o holy_a god_n to_o do_v yet_o he_o do_v intend_v to_o harden_v he_o and_o do_v intend_v to_o harden_v he_o on_o purpose_n to_o multiply_v his_o judgement_n on_o egypt_n and_o to_o destroy_v he_o and_o all_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o this_o be_v so_o plain_o express_v that_o we_o can_v deny_v it_o nay_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v be_v just_o chargeable_a with_o man_n sin_n do_v he_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n and_o desert_n of_o the_o person_n by_o such_o insensible_a method_n betray_v they_o into_o sin_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o harden_v they_o for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o firm_a and_o constant_a virtue_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o temptation_n which_o a_o long_a series_n of_o providence_n choose_v and_o direct_v for_o that_o purpose_n by_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v bring_v he_o into_o but_o yet_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v themselves_o into_o such_o a_o harden_a state_n as_o to_o deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o when_o god_n be_v so_o far_o provoke_v by_o their_o sin_n as_o to_o resolve_v to_o destroy_v they_o it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o his_o holiness_n to_o harden_v man_n by_o external_a event_n and_o appearance_n not_o in_o sin_n which_o can_v never_o become_v a_o holy_a god_n but_o in_o such_o ruinous_a course_n as_o their_o own_o wicked_a heart_n betray_v they_o to_o and_o as_o will_v bring_v inevitable_a ruin_n on_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a resolution_n on_o this_o case_n 1._o that_o god_n never_o harden_v any_o man_n till_o they_o have_v deserve_v and_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v they_o 2._o that_o then_o he_o do_v not_o harden_v they_o in_o sin_n but_o in_o such_o ruinous_a counsel_n as_o their_o own_o sin_n betray_v they_o to_o 3._o that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a efficacy_n but_o by_o their_o own_o wicked_a abuse_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 4._o to_o complete_a all_o when_o god_n have_v thus_o determine_v to_o destroy_v any_o person_n or_o people_n he_o many_o time_n inflict_v on_o they_o a_o penal_a blindness_n and_o infatuation_n not_o to_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o peace_n these_o four_o particular_n contain_v a_o full_a and_o easy_a account_n of_o this_o perplex_a doctrine_n of_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v distinct_o but_o brief_o to_o they_o 1._o that_o god_n never_o harden_v man_n till_o they_o have_v deserve_v and_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v they_o this_o must_v be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o for_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o god_n harden_v man_n how_o innocent_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v if_o he_o intend_v to_o harden_v they_o not_o because_o they_o deserve_v and_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o he_o may_v with_o some_o fair_a appearance_n of_o justice_n destroy_v they_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o satisfy_v equal_a and_o impartial_a judge_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o providence_n but_o if_o man_n have_v harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n beyond_o all_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o recovery_n and_o have_v so_o provoke_v a_o good_a and_o merciful_a god_n that_o he_o give_v they_o over_o to_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n then_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o be_v harden_v which_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o question_v either_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o deserve_v immediate_a destruction_n and_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o pass_v a_o final_a sentence_n on_o they_o god_n may_v either_o immediate_o destroy_v they_o or_o keep_v they_o in_o that_o harden_a state_n like_o condemn_a malefactor_n reserve_v in_o chain_n for_o a_o more_o public_a and_o solemn_a execution_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n harden_v man_n and_o this_o all_o mankind_n must_v allow_v to_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n who_o
miracle_n yet_o separate_v from_o this_o it_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_a not_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n who_o have_v now_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o egypt_n for_o above_o two_o hundred_o year_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o dispute_n be_v not_o about_o believe_v and_o obey_v god_n and_o moses_n which_o pharaoh_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o but_o only_o whether_o he_o shall_v let_v israel_n go_v to_o avoid_v these_o plague_n which_o he_o suffer_v for_o their_o sake_n though_o god_n do_v not_o harden_v he_o in_o his_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n yet_o he_o do_v harden_v he_o against_o part_v with_o israel_n that_o be_v he_o harden_v he_o not_o in_o sin_n for_o the_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n which_o be_v the_o only_a sinfulness_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o his_o own_o but_o he_o harden_v he_o in_o the_o most_o ruinous_a counsel_n he_o can_v possible_o have_v take_v which_o will_v bring_v new_a plague_n on_o egypt_n and_o end_n in_o his_o own_o final_a ruin_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o ahab_n god_n do_v resolve_v to_o send_v he_o to_o ramoth_n gilead_n to_o fall_v there_o and_o suffer_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o to_o harden_v he_o in_o that_o expedition_n against_o the_o prophetic_a threaten_n of_o micaiah_n that_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n persuade_v and_o that_o god_n harden_v ahab_n to_o go_v to_o ramoth_n gilead_n now_o suppose_v this_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o harden_v he_o in_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o go_v to_o fight_v against_o ramoth_n gilead_n but_o it_o be_v only_o to_o harden_v he_o in_o a_o dangerous_a attempt_n and_o which_o god_n intend_v shall_v be_v fatal_a to_o he_o a_o great_a many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v give_v where_o god_n harden_v man_n in_o such_o course_n as_o shall_v and_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o prove_v either_o a_o very_a sore_a punishment_n to_o they_o or_o their_o utter_a ruin_n but_o there_o be_v no_o one_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o god_n persuade_v or_o tempt_a or_o harden_v man_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o be_v this_o well_o consider_v it_o will_v answer_v and_o shame_v a_o great_a many_o ignorant_a objection_n against_o providence_n three_o but_o we_o must_v far_o observe_v that_o when_o god_n do_v thus_o harden_v man_n in_o ruinous_a counsel_n on_o purpose_n to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o he_o do_v nothing_o which_o have_v either_o any_o natural_a or_o moral_a efficacy_n to_o harden_v they_o but_o by_o their_o own_o wickedness_n they_o abuse_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o harden_v themselves_o this_o i_o have_v particular_o show_v in_o the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n and_o that_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o god_n in_o that_o they_o be_v inflict_v and_o remove_v at_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o remove_v one_o judgement_n after_o another_o at_o his_o request_n will_v have_v convince_v and_o soften_v other_o man_n but_o harden_v he_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o natural_a end_n and_o use_v of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a be_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o harden_v some_o man_n in_o sinful_a and_o destructive_a course_n as_o we_o too_o often_o see_v it_o do_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o charge_v this_o on_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n god_n permit_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o ahab_n prophet_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o go_v against_o ramoth-gilead_n and_o though_o god_n may_v very_o just_o have_v leave_v he_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o false_a prophet_n of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o choose_v yet_o he_o send_v his_o own_o prophet_n micaiah_n who_o all_o israel_n know_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n prophet_n to_o assure_v he_o that_o if_o he_o go_v against_o ramoth-gilead_n he_o shall_v perish_v there_o and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o deceive_v ahab_n but_o he_o deceive_v himself_o by_o prefer_v the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n before_o the_o lord_n prophet_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o own_o wicked_a idolatrous_a heart_n god_n never_o deceive_v or_o harden_v any_o man_n by_o the_o external_a event_n and_o appearance_n of_o providence_n but_o those_o who_o own_o lust_n and_o wicked_a heart_n deceive_v and_o harden_v they_o there_o be_v always_o enough_o even_o in_o those_o providence_n which_o man_n abuse_v to_o harden_v themselves_o to_o have_v reclaim_v and_o soften_v they_o if_o they_o will_v have_v make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o it_o and_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v themselves_o into_o such_o a_o harden_a state_n as_o to_o forfeit_v the_o protection_n of_o providence_n god_n may_v do_v what_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a though_o he_o know_v that_o they_o will_v abuse_v it_o to_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o intend_v to_o bring_v ruin_n on_o they_o by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a vindication_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n when_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v see_v that_o such_o man_n ruin_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o themselves_o to_o their_o wicked_a abuse_n of_o all_o those_o wise_a and_o gracious_a method_n which_o will_v have_v reclaim_v and_o save_v they_o if_o they_o will_v have_v be_v reclaim_v and_o save_v four_o to_o understand_v the_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o god_n harden_v man_n we_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o when_o god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o provoke_v as_o to_o resolve_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o any_o person_n or_o people_n he_o many_o time_n inflict_v on_o they_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n and_o infatuation_n which_o betray_v they_o to_o such_o foolish_a counsel_n as_o must_v inevitable_o prove_v their_o ruin_n that_o god_n many_o time_n do_v this_o the_o scripture_n witness_v he_o lead_v counsellor_n away_o spoil_v and_o make_v the_o judge_n fool_n he_o remove_v away_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o trusty_a in_o who_o counsel_n man_n use_v to_o confide_v and_o take_v away_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o age_a he_o take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o wander_v in_o a_o wilderness_n where_o there_o be_v no_o way_n that_o be_v entangle_v and_o perplex_v their_o counsel_n they_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a without_o light_n and_o he_o make_v they_o to_o stagger_v like_o a_o drunken_a man_n to_o reel_v from_o one_o resolution_n to_o another_o in_o great_a uncertainty_n what_o to_o do_v 12._o job_n 17_o 20_o 24_o 25._o thus_o 19_o isaiah_n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o sure_o the_o prince_n of_o zoan_n be_v fool_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a counsellor_n of_o pharaoh_n be_v become_v brutish_a how_o say_v you_o unto_o pharaoh_n i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o the_o wise_a the_o son_n of_o ancient_a king_n where_o be_v they_o where_o be_v thy_o wise_a man_n and_o let_v they_o tell_v thou_o now_o and_o let_v they_o know_v what_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v purpose_v upon_o egypt_n the_o prince_n of_o zoan_n be_v become_v fool_n the_o prince_n of_o noph_n be_v deceive_v they_o have_v also_o seduce_v egypt_n even_o they_o that_o be_v the_o stay_n of_o the_o tribe_n thereof_o the_o lord_n have_v mingle_v a_o perverse_a spirit_n in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o and_o they_o have_v cause_v egypt_n to_o err_v in_o every_o work_n thereof_o as_o a_o drunken_a man_n stagger_v in_o his_o vomit_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o this_o in_o absalon_n who_o god_n resolve_v to_o punish_v for_o his_o rebellion_n against_o david_n his_o king_n and_o father_n david_n have_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v turn_v the_o counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n into_o foolishness_n and_o according_o god_n so_o order_v it_o as_o to_o defeat_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o hushai_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v give_v for_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v to_o defeat_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v evil_a upon_o absalon_n 2_o sam._n 17._o 14._o this_o make_v man_n as_o hard_o as_o they_o be_v blind_a they_o mistake_v their_o true_a interest_n flatter_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n run_v themselves_o into_o the_o most_o apparent_a and_o inevitable_a danger_n without_o see_v they_o themselves_o though_o every_o body_n else_o see_v they_o and_o something_o of_o this_o nature_n we_o must_v own_v in_o pharaoh_n case_n for_o without_o such_o a_o infatuation_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v persist_v so_o long_o in_o his_o resolution_n not_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n
