meaning_n of_o it_o from_o what_o noah_n have_v often_o tell_v they_o and_o this_o must_v needs_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o terrible_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o the_o flood_n give_v they_o some_o time_n to_o repent_v in_o and_o to_o beg_v god_n pardon_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o make_v a_o glorious_a representation_n both_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o most_o terrible_a judgement_n that_o ever_o be_v execute_v upon_o the_o world_n if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v as_o there_o want_v not_o some_o fair_a appearance_n of_o it_o that_o god_n intend_v the_o deluge_n as_o well_o to_o convince_v and_o save_v all_o that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o old_a world_n as_o to_o reform_v the_o new_a thus_o since_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o preserve_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o three_o son_n to_o destroy_v the_o 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reason_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o the_o most_o probable_a account_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o nimrod_n the_o son_n of_o cush_n and_o grandson_n of_o ham_n in_o which_o line_n true_a religion_n and_o piety_n first_o decay_v affect_v a_o universal_a empire_n to_o prevent_v the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o people_n persuade_v they_o to_o build_v a_o magnificent_a seat_n for_o his_o empire_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o centre_n of_o union_n for_o they_o at_o what_o distance_n soever_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o remove_v that_o the_o whole_a earth_n shall_v be_v but_o one_o kingdom_n and_o babel_n the_o royal_a palace_n have_v this_o design_n succeed_v the_o whole_a world_n will_v have_v be_v but_o one_o people_n and_o the_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o line_n of_o
this_o be_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n which_o no_o consider_a man_n will_v serious_o make_v the_o more_o considerable_a objection_n relate_v to_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o only_a objection_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a can_v have_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o be_v that_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o many_o so_o great_a and_o so_o universal_a that_o they_o overballance_v the_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o therefore_o need_v no_o answer_n to_o this_o yet_o they_o think_v they_o have_v the_o scripture_n on_o their_o side_n for_o the_o wiseman_n 4._o eccl._n 2_o 3._o tell_v we_o wherefore_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n which_o be_v yet_o alive_a yea_o better_a 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it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n for_o the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o sun_n 11._o eccl._n 7._o there_o be_v a_o sense_n indeed_o wherein_o this_o may_v be_v true_a if_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o life_n in_o its_o great_a glory_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o most_o imperfect_a state_n that_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n can_v live_v in_o as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v then_o those_o philosopher_n who_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n live_v and_o act_v before_o they_o be_v bear_v into_o this_o world_n and_o be_v thrust_v into_o these_o body_n in_o punishment_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o in_o a_o former_a state_n have_v reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n of_o happiness_n and_o not_o to_o come_v into_o this_o world_n and_o if_o when_o they_o die_v they_o return_v to_o their_o original_a state_n of_o happiness_n the_o next_o best_a thing_n for_o they_o be_v to_o die_v quick_o and_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v their_o secret_a meaning_n in_o it_o for_o if_o we_o only_o consider_v the_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o life_n in_o ordinary_a case_n life_n be_v very_o desirable_a so_o desirable_a that_o it_o make_v death_n the_o king_n of_o terror_n it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v this_o life_n so_o contemptible_a or_o so_o calamitous_a a_o state_n that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n but_o no_o man_n yet_o ever_o make_v life_n a_o objection_n against_o providence_n though_o we_o know_v they_o do_v the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n man_n may_v make_v themselves_o miserable_a without_o any_o reproach_n to_o providence_n and_o most_o of_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v owe_v to_o man_n own_o fault_n or_o folly_n but_o have_v god_n make_v life_n itself_o so_o contemptible_a or_o miserable_a a_o state_n as_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o not_o be_v this_o have_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v very_o ungrateful_a to_o almighty_a god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o bountiful_a provision_n which_o he_o have_v make_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n for_o what_o be_v want_v on_o god_n part_n to_o make_v man_n as_o happy_a as_o he_o can_v be_v here_o we_o want_v no_o sense_n which_o be_v useful_a to_o life_n we_o want_v no_o object_n to_o gratify_v those_o sense_n