he_o by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n i_o will_v raise_v up_o evil_a against_o thou_o out_o of_o thy_o own_o house_n and_o i_o will_v take_v thy_o wife_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o unto_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o he_o shall_v lie_v with_o thy_o wife_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o sun_n for_o thou_o do_v it_o secret_o but_o i_o will_v do_v this_o thing_n before_o all_o israel_n and_o before_o the_o sun_n 2_o sam._n 12._o 11_o 12._o which_o we_o know_v absalon_n according_o do_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o ahitophel_n 16._o chap._n 20_o etc._n etc._n now_o that_o god_n do_v inflict_v this_o punishment_n upon_o david_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n but_o that_o he_o either_o instigate_v ahitophel_n to_o give_v this_o counsel_n or_o absolom_n to_o take_v it_o be_v not_o say_v and_o if_o god_n can_v inflict_v this_o punishment_n on_o david_n without_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o sin_n it_o be_v no_o reflection_n on_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n all_o that_o god_n express_o say_v he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o case_n be_v to_o put_v david_n wife_n into_o absalom_n power_n i_o will_v take_v thy_o wife_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o unto_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o then_o foretell_v what_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o will_v be_v and_o what_o he_o intend_v to_o permit_v for_o his_o punishment_n he_o shall_v lie_v with_o thy_o wife_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o sun_n there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o when_o david_n flee_v he_o shall_v leave_v his_o wife_n behind_o he_o which_o put_v they_o into_o absalom_n power_n and_o than_o god_n foresee_v what_o counsel_n ahitophel_n will_v give_v and_o how_o ready_a absalon_n will_v be_v to_o take_v it_o unless_o he_o hinder_v it_o which_o he_o decree_v not_o to_o do_v in_o punishment_n of_o david_n adultary_a and_o thus_o to_o order_v the_o permission_n for_o such_o a_o end_n though_o it_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o sin_n yet_o entitle_v god_n to_o the_o event_n consider_v as_o a_o punishment_n upon_o which_o account_n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v this_o before_o all_o israel_n and_o before_o the_o sun_n thus_o when_o shimei_n curse_v david_n as_o he_o flee_v from_o jerusalem_n david_n take_v notice_n of_o god_n hand_n in_o it_o and_o will_v no_o suffer_v abishai_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o let_v he_o curse_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o he_o curse_n david_n 2_o sam._n 16._o 10._o but_o every_a one_o see_v that_o this_o must_v be_v a_o figurative_a expression_n for_o it_o be_v not_o true_a in_o the_o literal_a sense_n god_n never_o command_v shimei_n to_o curse_n david_n nor_o do_v david_n believe_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n that_o he_o do_v for_o than_o he_o will_v not_o have_v impute_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o to_o he_o whereas_o we_o know_v though_o he_o have_v swear_v to_o shimei_n at_o his_o return_n when_o he_o come_v to_o meet_v he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o put_v he_o to_o death_n yet_o he_o leave_v it_o in_o his_o die_a charge_n to_o solomon_n not_o to_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a 1_o king_n 2._o 8_o 9_o but_o when_o david_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v bid_v he_o curse_v all_o that_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o or_o can_v mean_v by_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o sad_a calamity_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v on_o he_o by_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o son_n absalon_n have_v give_v free_a scope_n to_o shimei_n old_a and_o inveterate_a hatred_n of_o he_o and_o as_o effectual_o let_v loose_v his_o revile_v tongue_n as_o if_o god_n have_v in_o express_a word_n command_v he_o to_o curse_n david_n and_o therefore_o he_o patient_o submit_v to_o this_o as_o part_v of_o his_o punishment_n and_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o son_n absalon_n which_o give_v this_o confidence_n to_o shimei_n to_o curse_v his_o king_n behold_v my_o son_n which_o come_v forth_o of_o my_o bowel_n seek_v my_o life_n how_o much_o more_o now_o may_v this_o benjamite_n do_v it_o 10._o v._n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o david_n elsewhere_o complain_v of_o that_o god_n have_v make_v he_o the_o song_n of_o the_o drunkard_n for_o bad_a man_n will_v take_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n give_v they_o to_o reproach_n and_o scorn_n and_o persecute_v the_o good_a there_o need_v no_o other_o command_n for_o this_o but_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o some_o object_n god_n give_v power_n to_o satan_n first_o over_o the_o good_n and_o then_o over_o the_o body_n of_o job_n except_v his_o life_n and_o god_n permit_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o ahab_n prophet_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o go_v up_o to_o ramoth-gilead_n but_o wherein_o the_o objection_n lie_v i_o can_v tell_v for_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o say_v that_o god_n by_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o hurt_v and_o to_o deceive_v make_v he_o a_o malicious_a and_o lie_a spirit_n those_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a objector_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n without_o charge_v he_o with_o their_o sin_n too_o but_o god_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v he_o have_v deceive_v he_o now_o how_o be_v it_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o providence_n to_o deceive_v 14._o ezek._n 9_o and_o if_o the_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n and_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o will_v destroy_v he_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n israel_n now_o to_o this_o it_o be_v common_o answer_v that_o god_n permit_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o possess_v such_o prophet_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o ahab_n for_o he_o only_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n such_o prophet_n as_o he_o will_v cut_v off_o for_o their_o lie_a prophecy_n and_o how_o do_v it_o unbecome_v god_n to_o give_v up_o the_o worshipper_n of_o evil_a spirit_n their_o priest_n and_o prophet_n to_o be_v inspire_v and_o deceive_v by_o they_o no_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n be_v under_o any_o temptation_n to_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n and_o god_n have_v always_o his_o own_o prophet_n among_o they_o to_o warn_v they_o against_o such_o lie_a prophecy_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o these_o prophet_n that_o they_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o for_o they_o do_v know_v that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o prophecy_n from_o the_o lord_n but_o from_o the_o heathen_a idol_n or_o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o when_o they_o choose_v to_o worship_v strange_a god_n and_o to_o consult_v their_o oracle_n or_o to_o divine_a out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o choose_v to_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o god_n threaten_v they_o shall_v bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n the_o punishment_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v even_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o he_o that_o seek_v unto_o he_o 10._o v._n we_o have_v a_o large_a account_n of_o these_o prophet_n and_o severe_a judgement_n denounce_v against_o they_o 13._o ezek._n who_o be_v say_v to_o prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n when_o they_o have_v see_v nothing_o to_o see_v a_o vain_a vision_n and_o speak_v a_o lie_a divination_n and_o sometime_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o god_n too_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v it_o albeit_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v now_o this_o character_n the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n give_v of_o these_o lie_a prophet_n incline_v i_o to_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o seem_v plain_a and_o easy_a not_o that_o god_n deceive_v they_o to_o prophesy_v lie_v but_o that_o god_n deceive_v they_o in_o the_o event_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o vain_a vision_n either_o by_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o idolatry_n which_o betray_v they_o to_o the_o delusion_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n or_o by_o heat_n their_o imagination_n into_o enthusiastic_a frenzy_n and_o prophesy_v their_o own_o hope_n and_o politic_a guess_n which_o be_v call_v prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o than_o god_n deceive_v all_o their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n by_o bring_v those_o evil_n on_o they_o which_o they_o with_o great_a assurance_n and_o confidence_n say_v shall_v never_o come_v and_o the_o word_n plain_o favour_v this_o sense_n god_n do_v not_o say_v if_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v to_o speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v he_o but_o if_o a_o
good_a may_v come_v this_o st._n paul_n reject_v with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o man_n damnation_n be_v just_a 3._o rom._n 8._o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a contradiction_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o order_n to_o do_v good_a for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n who_o can_v for_o any_o reason_n be_v persuade_v to_o do_v evil_a be_v a_o hearty_a and_o zealous_a lover_n of_o goodness_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o who_o do_v any_o evil_a do_v not_o hearty_o love_v that_o goodness_n to_o which_o the_o evil_a he_o do_v be_v oppose_v and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o hearty_o love_v all_o goodness_n be_v a_o hearty_a lover_n of_o none_o there_o be_v no_o reconcile_n good_a and_o evil_n no_o more_o than_o you_o can_v reconcile_v contradiction_n a_o good_a man_n will_v love_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o a_o evil_a man_n will_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o though_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a yet_o evil_a be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o good_a no_o more_o than_o darkness_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o a_o good_a design_n can_v never_o justify_v a_o bad_a action_n for_o that_o bad_a action_n shall_v do_v good_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o bad_a action_n and_o whatever_o man_n may_v intend_v i_o be_o sure_o no_o man_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o justify_v himself_o in_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v it_o be_v certain_a a_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n require_v no_o such_o thing_n of_o we_o and_o though_o he_o very_o often_o bring_v about_o great_a and_o admirable_a design_n by_o man_n sin_n yet_o no_o man_n know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o nor_o know_v when_o god_n will_v do_v it_o nor_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n who_o venture_v upon_o sin_n in_o order_n to_o do_v some_o great_a good_a ever_o do_v the_o good_a he_o intend_v though_o many_o time_n he_o run_v himself_o into_o more_o and_o great_a sin_n than_o ever_o he_o intend_v nay_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o deliberate_o venture_v upon_o a_o know_a sin_n to_o do_v some_o great_a good_a by_o it_o but_o there_o be_v always_o some_o base_a worldly_a interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n colour_v over_o with_o a_o pretence_n of_o do_v good_a either_o to_o deceive_v the_o world_n or_o sometime_o to_o deceive_v their_o own_o conscience_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n among_o who_o there_o be_v those_o who_o teach_v and_o practice_v this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o undeniable_a example_n of_o it_o and_o we_o have_v have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o it_o near_a home_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o one_o reason_n why_o those_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v future_a age_n be_v general_o so_o obscure_a that_o no_o man_n know_v when_o nor_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o any_o sin_n to_o serve_v providence_n and_o to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n as_o obscure_v as_o these_o prophecy_n be_v yet_o we_o see_v some_o heat_a enthusiast_n very_o forward_o to_o venture_v on_o any_o thing_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n to_o pull_v down_o antichrist_n to_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n especial_o when_o they_o hope_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o with_o he_o but_o god_n conceal_v time_n and_o season_n from_o we_o and_o though_o he_o many_o time_n fulfil_v prophecy_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o allow_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n and_o therefore_o never_o let_v we_o know_v when_o nor_o by_o what_o mean_v prohesy_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v let_v we_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a principle_n that_o god_n need_v not_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o can_v never_o please_v he_o by_o do_v evil_a whatever_o the_o event_n be_v he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o serve_v his_o providence_n but_o he_o will_v punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n chap._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 3._o the_o next_o inquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n though_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o more_o proper_a subject_n for_o our_o devout_a meditation_n than_o for_o our_o inquiry_n for_o we_o need_v not_o look_v far_o to_o seek_v for_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o taste_v it_o every_o day_n we_o owe_v our_o be_v our_o preservation_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n to_o it_o there_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v nor_o so_o miserable_a a_o creature_n in_o this_o world_n but_o can_v bear_v its_o testimony_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v pardon_v the_o harshness_n of_o the_o expression_n i_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plague_n and_o torment_n of_o hell_n i_o mean_v the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungrateful_a abuse_n of_o it_o this_o be_v that_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v those_o sharp_a reflection_n man_n make_v on_o their_o ingratitude_n and_o folly_n in_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a by_o affront_a that_o goodness_n which_o will_v have_v make_v they_o happy_a whatever_o other_o objection_n foam_v wanton_a and_o sport_v wit_n make_v against_o providence_n one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o feel_v what_o he_o enjoy_v himself_o and_o see_v what_o a_o bountiful_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o all_o creature_n shall_v question_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o which_o he_o live_v move_v and_o have_v his_o be_v we_o shall_v think_v he_o a_o extraordinary_a benefactor_n who_o do_v the_o thousand_o part_n for_o we_o of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o shall_v not_o challenge_v his_o goodness_n though_o he_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o like_a or_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o atheism_n be_v found_v in_o ingratitude_n and_o unless_o 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irregular_a stroke_n of_o chance_n and_o fortune_n intermix_v with_o it_o in_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n himself_o to_o answer_v these_o two_o objection_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o man_n and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o they_o both_o for_o shall_v god_n vindicate_v his_o justice_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o man_n by_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n every_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v according_a to_o its_o desert_n there_o will_v be_v very_o little_a room_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o goodness_n if_o every_o man_n must_v suffer_v as_o much_o as_o he_o sin_n the_o very_o best_a man_n will_v be_v great_a sufferer_n much_o great_a sufferer_n than_o any_o of_o they_o now_o be_v though_o their_o suffering_n be_v make_v another_o objection_n against_o providence_n and_o there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o formidable_a example_n of_o misery_n as_o there_o be_v atheist_n and_o profligate_v sinner_n and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o how_o good_a soever_o god_n may_v be_v if_o he_o must_v punish_v every_o sin_n he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o show_v his_o goodness_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n shall_v god_n be_v as_o good_a as_o these_o man_n will_v have_v he_o that_o be_v that_o to_o prove_v himself_o good_a he_o shall_v not_o inflict_v any_o evil_n or_o calamity_n on_o man_n whatever_o their_o sin_n or_o provocation_n be_v that_o whereas_o god_n plant_v paradise_n only_o for_o man_n in_o innocence_n the_o whole_a world_n shall_v be_v now_o a_o paradise_n though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o innocent_a man_n in_o it_o this_o will_v be_v as_o unanswerable_a a_o objection_n
their_o suffering_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o forerunner_n of_o future_a vengeance_n except_o they_o repent_v and_o when_o we_o know_v this_o it_o make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o prosperity_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o because_o this_o be_v not_o always_o visible_a in_o external_a event_n god_n have_v take_v care_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o but_o god_n have_v make_v this_o very_a visible_a in_o most_o of_o the_o ordinary_a calamity_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o sin_n of_o intemperance_n luxury_n lust_n pride_n passion_n covetousness_n idleness_n and_o prodigality_n most_o of_o those_o evil_n which_o bad_a man_n suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o such_o vice_n and_o all_o these_o good_a man_n escape_v and_o sometime_o their_o virtue_n advance_v they_o to_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o when_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o make_v they_o content_v and_o please_v but_o when_o wickedness_n make_v man_n great_a it_o common_o make_v they_o a_o mark_n for_o envy_n and_o advance_v they_o to_o tumble_v they_o down_o nay_o though_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o always_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o to_o their_o external_a fortune_n yet_o sometime_o god_n make_v a_o very_a remarkable_a difference_n between_o they_o give_v such_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o his_o anger_n against_o bad_a man_n and_o of_o his_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o good_a that_o it_o force_v man_n to_o acknowledge_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n 58._o psal._n 11._o and_o a_o few_o such_o example_n as_o these_o though_o both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a story_n furnish_v we_o with_o very_a many_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v as_o visible_a a_o distinction_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n require_v 4._o but_o yet_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o allow_v of_o great_a evil_n and_o calamity_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n not_o of_o judgement_n good_a man_n must_v suffer_v no_o more_o than_o what_o will_v increase_v their_o virtue_n not_o prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a must_v not_o always_o rest_v on_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o righteous_a lest_o he_o also_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n unto_o iniquity_n the_o suffering_n of_o bad_a man_n who_o be_v in_o a_o curable_a state_n must_v be_v only_o proportion_v to_o their_o cure_n unless_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o example_n require_v a_o severe_a punishment_n to_o warn_v other_o sinner_n as_o for_o harden_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v for_o they_o but_o he_o may_v serve_v his_o providence_n on_o they_o as_o he_o please_v either_o by_o make_v they_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o execute_v such_o a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o the_o world_n as_o none_o but_o such_o harden_a sinner_n will_v execute_v or_o by_o make_v they_o the_o last_a monument_n of_o his_o own_o vengeance_n as_o he_o do_v a_o harden_a and_o incorrigible_a pharaoh_n for_o this_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v such_o example_n and_o such_o sinner_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v example_n of_o and_o all_o such_o severity_n as_o these_o be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 5._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n not_o only_o allow_v but_o require_v great_a patience_n long-suffering_a and_o goodness_n to_o sinner_n for_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o reclaim_v sinner_n to_o give_v they_o time_n for_o repentance_n and_o to_o invite_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o repent_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o method_n of_o goodness_n as_o well_o as_o to_o overawe_v they_o by_o judgement_n and_o severity_n promise_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o reform_v sinner_n as_o threaten_n for_o hope_n be_v as_o powerful_a a_o principle_n as_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o goodness_n work_v more_o kind_o upon_o ingenuous_a mind_n and_o melt_v those_o who_o judgement_n can_v bow_v nor_o break_v thus_o a_o kind_a parent_n deal_v with_o a_o prodigal_a son_n try_v he_o with_o kindness_n as_o well_o as_o severity_n and_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o sinner_n he_o be_v good_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a and_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o upon_o the_o unjust_a and_o this_o be_v such_o goodness_n as_o be_v proper_a only_a for_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 6._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o good_a than_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n for_o since_o goodness_n govern_v the_o world_n even_o in_o this_o state_n the_o good_a must_v be_v predominant_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n there_o be_v it_o may_v still_o be_v very_o visible_a that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o good_a god_n that_o this_o be_v so_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v for_o we_o all_o see_v and_o feel_v it_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n bear_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o the_o good_a there_o be_v some_o few_o example_n of_o miserable_a people_n but_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o happy_a and_o even_o these_o miserable_a people_n have_v great_a allay_v of_o their_o misery_n and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n have_v a_o much_o great_a share_n of_o good_a than_o evil._n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o very_o terrible_a but_o they_o come_v but_o seldom_o for_o a_o year_n plague_n or_o famine_n we_o enjoy_v some_o age_n of_o health_n and_o plenty_n and_o the_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n of_o war_n be_v recompense_v and_o forget_v by_o a_o more_o last_a and_o flourish_a peace_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n move_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o uniform_a round_n visit_v all_o part_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o sun_n do_v with_o its_o light_n and_o heat_n that_o consider_v how_o little_a mankind_n deserve_v of_o god_n in_o this_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n how_o high_o they_o provoke_v he_o every_o day_n and_o how_o constant_o and_o universal_o he_o do_v good_a to_o they_o instead_o of_o complain_v of_o the_o many_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o admire_v the_o patience_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n goodness_n as_o it_o respect_v a_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n and_o then_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n vanish_v of_o themselves_o though_o this_o world_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a goodness_n can_v make_v it_o yet_o god_n abound_v in_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o goodness_n which_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n will_v allow_v which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v and_o all_o that_o god_n can_v wise_o do_v for_o we_o in_o this_o state_n 2_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n for_o this_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o most_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n that_o man_n consider_v human_a nature_n absolute_o and_o appeal_v to_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o notion_n and_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o be_v by_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o mean_v only_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_a such_o as_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_v or_o of_o trouble_n and_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n riches_n or_o poverty_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n and_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o mankind_n and_o particular_a man_n be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a then_o god_n do_v good_a and_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o providence_n be_v good_a if_o they_o be_v afflict_v this_o be_v very_o evil_a and_o therefore_o a_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n but_o do_v not_o every_o man_n know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n the_o end_n be_v happiness_n which_o be_v the_o