and_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a the_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o delightful_a object_n be_v most_o common_a and_o such_o as_o mankind_n pretty_a equal_o share_v in_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o mighty_a difference_n as_o some_o man_n imagine_v between_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a in_o pomp_n and_o show_v and_o opinion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n but_o little_a as_o to_o the_o true_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o life_n they_o enjoy_v the_o same_o earth_n and_o air_n and_o heaven_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n make_v the_o poor_a man_n meat_n and_o drink_n as_o pleasant_a and_o refresh_a as_o all_o the_o variety_n which_o cover_v a_o rich_a man_n table_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v more_o healthful_a and_o many_o time_n more_o pleasant_a too_o than_o the_o ease_n and_o softness_n of_o the_o rich_a to_o be_v sure_o much_o more_o easy_a than_o the_o care_n and_o solicitude_n the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n discontent_n and_o envy_n and_o emulation_n which_o common_o attend_v a_o exalt_v fortune_n these_o indeed_o at_o best_a be_v but_o mean_a pleasure_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o low_a pleasure_n a_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o entertain_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n think_v it_o worth_a live_n to_o enjoy_v they_o nay_o most_o man_n know_v little_a of_o any_o other_o pleasure_n but_o these_o and_o as_o philosophical_o as_o some_o may_v despise_v the_o body_n and_o all_o its_o pleasure_n in_o word_n there_o be_v but_o a_o very_a few_o who_o can_v live_v above_o the_o body_n and_o all_o its_o pleasure_n while_o they_o live_v in_o it_o but_o how_o mean_v soever_o these_o pleasure_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o make_v mankind_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o common_a allay_v they_o meet_v with_o not_o only_o patient_a of_o live_v but_o desirous_a to_o live_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o divine_a pleasure_n which_o man_n may_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n such_o as_o gratify_v the_o noble_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o pleasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n to_o know_v and_o worship_n god_n to_o contemplate_v the_o art_n and_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o work_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n these_o indeed_o be_v pleasure_n that_o do_v not_o make_v we_o very_o fond_a of_o this_o body_n nor_o of_o this_o world_n for_o they_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o body_n nor_o be_v they_o confine_v to_o this_o world_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o when_o we_o get_v loose_a from_o these_o body_n our_o intellectual_a faculty_n will_v be_v vast_o improve_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o we_o now_o do_v and_o discover_v new_a and_o bright_a glory_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o mortal_a eye_n but_o yet_o the_o pleasure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o great_a and_o ravish_a and_o therefore_o we_o either_o do_v or_o may_v enjoy_v at_o present_a such_o pleasure_n as_o make_v life_n very_o desirable_a be_v there_o no_o other_o
there_o be_v a_o power_n and_o therefore_o a_o god_n above_o they_o all_o who_o all_o mankind_n ought_v to_o fear_v and_o worship_n this_o convince_v nabuchadnezzar_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o have_v deliver_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a from_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n 29._o he_o make_v a_o decree_n that_o every_o people_n nation_n and_o langage_fw-fr which_o speak_v amiss_o against_o the_o god_n of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a shall_v be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o their_o house_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o dunghill_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n that_o can_v deliver_v after_o this_o sort_n thus_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n den_n darius_n make_v a_o decree_n 27._o that_o in_o every_o dominion_n of_o his_o kingdom_n man_n shall_v tremble_v and_o fear_v before_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n for_o he_o be_v the_o live_a god_n and_o steadfast_a for_o ever_o and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v and_o his_o dominion_n shall_v be_v even_o unto_o the_o end_n he_o deliver_v and_o rescue_v and_o work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n who_o have_v deliver_v daniel_n from_o ihe_a power_n of_o the_o lion_n both_o these_o king_n be_v convince_v by_o these_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o supreme_a god_n but_o nebuchadnezzar_n decree_n only_o forbid_v man_n to_o blaspheme_v god_n darius_n seem_v to_o command_v all_o people_n to_o worship_v he_o for_o to_o tremble_v and_o fear_v before_o he_o signify_v a_o religious_a veneration_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o appoint_v any_o solemn_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v he_o much_o less_o do_v they_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o any_o other_o go_n but_o a_o little_a consideration_n will_v have_v carry_v they_o far_o for_o those_o mighty_a work_n which_o prove_v