that_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n shall_v be_v preserve_v entire_a among_o they_o or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v decline_v to_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v be_v visible_o punish_v for_o it_o 4._o that_o the_o fame_n of_o this_o people_n and_o of_o their_o god_n shall_v by_o degree_n be_v know_v over_o all_o the_o earth_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o mystical_a reason_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o israel_n which_o be_v a_o very_a large_a and_o nice_a argument_n and_o not_o so_o proper_a to_o my_o present_a design_n if_o most_o of_o the_o remarkable_a providence_n wherewith_o they_o be_v exercise_v do_v manifest_o serve_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o end_n we_o have_v a_o visible_a reason_n of_o they_o not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v providence_n but_o to_o give_v we_o a_o ravish_a prospect_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o removal_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n into_o egypt_n the_o occasion_n of_o which_o be_v well_o know_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o consider_v for_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o when_o god_n have_v promise_v abraham_n to_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n on_o his_o posterity_n for_o a_o inheritance_n he_o shall_v remove_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o egypt_n there_o to_o continue_v many_o year_n under_o grievous_a oppression_n before_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o deliver_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_v land_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o wise_a design_n of_o this_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v to_o give_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o their_o inheritance_n and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o this_o design_n that_o they_o shall_v increase_v insensible_o in_o canaan_n and_o by_o degree_n dispossess_v the_o old_a inhabitant_n for_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o singular_a and_o remarkable_a in_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a nation_n before_o god_n so_o public_o and_o visible_o own_v they_o for_o his_o people_n and_o visible_o bestow_v a_o inheritance_n on_o they_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v have_v some_o place_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v in_o till_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o transplant_v they_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n for_o this_o purpose_n god_n choose_v the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o send_v joseph_n beforehand_o thither_o and_o advance_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n throne_n to_o prepare_v a_o reception_n for_o they_o and_o a_o very_a quiet_a and_o easy_a retreat_n they_o find_v there_o for_o many_o year_n till_o joseph_n be_v dead_a and_o all_o the_o good_a office_n he_o have_v do_v both_o for_o king_n and_o people_n forget_v and_o the_o prodigious_a increase_n of_o israel_n make_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n jealous_a of_o their_o number_n and_o power_n and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o oppress_v that_o people_n with_o hard_a labour_n and_o cruel_a bondage_n till_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o their_o deliverance_n be_v come_v this_o oppression_n of_o israel_n may_v seem_v a_o very_a severe_a providence_n but_o there_o be_v some_o very_a wise_a end_n it_o serve_v 1._o to_o make_v the_o people_n willing_a to_o leave_v egypt_n where_o they_o suffer_v such_o hard_a bondage_n for_o whoever_o observe_v how_o ready_a they_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o talk_v of_o return_v into_o egypt_n how_o they_o long_v after_o the_o onion_n and_o garlic_n and_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hardship_n they_o suffer_v there_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o have_v they_o enjoy_v ease_n and_o prosperity_n all_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v will_v no_o more_o have_v persuade_v israel_n to_o have_v leave_v egypt_n than_o they_o can_v persuade_v pharaoh_n to_o let_v they_o go_v 2_o the_o advantage_n pharaoh_n make_v of_o the_o service_n of_o israel_n make_v he_o obstinate_o resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o and_o his_o cruel_a oppression_n make_v it_o very_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v he_o and_o all_o egypt_n with_o he_o and_o this_o occasion_v all_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n whereby_o he_o visible_o own_a israel_n for_o his_o people_n and_o make_v his_o own_o power_n and_o glory_n know_v 3_o the_o great_a proneness_n of_o israel_n to_o idolatry_n even_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v too_o plain_a a_o proof_n that_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o egyptian_a idolatry_n while_o they_o live_v there_o the_o golden_a calf_n be_v as_o some_o learned_a man_n not_o without_o reason_n conclude_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o egyptian_a apis_n and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v their_o egyptian_a idolatry_n with_o a_o egyptian_a bondage_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o give_v check_n to_o their_o idolatry_n and_o to_o make_v they_o hate_v the_o egyptian_a god_n like_o their_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n and_o to_o remember_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o covenant_n to_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n on_o they_o 4thly_a the_o oppression_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o keep_v they_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a people_n this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o god_n have_v choose_v they_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o incorporate_n with_o any_o other_o people_n and_o this_o god_n take_v early_a care_n of_o by_o place_v they_o by_o themselves_o in_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n where_o they_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o egypt_n which_o make_v pharaoh_n so_o jealous_a of_o they_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o multiply_v 10._o and_o that_o make_v he_o oppress_v they_o and_o that_o oppression_n preserve_v the_o distinction_n which_o a_o kind_n and_o friendly_a usage_n may_v in_o time_n have_v destroy_v for_o it_o be_v rare_o see_v that_o two_o people_n can_v live_v amicable_o together_o in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o under_o the_o same_o prince_n without_o mingle_v and_o incorporate_n with_o each_o other_o till_o they_o forget_v all_o distinction_n between_o nation_n and_o family_n these_o be_v wise_a reason_n why_o god_n suffer_v the_o hard_a bondage_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n and_o those_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n both_o to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n of_o god_n peculiar_a care_n of_o they_o and_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o israel_n be_v god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n this_o account_n god_n himself_o give_v of_o it_o 6._o exod._n 6_o 7_o 8._o wherefore_o say_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o out_o from_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o i_o will_v take_v you_o to_o i_o for_o a_o people_n and_o i_o will_v be_v to_o you_o a_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o bring_v you_o out_o from_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o as_o for_o the_o egyptian_n god_n tell_v moses_n i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o multiply_v my_o sign_n and_o my_o wonder_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o pharaoh_n shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o you_o that_o i_o may_v lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v forth_o my_o army_n and_o my_o people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n by_o great_a judgement_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n when_o i_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v out_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o 7._o exod._n 3_o 4_o 5._o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n we_o read_v of_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o these_o and_o probable_o they_o be_v the_o first_o miracle_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o ever_o be_v wrought_v and_o it_o become_v we_o to_o contemplate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o it_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o surprise_n and_o wonder_n of_o they_o be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n miracle_n offer_v violence_n to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o will_v be_v no_o commendation_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n shall_v we_o consider_v they_o as_o cause_n not_o as_o sign_n it_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o god_n wrought_v all_o those_o miracle_n in_o egypt_n because_o he_o can_v not_o have_v punish_v the_o egyptian_n nor_o
relapse_n into_o idolatry_n for_o which_o they_o be_v as_o frequent_o and_o severe_o punish_v 2._o their_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n among_o the_o nation_n whereby_o god_n make_v himself_o and_o his_o law_n more_o universal_o know_v in_o the_o world_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n original_a intention_n in_o choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n than_o their_o fall_n into_o idolatry_n and_o yet_o god_n foresee_v that_o this_o they_o will_v do_v and_o threaten_v to_o punish_v they_o severe_o when_o they_o do_v which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o moses_n his_o prophetic_a song_n 32._o deut._n and_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o though_o god_n many_o time_n spare_v they_o when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o other_o great_a sin_n yet_o they_o never_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n but_o vengeance_n soon_o pursue_v they_o and_o they_o be_v either_o oppress_v by_o their_o enemy_n at_o home_n or_o carry_v captive_a into_o foreign_a country_n when_o joshua_n be_v dead_a and_o all_o that_o generation_n which_o joshua_n lead_v into_o canaan_n there_o arise_v another_o generation_n after_o they_o that_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n nor_o yet_o the_o work_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o israel_n and_o they_o soon_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n and_o serve_v baalim_fw-la they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v baal_n and_o ashtaroth_n 2._o judges_z 10_o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n and_o what_o follow_v give_v we_o a_o summary_n account_v of_o god_n deal_n with_o they_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v hot_a against_o israel_n and_o he_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o spoiler_n that_o spoil_v they_o and_o he_o sell_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n round_o about_o they_o whithersoever_o they_o go_v out_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o they_o for_o evil_a as_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v and_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o be_v great_o distress_v nevertheless_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o judge_n which_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o spoil_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o their_o judge_n but_o they_o go_v a_o whore_v after_o other_o god_n and_o bow_v themselves_o unto_o they_o they_o turn_v quick_o out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o their_o father_n walk_v in_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o do_v