a_o power_n superior_a to_o all_o god_n prove_v a_o sovereign_a providence_n too_o that_o this_o supreme_a god_n have_v not_o so_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o any_o minister_n or_o inferior_a deity_n but_o that_o he_o reserve_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n 35_o as_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v convince_v that_o his_o dominion_n be_v a_o everlasting_a dominion_n and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v repute_v as_o nothing_o and_o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o this_o cut_v off_o all_o reasonable_a pretence_n of_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o their_o country-goods_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a power_n and_o providence_n over_o they_o at_o most_o they_o can_v be_v only_a minister_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o title_n to_o divine_a honour_n no_o more_o than_o minister_n of_o state_n have_v to_o the_o royal_a dignity_n and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v this_o when_o they_o see_v that_o this_o supreme_a god_n will_v not_o suffer_v israel_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o worship_v any_o other_o god_n beside_o himself_o this_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o be_v more_o manifest_a in_o after-age_n when_o god_n so_o severe_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o darius_n when_o god_n deliver_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n out_o of_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o and_o deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lion_n when_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n for_o pray_v to_o his_o god_n this_o show_v the_o strange_a power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o custom_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v wise_o design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n have_v thus_o vindicate_v and_o explain_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o egypt_n and_o the_o hard_a bondage_n they_o suffer_v there_o and_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n let_v we_o now_o follow_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n god_n have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n before_o he_o show_v they_o open_o to_o the_o world_n under_o such_o a_o peculiar_a character_n it_o be_v necessary_a first_o to_o form_v their_o manner_n to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o shall_v own_v he_o for_o their_o god_n and_o behave_v themselves_o as_o it_o become_v so_o glorious_a a_o relation_n this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v in_o egypt_n where_o they_o be_v oppress_v by_o hard_a bondage_n and_o therefore_o god_n first_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n remote_a from_o the_o conversation_n of_o all_o other_o people_n and_o upon_o all_o account_v a_o fit_a place_n both_o to_o instruct_v and_o try_v they_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mystical_a reason_n of_o those_o various_a providence_n with_o which_o god_n exercise_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o often_o refer_v and_o which_o they_o apply_v to_o the_o gospel-state_n but_o shall_v only_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a conduct_n of_o that_o people_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v own_v before_o all_o the_o world_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n they_o have_v live_v two_o hundred_o year_n in_o egypt_n and_o be_v tincture_v with_o the_o idolatry_n and_o have_v learn_v the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o that_o people_n and_o have_v all_o that_o meanness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o perverseness_n of_o humour_n that_o a_o state_n of_o servitude_n and_o bondage_n be_v apt_a to_o create_v of_o which_o we_o have_v too_o many_o visible_a instance_n in_o their_o behaviour_n towards_o moses_n all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v correct_v before_o their_o entrance_n into_o canaan_n which_o will_v give_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o some_o very_a wonderful_a providence_n the_o first_o remarkable_a thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v god_n deliver_v the_o law_n to_o they_o with_o all_o the_o most_o formidable_a solemnity_n in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o mount_n sinai_n which_o moses_n tell_v they_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o know_v before_o 33._o since_o the_o day_n that_o god_n create_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n do_v ever_o people_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n as_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o live_v and_o the_o use_n moses_n make_v of_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n 35._o unto_o thou_o it_o be_v show_v that_o thou_o may_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n 36._o there_o be_v none_o else_o beside_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n he_o make_v thou_o to_o hear_v his_o voice_n that_o he_o may_v instruct_v thou_o and_o upon_o earth_n he_o show_v thou_o his_o great_a fire_n and_o thou_o hear_v his_o word_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n 39_o know_v therefore_o this_o day_n and_o consider_v it_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n in_o heaven_n above_o and_o upon_o the_o earth_n beneath_o there_o be_v none_o else_o for_o what_o can_v convince_v man_n that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a god_n if_o such_o a_o terrible_a appearance_n as_o that_o on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o the_o law_n deliver_v in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n will_v not_o convince_v they_o numa_n pretend_v to_o receive_v his_o law_n from_o the_o goddess_n aegeria_n as_o some_o other_o lawgiver_n pretend_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o no_o man_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o themselves_o but_o here_o a_o whole_a nation_n hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o and_o see_v such_o a_o awful_a appearance_n upon_o the_o mount_n as_o make_v moses_n himself_o fear_v and_o tremble_v i_o desire_v any_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o how_o god_n who_o be_v a_o pure_a invisible_a mind_n can_v possible_o give_v a_o more_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o power_n i_o desire_v the_o witty_a and_o most_o philosophical_a atheist_n only_o for_o experiment_n sake_n to_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o moses_n give_v we_o of_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v present_a at_o mount_n sinai_n have_v see_v the_o smoke_n and_o fire_n
we_o owe_v to_o providence_n 345_o a_o particular_a acknowledgement_n of_o providence_n in_o all_o event_n ibid._n submission_n to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n 347_o concern_v submission_n to_o god_n under_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n 348_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n 354_o concern_v hope_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o divine_a providence_n 366_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n 378_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n the_o introduction_n my_o chief_a design_n in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n be_v so_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o religious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o providence_n be_v the_o principal_a objection_n against_o it_o which_o tempt_v some_o man_n to_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o so_o weaken_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o other_o that_o they_o be_v very_o little_a the_o better_a for_o believe_v it_o that_o a_o divine_a providence_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n i_o have_v prove_v large_o enough_o for_o my_o present_a design_n in_o the_o discourse_n concern_v a_o future_a judgement_n 3._o which_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o but_o that_o this_o work_n may_v not_o seem_v to_o want_v a_o foundation_n i_o have_v not_o whole_o omit_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o providence_n but_o have_v at_o least_o say_v enough_o to_o convince_v those_o of_o a_o providence_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o a_o discourse_n of_o providence_n the_o whole_a be_v divide_v into_o nine_o chapter_n i._o the_o necessary_a connection_n between_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n ii_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o particular_o concern_v a_o preserve_v providence_n iii_o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n iv._o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n v._o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n viii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n ix_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n the_o explication_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o only_o answer_v many_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n but_o will_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o of_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o religion_n chap._n i._n the_o necessary_a connection_n between_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n instead_o of_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v a_o providence_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a insist_v only_o on_o this_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n infer_v a_o providence_n that_o if_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n do_v govern_v it_o too_o 1._o for_o first_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o chance_n as_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n for_o chance_n can_v no_o more_o govern_v than_o it_o can_v make_v the_o world_n one_o principal_a act_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v to_o preserve_v their_o nature_n power_n operation_n to_o make_v this_o low_a world_n again_o every_o year_n by_o new_a production_n for_o nature_n seem_v to_o decay_v and_o die_v and_o revive_v again_o in_o almost_o as_o wonderful_a a_o manner_n and_o as_o unintelligible_a to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v first_o make_v now_o though_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o chance_n which_o act_n by_o no_o rule_n nor_o with_o any_o counsel_n or_o design_n can_v make_v a_o world_n which_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o admirable_a wisdom_n in_o its_o contrivance_n yet_o it_o seem_v more_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o chance_n can_v preserve_v that_o it_o can_v uphold_v the_o thing_n it_o have_v make_v that_o it_o can_v repair_v the_o decay_n of_o nature_n nay_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v