not_o so_o and_o when_o the_o lord_n raise_v they_o up_o judge_n than_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o the_o judge_n and_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n for_o it_o repent_v the_o lord_n because_o of_o their_o groan_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o that_o oppress_v they_o and_o vex_v they_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o the_o judge_n be_v dead_a that_o they_o return_v and_o corrupt_v themselves_o more_o than_o their_o father_n in_o follow_v other_o god_n to_o serve_v they_o and_o to_o bow_v down_o unto_o they_o they_o cease_v not_o from_o their_o own_o do_n and_o from_o their_o stubborn_a way_n for_o this_o reason_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o text_n god_n resolve_v not_o to_o drive_v out_o any_o from_o before_o they_o of_o the_o nation_n which_o joshua_n leave_v when_o he_o die_v god_n have_v promise_v to_o put_v out_o those_o nation_n by_o little_a and_o little_a not_o consume_v they_o at_o once_o lest_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n shall_v increase_v upon_o they_o 7._o deut_n 22._o but_o withal_o joshua_n assure_v they_o that_o if_o they_o do_v in_o any-wise_a go_v back_o that_o be_v relapse_n into_o idolatry_n and_o cleave_v unto_o the_o remnant_n of_o those_o nation_n even_o those_o which_o remain_v among_o you_o which_o joshua_n have_v not_o drive_v out_o know_v for_o a_o certainty_n that_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n will_v no_o more_o drive_v out_o any_o of_o these_o nation_n from_o before_o you_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v snare_n and_o trap_n unto_o you_o and_o scourge_n in_o your_o side_n and_o thorn_n in_o your_o eye_n until_o you_o perish_v from_o off_o this_o good_a land_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n have_v give_v you_o 23._o joshua_n 12_o 13._o and_o thus_o according_o god_fw-we deal_v with_o they_o for_o he_o leave_v the_o five_o lord_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o all_o the_o canaanite_n and_o the_o sidonian_n and_o the_o hivites_n that_o dwell_v in_o mount_n lebanon_n from_o mount_n baal-hermon_n unto_o the_o enter_v in_o of_o hamath_n and_o they_o be_v to_o prove_v israel_n by_o they_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v hearken_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o command_v their_o father_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n 3._o judges_z 1_o 4._o this_o be_v a_o wise_a provision_n god_n make_v to_o correct_v and_o punish_v israel_n whenever_o they_o shall_v decline_v to_o idolatry_n for_o these_o idolatrous_a nation_n who_o still_o live_v among_o they_o or_o round_o about_o they_o be_v not_o more_o ready_a to_o tempt_v they_o to_o idolatry_n than_o they_o be_v to_o oppress_v and_o afflict_v they_o when_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o chastise_v israel_n the_o whole_a book_n of_o judge_n be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o this_o and_o the_o story_n be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o particular_n let_v we_o then_o brief_o contemplate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o those_o severe_a judgement_n god_n execute_v on_o israel_n for_o their_o frequent_a idolatry_n god_n have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o a_o visible_a confutation_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o their_o great_a propensity_n to_o idolatry_n after_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o red-sea_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n do_v threaten_v the_o final_a apostasy_n of_o israel_n which_o will_v have_v defeat_v god_n wise_a and_o gracious_a design_n in_o choose_v they_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n for_o have_v they_o turn_v idolater_n like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n have_v be_v total_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v this_o god_n never_o suffer_v their_o idolatry_n for_o any_o long_a time_n to_o escape_v unpunished_a and_o if_o we_o will_v understand_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o we_o must_v not_o consider_v these_o judgement_n mere_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o idolatry_n but_o as_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o providence_n to_o preserve_v his_o own_o worship_n among_o they_o notwithstanding_o their_o idolatrous_a inclination_n and_o to_o make_v his_o name_n and_o power_n and_o glory_n know_v to_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v idolater_n but_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v other_o nation_n for_o their_o idolatry_n as_o he_o do_v israel_n which_o show_v that_o the_o punishment_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o mere_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o idolatry_n but_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o for_o god_n have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n the_o world_n be_v to_o learn_v from_o they_o from_o their_o example_n and_o from_o their_o reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o sensible_a confutation_n of_o idolatry_n than_o to_o see_v a_o nation_n which_o have_v be_v visible_o consecrate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n as_o visible_o punish_v whenever_o they_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n that_o new_a generation_n which_o spring_v up_o after_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n who_o have_v not_o see_v god_n wonder_n in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n nor_o know_v the_o war_n of_o canaan_n soon_o forget_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o want_v some_o new_a experiment_n of_o god_n power_n and_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o whenever_o they_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n god_n take_v care_n they_o shall_v not_o want_v they_o though_o they_o pay_v very_o dear_a for_o they_o for_o he_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o bring_v many_o evil_n on_o they_o till_o they_o shall_v remember_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n this_o account_n god_n himself_o give_v of_o it_o 31._o deut._n 16_o 17._o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n behold_v thou_o shall_v sleep_v with_o thy_o father_n and_o this_o people_n will_v rise_v up_o and_o go_v a_o whore_v after_o the_o god_n of_o the_o stranger_n whither_o they_o go_v to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o will_v forsake_v i_o and_o break_v my_o covenant_n which_o i_o have_v make_v with_o they_o then_o
parent_n to_o imitate_v their_o virtue_n that_o they_o may_v inherit_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o their_o father_n we_o think_v it_o a_o great_a advantage_n for_o child_n to_o inherit_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o parent_n industry_n but_o to_o inherit_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o virtue_n be_v much_o great_a and_o this_o none_o but_o virtuous_a child_n can_v do_v a_o prodigal_a son_n may_v inherit_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o industrious_a father_n but_o can_v keep_v it_o but_o a_o wicked_a son_n of_o a_o virtuous_a father_n forfeit_v his_o inheritance_n and_o though_o some_o good_a man_n meet_v with_o very_o little_a or_o with_o no_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n nay_o suffer_v very_o severe_o for_o their_o virtue_n this_o be_v no_o discouragement_n to_o their_o child_n but_o give_v they_o reasonoble_a hope_n to_o expect_v the_o more_o for_o a_o exemplary_a virtue_n shall_v have_v its_o reward_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o the_o father_n have_v it_o not_o the_o son_n and_o the_o son_n son_n through_o all_o the_o line_n of_o a_o virtuous_a succession_n shall_v when_o good_a man_n suffer_v or_o miss_v of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o world_n they_o have_v the_o great_a reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o their_o child_n on_o earth_n 3._o to_o reward_v good_a man_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a in_o their_o posterity_n better_a answer_n the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n than_o the_o personal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o every_o particular_a good_a and_o bad_a man_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v very_o wise_a reason_n why_o some_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v prosperous_a and_o some_o good_a man_n afflict_a in_o this_o world_n and_o since_o this_o world_n be_v not_o the_o place_n of_o judgement_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n do_v not_o require_v that_o every_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o his_o work_n but_o yet_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v require_v that_o virtue_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o vice_n punish_v and_o that_o in_o such_o degree_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o shall_v lay_v all_o reasonable_a restraint_n on_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n and_o encourage_v their_o virtue_n now_o virtue_n be_v reward_v and_o vice_n punish_v when_o it_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v if_o not_o in_o the_o person_n yet_o in_o the_o posterity_n of_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n which_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o good_a man_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o ministries_n of_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o service_n of_o providence_n and_o yet_o very_o effectual_o discourage_v wickedness_n and_o encourage_v virtue_n 2_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v that_o god_n very_o often_o punish_v sin_n with_o sin_n and_o many_o time_n with_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n our_o daily_a observation_n may_v furnish_v we_o with_o example_n enough_o of_o it_o which_o be_v visible_a and_o public_o know_v and_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v few_o sinner_n but_o know_v some_o which_o concern_v themselves_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o know_v thus_o god_n punish_v the_o murder_n and_o adultery_n of_o david_n with_o the_o incest_n and_o rebellion_n of_o his_o son_n absolom_n and_o thus_o oppression_n be_v often_o punish_v with_o oppression_n adultery_n with_o adultery_n murder_n with_o murder_n and_o wicked_a man_n be_v make_v plague_n and_o scourge_v to_o each_o other_o and_o god_n think_v it_o no_o dishonour_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o attribute_v all_o such_o retribution_n to_o himself_o for_o god_n can_v serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o contribute_v to_o their_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v not_o a_o fit_a punishment_n in_o the_o world_n for_o sinner_n than_o to_o suffer_v the_o evil_n they_o do_v that_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o very_a sin_n which_o they_o commit_v nothing_o more_o sensible_o convince_v they_o of_o a_o just_a providence_n than_o this_o nothing_o can_v give_v they_o a_o more_o just_a abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n than_o to_o feel_v the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n of_o they_o nothing_o can_v more_o awaken_v and_o rouse_v their_o conscience_n than_o to_o suffer_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o have_v do_v and_o one_o will_v reasonable_o think_v nothing_o shall_v make_v they_o more_o afraid_a to_o do_v any_o evil_n which_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o suffer_v so_o that_o nothing_o can_v better_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o a_o divine_a nemesis_n and_o vengeance_n to_o give_v they_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v they_o afraid_a to_o commit_v they_o 3._o another_o instance_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v in_o so_o often_o disappoint_v both_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o great_a expectation_n of_o some_o great_a good_a either_o we_o be_v disappoint_v in_o what_o we_o expect_v or_o if_o we_o have_v what_o we_o wish_v for_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v our_o expectation_n we_o find_v ourselves_o deceive_v in_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o if_o we_o have_v be_v without_o they_o and_o when_o we_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n which_o be_v just_o ready_a to_o fall_v on_o we_o either_o the_o evil_n do_v not_o come_v as_o we_o fear_v or_o it_o prove_v no_o evil_a but_o a_o very_a great_a good_a to_o we_o this_o be_v so_o often_o every_o man_n case_n that_o i_o need_v only_o appeal_v to_o your_o own_o observation_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v god_n take_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o we_o live_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o know_v not_o what_o be_v good_a for_o ourselves_o that_o we_o disturb_v our_o mind_n with_o vain_a hope_n and_o with_o as_o vain_a fear_n that_o it_o become_v we_o to_o leave_v all_o