lose_v that_o it_o can_v not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n twice_o but_o repeat_v it_o infinite_o in_o new_a production_n that_o chance_n can_v give_v law_n to_o nature_n 1._o and_o impose_v a_o necessity_n on_o it_o to_o act_v regular_o and_o uniform_o that_o be_v that_o chance_n shall_v put_v a_o end_n to_o chance_n and_o introduce_v necessity_n and_o fate_n be_v there_o not_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a providence_n it_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o likely_a that_o chance_n shall_v unmake_v and_o dissolve_v the_o world_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v at_o first_o make_v it_o for_o a_o world_n that_o come_v together_o by_o chance_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o keep_v it_o together_o but_o the_o chance_n that_o make_v it_o which_o be_v as_o uncertain_a and_o mutable_a as_o chance_n be_v will_v quick_o unmake_v itself_o shall_v the_o sun_n but_o change_v his_o place_n come_v near_o this_o earth_n or_o remove_v far_o from_o it_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o low_a world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v place_v there_o by_o chance_n it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o in_o so_o many_o age_n some_o new_a unlucky_a chance_n have_v not_o remove_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n attribute_n not_o only_o the_o creation_n but_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n praise_v he_o sun_n and_o moon_n praise_v he_o you_o star_n of_o light_n praise_v he_o all_o you_o heaven_n and_o you_o water_n that_o be_v above_o the_o heaven_n let_v they_o praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v make_v he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v he_o have_v make_v they_o fast_o for_o ever_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o law_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v break_v 148._o psal._n 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 2_o the_o same_o wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o make_v the_o world_n must_v govern_v it_o too_o it_o be_v only_o a_o create_a power_n that_o can_v preserve_v that_o which_o owe_v its_o very_a be_v to_o power_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o power_n that_o make_v it_o for_o it_o can_v have_v no_o principle_n of_o self-subsistence_n independent_a on_o its_o cause_n it_o be_v only_o create_v wisdom_n that_o perfect_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o see_v all_o the_o spring_n of_o motion_n that_o can_v correct_v the_o error_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v suspend_v or_o direct_v the_o influence_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o can_v govern_v heart_n change_v man_n purpose_n inspire_v wisdom_n and_o counsel_n restrain_v or_o let_v loose_v their_o passion_n it_o be_v only_o a_o infinite_a mind_n that_o can_v take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o world_n that_o can_v allot_v every_o creature_n its_o portion_n that_o can_v adjust_a the_o interest_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n that_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n in_o a_o word_n the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v such_o wisdom_n and_o such_o power_n as_o no_o be_v have_v but_o he_o who_o make_v it_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v it_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o maker_n of_o it_o 3_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o be_v as_o we_o call_v god_n a_o pure_a infinite_a eternal_a mind_n it_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o must_v govern_v the_o world_n those_o who_o deny_v a_o providence_n will_v not_o allow_v that_o god_n see_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o the_o epicurean_o though_o in_o civility_n and_o compliment_n to_o the_o superstition_n of_o mankind_n rather_o than_o from_o a_o real_a belief_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n they_o do_v own_o a_o god_n nay_o a_o great_a many_o god_n fruatur_fw-la such_o as_o they_o be_v yet_o never_o allow_v their_o god_n to_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o affair_n longè_fw-la which_o will_v have_v disturb_v their_o profound_a ease_n and_o rest_v the_o sole_a happiness_n of_o the_o lazy_a unactive_a epicurean_a deity_n and_o this_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o their_o god_n who_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o they_o and_o know_v nothing_o concern_v they_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n this_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n that_o wicked_a man_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n see_v or_o hear_v or_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o what_o they_o do_v 64._o psalm_n 5._o they_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a matter_n they_o commune_v of_o lay_v snare_n secret_o they_o say_v who_o shall_v see_v they_o 10._o psalm_n 11._o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n god_n have_v forget_v he_o hide_v his_o face_n he_o will_v never_o see_v it_o