to_o god_n and_o to_o depend_v secure_o on_o his_o providence_n who_o overrule_v all_o thing_n with_o a_o sovereign_a will_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v easy_a and_o safe_a to_o choose_v nothing_o for_o ourselves_o not_o to_o prescribe_v to_o providence_n but_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o then_o quiet_o expect_v what_o god_n will_v do_v be_v it_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o happy_a temper_n of_o mind_n than_o this_o more_o honourable_a for_o god_n or_o more_o secure_a for_o ourselves_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o become_v creature_n be_v there_o any_o more_o perfect_a act_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o depend_v entire_o on_o god_n without_o hope_n or_o fear_n in_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o can_v providence_n more_o effectual_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o than_o to_o let_v we_o see_v by_o every_o day_n experience_n how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o be_v mistake_v and_o to_o choose_v ill_o for_o ourselves_o that_o our_o wish_n and_o desire_n be_v they_o answer_v will_v very_o often_o undo_v we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v and_o make_v happy_a by_o what_o we_o fear_v and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o desire_v why_o shall_v we_o fear_v any_o long_o let_v we_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o mind_n our_o own_o business_n and_o leave_v god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o allot_v our_o portion_n in_o it_o four_o we_o may_v observe_v also_o that_o god_n very_o often_o defer_v the_o deliverance_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n when_o wicked_a tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n be_v at_o the_o height_n of_o their_o pride_n and_o glory_n and_o good_a man_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o hopeless_a state_n beyond_o the_o visible_a relief_n of_o any_o human_a power_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n when_o god_n send_v moses_n to_o deliver_v they_o with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o a_o outstretched_a arm._n this_o be_v several_a time_n their_o case_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o they_o be_v oppress_v by_o their_o enemy_n and_o god_n raise_v up_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n for_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n when_o god_n in_o one_o night_n destroy_v the_o mighty_a army_n of_o the_o assyrian_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o queen_n hester_n day_n when_o that_o wicked_a haman_n have_v conspire_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o there_o want_v not_o example_n of_o it_o in_o christian_a story_n never_o be_v there_o a_o fierce_a persecution_n of_o christian_n than_o when_o god_n advance_v constantine_n to_o the_o throne_n
providence_n will_n and_o can_v have_v no_o effect_n upon_o we_o the_o psalmist_n complain_v of_o those_o wicked_a man_n who_o regard_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n 28._o psal._n 5._o and_o a_o great_a many_o such_o there_o be_v who_o have_v a_o general_a notion_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n but_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o god_n do_v or_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o god_n in_o what_o be_v do_v most_o man_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o attribute_v all_o event_n to_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n and_o though_o at_o other_o time_n they_o will_v own_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n yet_o as_o to_o particular_a event_n take_v as_o little_a notice_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o it_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o providence_n as_o this_o be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o in_o religion_n it_o neither_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n nor_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n but_o if_o we_o will_v own_o providence_n to_o the_o true_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o general_a belief_n of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n but_o whatever_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v or_o whatever_o extraordinary_a good_a or_o evil_n happen_v to_o we_o we_o must_v receive_v all_o as_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v poor_a we_o must_v own_v this_o to_o be_v god_n will_n and_o appointment_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v poor_a if_o we_o be_v rich_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v god_n blessing_n which_o make_v rich_a if_o we_o lose_v our_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v as_o job_n do_v the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o and_o whatever_o evil_n and_o misery_n befall_v we_o we_o must_v say_v with_o good_a old_a eli_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a or_o with_o david_n i_o be_v dumb_a and_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o it_o be_v thy_o do_n without_o believe_v god_n government_n of_o all_o event_n we_o deny_v a_o particular_a providence_n and_o unless_o at_o the_o very_a time_n when_o any_o good_a or_o evil_n befall_v we_o we_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v god_n hand_n in_o it_o we_o can_v have_v no_o present_a affect_v sense_n of_o his_o providence_n all_o such_o act_n of_o providence_n be_v lose_v as_o far_o as_o our_o take_a no_o notice_n of_o they_o can_v lose_v they_o god_n lose_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n mercy_n patience_n or_o justice_n and_o we_o lose_v those_o divine_a comfort_n and_o support_v or_o those_o spiritual_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n which_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o providence_n will_v have_v furnish_v we_o with_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o accustom_v ourselves_o in_o all_o event_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n which_o will_v teach_v we_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o how_o to_o make_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a use_n of_o whatever_o happen_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v this_o for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o teach_v man_n their_o duty_n to_o providence_n till_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o attribute_v all_o particular_a event_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o live_v under_o a_o constant_a sense_n and_o regard_n of_o it_o two_o when_o we_o have_v thus_o affect_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o we_o must_v in_o the_o next_o place_n take_v care_n to_o compose_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o quiet_a and_o humble_a submission_n to_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n all_o man_n confess_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o all_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v god_n do_n and_o what_o god_n do_v be_v his_o will_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v and_o reason_n tell_v we_o it_o must_v be_v unless_o god_n do_v any_o thing_n against_o his_o own_o will_n than_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n in_o all_o event_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o command_a will_n of_o god_n in_o obey_v his_o law_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n require_v this_o of_o we_o for_o we_o be_v his_o and_o he_o may_v dispose_v of_o our_o condition_n and_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n as_o he_o please_v the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n make_v it_o both_o prudent_a and_o necessary_a 4._o for_o who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o he_o and_o prosper_v that_o be_v against_o his_o providential_a will_v for_o that_o whole_a dispute_n be_v about_o providence_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n make_v it_o both_o reasonable_a and_o our_o interest_n to_o submit_v to_o he_o for_o all_o his_o providence_n how_o severe_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v be_v order_v for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o do_v submit_v to_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v because_o he_o be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n whether_o we_o will_v submit_v or_o no_o we_o must_v suffer_v his_o will_n because_o we_o can_v resist_v his_o power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o submit_v to_o god_n for_o he_o will_v consult_v our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n and_o do_v better_o for_o we_o than_o we_o can_v choose_v for_o ourselves_o this_o be_v plain_a enough_o but_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o various_a act_n of_o that_o submission_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n or_o to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n and_o i_o shall_v distinct_o inquire_v what_o submission_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n under_o all_o the_o evil_n affliction_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o in_o those_o several_a state_n condition_n and_o relation_n of_o life_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n place_v we_o in_o 1._o what_o submission_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n under_o all_o the_o suffering_n and_o affliction_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n i_o do_v not_o mention_v a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a fortune_n for_o it_o require_v no_o great_a submission_n to_o be_v prosperous_a this_o be_v what_o all_o man_n desire_v and_o choose_v but_o to_o submit_v be_v to_o make_v our_o own_o will_n and_o desire_n and_o fear_n and_o aversion_n and_o natural_a passion_n and_o affection_n stoop_v and_o yield_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o but_o in_o a_o suffering_n and_o afflict_a state_n now_o when_o we_o suffer_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v very_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v not_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o feel_v our_o suffering_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v afflict_v with_o they_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o complain_v of_o they_o for_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n be_v not_o to_o put_v off_o the_o sense_n and_o passion_n of_o human_a nature_n it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o our_o opinion_n about_o they_o affliction_n be_v affliction_n still_o and_o will_v be_v feel_v and_o though_o we_o must_v bear_v they_o in_o submission_n to_o god_n yet_o we_o must_v bear_v they_o as_o affliction_n can_v be_v bear_v and_o as_o human_a nature_n can_v bear_v they_o with_o pain_n and_o grief_n and_o reluctancy_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o complaint_n with_o vehement_a and_o importunate_a desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o help_v and_o deliver_v we_o we_o have_v frequent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o scripture_n the_o psalm_n of_o david_n as_o they_o abound_v with_o all_o dutiful_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o they_o be_v very_o full_a of_o complaint_n and_o of_o the_o most_o passionate_a sense_n of_o suffering_n represent_v so_o as_o to_o be_v feel_v in_o such_o a_o strain_n of_o move_a eloquence_n as_o not_o art_n but_o afflict_a nature_n teach_v but_o we_o have_v one_o example_n above_o all_o other_o and_o that_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o suffer_v with_o fear_n and_o reluctancy_n and_o with_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o his_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a our_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n and_o aversion_n be_v the_o great_a be_v our_o submission_n to_o god_n it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o great_a weakness_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o our_o suffering_n but_o it_o argue_v the_o great_a strength_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o more_o glorious_a victory_n over_o self_n to_o make_v our_o very_a
fear_n and_o aversion_n submit_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o the_o more_o what_o we_o suffer_v be_v against_o our_o own_o will_n the_o great_a be_v our_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n submission_n to_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o courage_n and_o fortitude_n of_o mind_n to_o bear_v suffering_n which_o man_n may_v have_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o which_o the_o profound_a reverence_n for_o god_n will_v not_o always_o teach_v we_o but_o he_o submit_v who_o receive_v the_o bitter_a cup_n and_o drink_v it_o though_o with_o a_o tremble_v heart_n and_o hand_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o very_a devout_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o reverence_n for_o his_o judgement_n but_o betray_v great_a weakness_n of_o mind_n and_o disorder_n of_o passion_n under_o their_o suffering_n who_o be_v very_o impatient_a of_o pain_n and_o have_v such_o soft_a and_o tender_a passion_n that_o every_o affliction_n gall_v they_o and_o when_o they_o reflect_v upon_o these_o disorder_n this_o create_v new_a and_o great_a trouble_n to_o they_o for_o they_o conclude_v that_o all_o this_o be_v want_n of_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o religion_n be_v never_o intend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o sense_n and_o affection_n of_o nature_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o pain_n or_o to_o make_v all_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o we_o and_o while_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o love_v it_o will_v be_v grievous_a to_o part_v with_o it_o and_o while_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o fear_v it_o will_v be_v grievous_a to_o suffer_v it_o religion_n will_v rectify_v our_o opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o cure_v our_o fondness_n and_o set_v bound_n to_o our_o passion_n but_o when_o all_o these_o flatter_a or_o frightful_a disguise_n be_v remove_v which_o magnify_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o thing_n yet_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o be_v and_o will_v excite_v in_o we_o either_o troublesome_a or_o delightful_a passion_n and_o this_o will_v exercise_v our_o submission_n to_o god_n to_o part_v with_o what_o we_o love_v and_o to_o suffer_v what_o we_o fear_v and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o case_n there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o submission_n to_o explain_v this_o in_o a_o few_o word_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o that_o man_n must_v suffer_v who_o suffer_v with_o submission_n to_o god_n and_o that_o be_v the_o submission_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n now_o a_o man_n who_o suffer_v with_o submission_n must_v not_o reproach_n and_o censure_v the_o divine_a providence_n but_o think_v and_o speak_v honourable_o of_o god_n how_o hardly_o soever_o he_o deal_v with_o he_o he_o may_v complain_v of_o what_o he_o suffer_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o he_o must_v not_o complain_v of_o god_n this_o be_v iob_n behaviour_n naked_a come_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a shall_v i_o return_v thither_o 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 in_o all_o this_o job_n sin_v not_o nor_o charge_v god_n foolish_o i_o job_n 21_o 22._o and_o the_o prophet_n david_n be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o like_a submission_n i_o be_v dumb_a i_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o 39_o psalm_n 9_o he_o submit_v silent_o and_o patient_o as_o to_o god_n hand_n open_v not_o his_o mouth_n against_o god_n though_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o suffering_n deliver_v i_o from_o all_o my_o transgression_n make_v i_o not_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o foolish_a remove_v thy_o stroke_n away_o from_o i_o i_o be_o consume_v by_o the_o blow_n of_o thy_o hand_n 8_o 10._o to_o reproach_n and_o revile_v providence_n to_o fret_v against_o god_n or_o as_o iob_n wife_n advise_v he_o to_o curse_v god_n to_o be_v weary_a of_o his_o government_n and_o impatient_a to_o think_v that_o we_o can_v resist_v and_o cast_v off_o so_o uneasy_a a_o yoke_n this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o submission_n such_o man_n suffer_v god_n will_n because_o they_o can_v help_v it_o but_o they_o will_v rebel_v if_o they_o can_v those_o who_o be_v so_o outrageous_a against_o what_o god_n do_v and_o so_o impatient_o angry_a with_o god_n for_o do_v it_o only_o want_v power_n to_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o to_o pull_v he_o from_o his_o throne_n submission_n to_o god_n be_v the_o submission_n of_o our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o though_o no_o man_n can_v absolute_o choose_v suffering_n for_o suffering_n be_v a_o natural_a evil_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o object_n of_o a_o free_a choice_n yet_o man_n may_v choose_v suffer_v against_o the_o natural_a bias_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o own_o will_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n of_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o great_a example_n who_o express_v a_o great_a aversion_n against_o suffering_n pray_v earnest_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v our_o own_o will_n will_v draw_v back_o and_o recoil_v at_o suffer_v for_o no_o affliction_n be_v for_o the_o present_a joyous_a but_o grievous_a but_o yet_o a_o will_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n will_v deny_v itself_o and_o choose_v that_o god_n will_n shall_v take_v place_n and_o this_o be_v our_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o suffer_v yet_o how_o uneasy_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o we_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o complain_v against_o god_n that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v it_o otherwise_o when_o god_n see_v fit_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v choose_v suffering_n yet_o we_o choose_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v do_v though_o it_o be_v to_o suffer_v another_o act_n of_o submission_n to_o god_n be_v when_o we_o wait_v patient_o on_o god_n till_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o deliver_v we_o when_o notwithstanding_o all_o we_o suffer_v our_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o dependence_n be_v still_o on_o god_n to_o submit_v to_o god_n be_v to_o submit_v in_o faith_n and_o hope_n to_o submit_v as_o to_o the_o correction_n and_o discipline_n of_o a_o father_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o submit_v without_o hope_n as_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o final_a ruin_n when_o we_o cast_v off_o our_o hope_n in_o god_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o our_o submission_n than_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o that_o desperate_a conclusion_n behold_v this_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n why_o shall_v i_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n any_o long_o 2_o king_n 6._o 33._o but_o never_o be_v there_o a_o great_a expression_n of_o submission_n than_o that_o of_o job_n though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o he_o also_o shall_v be_v my_o salvation_n for_o a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o 13._o job_n 15_o 16._o this_o the_o psalmist_n have_v full_o express_v 27._o psalm_n 13_o 14._o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o live_v wait_v on_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n wait_v i_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n to_o hope_v in_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o strike_v to_o wait_v patient_o till_o he_o will_v be_v gracious_a to_o make_v our_o complaint_n to_o he_o and_o to_o expect_v our_o deliverance_n and_o salvation_n only_o from_o he_o this_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o make_v his_o will_n our_o will_n to_o attend_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o patient_o and_o diligent_o as_o a_o servant_n do_v the_o command_n of_o his_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v elegant_o represent_v 123._o psalm_n 1_o 2._o unto_o thou_o lift_v i_o up_o my_o eye_n o_o thou_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o heaven_n behold_v as_o the_o eye_n of_o servant_n look_v upon_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o master_n and_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o maiden_n unto_o the_o hand_n of_o her_o mistress_n so_o our_o eye_n wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n until_o that_o he_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o this_o be_v that_o submission_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n under_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v this_o submission_n easy_a and_o cheerful_a we_o must_v possess_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o a_o mere_a sovereign_n and_o arbitrary_a lord_n for_o to_o submit_v to_o mere_a arbitrary_a will_n and_o power_n be_v and_o will_v be_v very_o grievous_a
of_o trust_v in_o god_n they_o trust_v in_o he_o without_o hope_n or_o any_o comfortable_a expectation_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o more_o visible_a assurance_n to_o rely_v on_o this_o make_v most_o man_n hope_n ebb_v and_o flow_v as_o their_o external_a circumstance_n change_v if_o they_o be_v prosperous_a and_o have_v great_a number_n of_o friend_n and_o have_v their_o enemy_n at_o their_o foot_n than_o they_o be_v full_a of_o hope_n and_o can_v trust_v secure_o in_o god_n when_o they_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o help_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o see_v no_o body_n that_o can_v hurt_v they_o but_o if_o their_o condition_n be_v perplex_v and_o calamitous_a and_o they_o see_v no_o prospect_n of_o human_a relief_n their_o spirit_n sink_v and_o as_o much_o as_o they_o talk_v of_o providence_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n they_o find_v no_o support_n in_o it_o to_o understand_v this_o aright_o wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o peace_n and_o security_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n must_v either_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n or_o on_o the_o general_a belief_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o care_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o to_o trust_v in_o man_n be_v either_o to_o trust_v their_o promise_n or_o their_o friendship_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v secure_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o they_o reach_v for_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v but_o then_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o expound_v temporal_a promise_n to_o a_o large_a sense_n than_o god_n intend_v or_o than_o providence_n ordinary_o make_v good_a which_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o his_o providence_n into_o question_n and_o discourage_v our_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n when_o we_o see_v event_n not_o to_o answer_v god_n promise_n nor_o our_o expectation_n to_o state_n this_o matter_n plain_o we_o must_v proceed_v by_o degree_n and_o distinguish_v between_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o state_n and_o kingdom_n and_o to_o private_a and_o single_a man_n or_o rather_o to_o man_n in_o their_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n most_o of_o the_o temporal_a promise_n under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o nation_n that_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o god_n he_o will_v bless_v they_o with_o great_a plenty_n and_o peace_n or_o give_v they_o victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n that_o he_o will_v have_v respect_n unto_o they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a and_o multiply_v they_o and_o establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o 26._o leu._n which_o be_v public_a and_o national_a blessing_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o temporal_a promise_n yet_o there_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o christian_a nation_n and_o the_o jewish_a state_n when_o a_o nation_n have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o the_o church_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o state_n and_o true_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v encourage_v and_o vice_n suppress_v such_o a_o religious_a nation_n have_v a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o national_a blessing_n which_o god_n promise_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n if_o they_o observe_v his_o law_n for_o solomon_n observation_n be_v universal_o true_a that_o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n and_o except_v what_o be_v typical_a in_o the_o jewish_a state_n there_o be_v much_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o protect_v and_o bless_v a_o religious_a christian_a nation_n viz._n for_o the_o public_a encouragement_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o national_a piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o christian_a church_n inherit_v all_o those_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o be_v typify_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o a_o christian_a nation_n succeed_v to_o all_o those_o temporal_a promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jewish_a state_n or_o else_o all_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o now_o so_o that_o these_o national_a promise_v we_o may_v secure_o rely_v on_o as_o to_o their_o utmost_a extent_n and_o signification_n and_o i_o be_o satisfy_v there_o can_v be_v one_o example_n give_v wherein_o these_o promise_n have_v fail_v god_n have_v oftentimes_o suffer_v a_o wicked_a nation_n to_o be_v prosperous_a to_o