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from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o nature_n but_o if_o these_o natural_a power_n while_o they_o be_v preserve_v in_o their_o full_a force_n and_o vigour_n by_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o themselves_o without_o a_o new_a extrinsic_a determine_v motion_n from_o god_n than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o natural_a power_n for_o they_o can_v act_v by_o nature_n if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o fire_n do_v burn_v by_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n preserve_v its_o nature_n it_o can_v burn_v without_o some_o new_a cooperate_a power_n which_o be_v not_o in_o its_o nature_n a_o man_n dont_fw-fr reason_n and_o judge_n choose_v and_o refuse_v by_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n preserve_v his_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n yet_o he_o can_v neither_o understand_v nor_o will_n unless_o he_o be_v move_v act_v determine_v by_o god_n this_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n a_o mere_a apparition_n and_o empty_a scene_n which_o have_v nothing_o real_a whatever_o we_o see_v do_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o do_v by_o creature_n who_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o act_v like_o machine_n not_o from_o the_o internal_a principle_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o external_n motion_n but_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n himself_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n even_o all_o the_o contradiction_n and_o contrariety_n we_o see_v in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difficulty_n which_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o creature_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v that_o they_o ever_o act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o god_n co-operate_v only_o to_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o action_n that_o be_v that_o he_o only_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n without_o change_v influence_a determine_v their_o nature_n 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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 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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 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pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o in_o many_o case_n will_v allow_v we_o to_o seek_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n 35._o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n 6._o whatever_o the_o lord_n please_v that_o do_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o deep_a place_n that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v sovereign_a and_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a needs_o no_o other_o proof_n but_o that_o his_o power_n be_v absolute_a and_o his_o wisdom_n unsearchable_a for_o absolute_a power_n make_v a_o absolute_a will._n he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o do_v whatever_o he_o will_v can_v do_v whatever_o he_o will_v and_o that_o be_v the_o definition_n of_o a_o severeign_n and_o absolute_a will._n and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n resolve_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n into_o power_n 4._o that_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o mighty_a in_o strength_n who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o he_o and_o have_v prosper_v and_o indeed_o a_o power_n which_o be_v supreme_a and_o absolute_a which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o which_o have_v no_o great_a power_n above_o it_o none_o equal_a to_o it_o have_v a_o right_a to_o sovereignty_n for_o absolute_a power_n must_v be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o must_v give_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o give_v a_o right_a to_o absolute_a government_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o government_n for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o govern_v his_o creature_n he_o must_v have_v a_o right_n to_o absolute_a government_n because_o the_o right_n he_o have_v in_o his_o creature_n be_v absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a no_o creature_n have_v
of_o particular_a creature_n but_o of_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o in_o some_o case_n may_v make_v the_o great_a and_o most_o terrible_a act_n of_o severity_n such_o as_o be_v enough_o to_o affright_v and_o astonish_v the_o world_n act_n of_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n too_o which_o will_v vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n when_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o severe_a and_o to_o have_v forget_v all_o goodness_n and_o compassion_n as_o to_o explain_v this_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v the_o defence_n and_o protection_n of_o mankind_n from_o violent_a and_o unjust_a oppression_n and_o the_o most_o exemplary_a vengeance_n execute_v upon_o such_o private_a or_o public_a oppressor_n be_v a_o great_a act_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o great_a deliverance_n to_o the_o oppress_a 136._o psalm_n the_o psalmist_n exhort_v we_o to_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o 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great_a public_a good_a to_o the_o world_n some_o few_o such_o example_n as_o these_o will_v serve_v to_o warn_v a_o age_n nay_o many_o succeed_a age_n and_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o prevent_v the_o more_o frequent_a execution_n of_o vengeance_n and_o justify_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o sinner_n if_o