scourge_v their_o wicked_a neighbour_n but_o he_o never_o suffer_v a_o true_o righteous_a and_o religious_a nation_n to_o be_v oppress_v now_o the_o large_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a promise_n in_o scripture_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n such_o as_o concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n but_o even_o in_o the_o most_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o case_n of_o particular_a man_n be_v very_o different_a some_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v and_o therefore_o those_o promise_n which_o concern_v good_a man_n in_o their_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n must_v be_v more_o cautious_o expound_v to_o a_o more_o restrain_v and_o limit_a sense_n accommodate_v to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o their_o different_a attainment_n in_o virtue_n as_o for_o example_n when_o solomon_n tell_v we_o of_o wisdom_n length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a riches_n and_o honour_n 3._o prov._n 16._o will_v any_o man_n expound_v this_o to_o signify_v that_o all_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o prudent_a shall_v live_v till_o old_a age_n and_o attain_v to_o riches_n and_o honour_n do_v god_n then_o intend_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o different_a rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o poor_a man_n as_o well_o as_o rich_a or_o do_v he_o intend_v that_o no_o poor_a man_n shall_v be_v wise_a wisdom_n indeed_o will_v advance_v a_o prince_n to_o great_a riches_n and_o honour_n as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o his_o father_n david_n instruct_v he_o he_o teach_v i_o also_o and_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v thy_o heart_n retain_v my_o word_n keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o live_v get_v wisdom_n get_v understanding_n forget_v she_o not_o neither_o decline_v from_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n forsake_v she_o not_o and_o she_o shall_v preserve_v thou_o love_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v keep_v thou_o wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o get_n get_v understanding_n exalt_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v promote_v thou_o she_o shall_v bring_v thou_o to_o honour_v when_o thou_o do_v embrace_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o 4._o prov._n 4_o 9_o this_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o young_a prince_n to_o make_v he_o rich_a and_o great_a for_o religious_a wisdom_n will_v certain_o advance_v he_o beyond_o all_o the_o politic_n of_o machiavelli_n and_o if_o solomon_n in_o imitation_n of_o his_o father_n david_n direct_v his_o instruction_n to_o his_o child_n and_o particular_o to_o that_o son_n who_o be_v to_o inherit_v his_o throne_n as_o he_o himself_o seem_v to_o intimate_v 1_o 2_o 3._o verse_n we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o because_o he_o tell_v his_o son_n that_o wisdom_n will_v make_v he_o a_o glorious_a prince_n that_o therefore_o wisdom_n will_v advance_v all_o man_n to_o riches_n and_o honour_n wisdom_n will_v give_v a_o lustre_n even_o to_o poverty_n itself_o and_o sometime_o advance_v the_o poor_a to_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o increase_v the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o honourable_a but_o we_o must_v not_o always_o expect_v this_o much_o less_o pretend_v a_o promise_n for_o it_o for_o there_o always_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v poor_a wise_a man_n thus_o when_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o diligent_a make_v rich_a 10._o prov._n 4._o and_o see_v thou_o a_o man_n diligent_a in_o his_o business_n he_o shall_v stand_v before_o king_n he_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o mean_a man_n 22._o prov._n 29._o no_o man_n can_v think_v that_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o every_o diligent_a man_n shall_v be_v rich_a for_o there_o be_v such_o mean_a employment_n as_o can_v never_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o the_o great_a industry_n much_o less_o can_v we_o think_v that_o diligence_n in_o such_o mean_a employment_n shall_v make_v man_n know_v to_o prince_n or_o that_o all_o diligent_a man_n whatever_o their_o
and_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n can_v fear_v no_o evil_a be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o solicitous_a care_n be_v content_v in_o every_o condition_n as_o allot_v he_o by_o god_n nay_o be_v patient_a under_o suffering_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o correction_n or_o discipline_n of_o a_o kind_a father_n he_o consider_v how_o much_o good_a he_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o how_o far_o it_o exceed_v all_o the_o evil_n he_o suffer_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n still_o as_o job_n do_v for_o shall_v we_o receive_v good_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a especial_o when_o the_o good_a we_o receive_v prove_v the_o very_a evil_n we_o suffer_v to_o be_v good_a because_o they_o be_v inflict_v by_o a_o good_a god_n all_o these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o can_v be_v have_v without_o it_o they_o belong_v to_o that_o submission_n to_o god_n and_o trust_v in_o his_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o explain_v but_o it_o be_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o awaken_v that_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o god_n which_o exercise_v all_o these_o virtue_n and_o give_v we_o the_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o they_o thus_o when_o god_n lose_v his_o praise_n we_o lose_v the_o ease_n and_o security_n of_o our_o life_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o the_o world_n also_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o god_n government_n which_o as_o much_o disappoint_v the_o wise_a design_n of_o providence_n not_o to_o own_o our_o benefactor_n be_v to_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o dependence_n which_o make_v all_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lose_v on_o sinner_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v affect_v any_o man_n can_v lead_v he_o to_o repentance_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n nor_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n if_o it_o be_v not_o own_v this_o spoil_v the_o very_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o we_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o use_v to_o our_o own_o happiness_n without_o own_v and_o praise_v the_o giver_n of_o they_o he_o who_o remember_v that_o he_o receive_v all_o from_o god_n and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o bounty_n in_o give_v will_v use_v the_o good_a thing_n he_o receive_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gift_n god_n do_v not_o give_v man_n riches_n mere_o to_o look_v on_o or_o to_o imprison_v or_o to_o spend_v on_o their_o lust_n nor_o advance_v they_o to_o honour_n to_o make_v they_o proud_a and_o insolent_a nor_o give_v they_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o this_o world_n to_o make_v they_o forget_v the_o next_o he_o who_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o blessing_n can_v do_v this_o for_o this_o be_v the_o high_a ingratitude_n to_o affront_v and_o provoke_v god_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o what_o he_o give_v and_o he_o who_o do_v thus_o lose_v the_o blessing_n though_o he_o have_v the_o gift_n a_o covetous_a man_n be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o his_o riches_n because_o he_o can_v use_v they_o and_o a_o voluptuous_a man_n be_v much_o the_o worse_o because_o he_o use_v they_o to_o his_o own_o hurt_n when_o high_a place_n and_o dignity_n make_v man_n proud_a and_o insolent_a it_o forfeit_v the_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o he_o who_o forget_v and_o by_o forget_v lose_v the_o next_o world_n have_v a_o very_a hard_a purchase_n of_o this_o nay_o such_o man_n do_v not_o only_o disappoint_v god_n goodness_n to_o themselves_o but_o frustrate_v the_o gracious_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o other_o for_o those_o who_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n but_o be_v very_o unthankful_a to_o god_n for_o what_o they_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v any_o good_a that_o they_o general_o do_v great_a mischief_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o themselves_o those_o who_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o receive_v all_o from_o god_n and_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o god_n steward_n which_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n but_o a_o great_a trust_n too_o and_o require_v faithfulness_n in_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n who_o have_v so_o liberal_o provide_v for_o they_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o imitate_v his_o goodness_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n and_o undertake_v the_o patronage_n of_o those_o who_o want_v their_o help_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n deserve_v it_o but_o a_o unthankful_a man_n have_v no_o more_o regard_n to_o his_o fellow_n creature_n than_o he_o have_v to_o god_n a_o covetous_a man_n who_o will_v not_o supply_v his_o own_o want_n to_o be_v sure_o will_v not_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o other_o and_o if_o a_o voluptuous_a man_n do_v any_o kindness_n the_o receiver_n pay_v dear_a for_o it_o for_o he_o make_v they_o the_o partner_n or_o instrument_n of_o his_o lust_n a_o rich_a sinner_n help_v to_o debauch_v a_o whole_a neighbourhood_n and_o a_o powerful_a sinner_n to_o oppress_v they_o and_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n tell_v we_o what_o mischief_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n do_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a and_o unthankful_a man_n this_o i_o think_v may_v satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v not_o only_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n as_o become_v creature_n but_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o own_o happiness_n to_o our_o wise_a improvement_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o god_n to_o recall_v his_o gift_n to_o take_v away_o what_o he_o have_v give_v to_o unthankful_a man_n and_o to_o give_v they_o no_o more_o not_o only_o because_o they_o disow_v their_o benefactor_n but_o because_o they_o abuse_v all_o that_o he_o give_v they_o to_o their_o own_o and_o to_o other_o man_n hurt_n all_o that_o he_o give_v be_v lose_v on_o they_o he_o lose_v the_o praise_n and_o they_o themselves_o and_o every_o body_n else_o the_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v this_o discourse_n of_o providence_n whereby_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v a_o providence_n that_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v ignorant_a mistake_v and_o that_o nothing_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o ease_n and_o comfort_n and_o good_a government_n of_o our_o life_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n the_o end_n errata_fw-la page_n 11._o line_n 3._o r._n and_o that_o p._n 13._o l._n 27._o del_o make_v p._n 38._o l._n 17._o for_o or_o r._n and_o uniform_a p._n 97._o l._n 34._o r._n counsel_n p._n 189._o l._n 14._o f._n on_o r._n of_o p._n 208._o l._n 4._o f._n shall_v r._n shall_v p._n 227._o l._n 3._o f._n end_n r._n mean_n p._n 272._o l._n 9_o r._n victory_n p._n 273._o l._n 3._o f._n that_o r._n the._n l._n 17._o f._n or_o r._n and._n p._n 280._o l._n 30._o r._n undeniable_a p._n 287._o l._n 25._o r._n virtue_n p._n 291._o l._n 16._o r._n that_o p._n 327._o l._n 31._o r._n messiah_n l._n 33._o r._n whatever_o p._n 332._o l._n 26._o f._n a_o r._n on_o p._n 344._o l._n 19_o r._n foot_n p._n 338_o l._n 34._o r._n reasonable_a p._n 340._o l._n 20._o r._n nemesis_n p._n 353._o l._n 2._o r._n how_o severe_a soever_o l._n 22._o deal_n most_o book_n publish_v by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n sherlock_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n a_o answer_n to_o a_o discourse_n entitle_v papist_n protest_v against_o protestant_a popery_n second_o edition_n quarto_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o amicable_a accommodation_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o representer_n and_o the_o answerer_n quarto_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_n dr._n calamy_n quarto_n a_o vindication_n of_o some_o protestant_a principle_n of_o church-unity_n and_o catholic_n communion_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n quarto_n a_o preservative_n against_o poperty_n in_o two_o part_n with_o the_o vindication_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o cavil_n of_o lewis_n salran_n jesuit_n quarto_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n first_o part_n quarto_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord-mayor_n november_n four_o 1688._o quarto_fw-la a_o vindication_n