such_o example_n in_o any_o measure_n reform_v the_o world_n as_o god_n intend_v they_o shall_v it_o make_v this_o world_n a_o much_o happy_a place_n for_o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o less_o hurt_n and_o the_o more_o good_a they_o will_v do_v and_o the_o less_o evil_a there_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n the_o less_o mankind_n will_v suffer_v and_o the_o great_a blessing_n god_n will_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n after_o such_o terrible_a warning_n as_o these_o god_n may_v exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o sinner_n without_o the_o 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father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o constant_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n without_o any_o supernatural_a change_n and_o revolution_n tempt_v man_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o change_v time_n and_o season_n but_o this_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o be_v visible_o confute_v by_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n for_o this_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o earth_n stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o in_o the_o water_n whereby_o the_o world_n that_o then_o be_v be_v overflow_v with_o water_n perish_v and_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o fear_v and_o expect_v what_o god_n have_v threaten_v that_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v burn_v by_o fire_n but_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n 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cover_v the_o mountain_n have_v hear_v the_o thunder_n and_o the_o trumpet_n and_o at_o last_o a_o voice_n deliver_v the_o law_n with_o a_o unimitable_a terror_n and_o majesty_n what_o will_v they_o then_o have_v think_v of_o this_o or_o what_o far_a evidence_n will_v they_o have_v desire_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o speak_v to_o they_o this_o can_v be_v no_o dream_n nor_o melancholy_a apparition_n or_o disturb_a fancy_n for_o they_o have_v timely_a notice_n of_o it_o three_o day_n before_o and_o be_v command_v to_o sanctify_v themselves_o to_o meet_v their_o god_n and_o if_o a_o whole_a nation_n have_v be_v impose_v on_o after_o such_o fair_a warn_v it_o have_v be_v as_o great_a a_o prodigy_n and_o miracle_n as_o the_o appearance_n on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o will_v have_v argue_v some_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a infatuation_n and_o that_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o god_n this_o than_o be_v as_o visible_a a_o demonstration_n as_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o reject_v all_o other_o god_n from_o any_o share_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v invent_v a_o more_o effectual_a conviction_n than_o this_o let_v we_o then_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o israelite_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o therefore_o when_o god_n intend_v to_o restore_v his_o own_o worship_n again_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v israel_n a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o it_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v they_o as_o visible_a and_o ocular_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o creature_n to_o have_v when_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v overrun_v with_o idolatry_n and_o the_o israelite_n themselves_o so_o strong_o incline_v to_o it_o nothing_o less_o than_o such_o a_o appearance_n from_o mount_n sinai_n be_v likely_a to_o establish_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o we_o see_v that_o this_o itself_o can_v very_o hardly_o do_v it_o for_o immediate_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o while_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o mount_n they_o make_v they_o a_o golden_a calf_n and_o worship_v it_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o mingle_v with_o any_o other_o people_n they_o join_v in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n a_o sad_a example_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o their_o worship_n of_o baal_n peor_n 25._o numb_a but_o this_o be_v the_o high_a evidence_n god_n can_v then_o give_v they_o of_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n and_o it_o do_v in_o time_n prevail_v and_o in_o they_o all_o mankind_n who_o know_v their_o story_n have_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o every_o particular_a which_o will_v be_v endless_a it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o when_o god_n bring_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n he_o shall_v make_v they_o wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n till_o all_o that_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n be_v dead_a except_v joshua_n and_o caleb_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n give_v we_o the_o general_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n 3._o heb._n 7._o to_o the_o end_n which_o resolve_v it_o into_o their_o idolatry_n and_o infidelity_n wherefore_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o your_o father_n tempt_v i_o prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o work_n forty_o year_n wherefore_o i_o be_v grieve_v with_o that_o generation_n and_o say_v they_o do_v always_o err_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o have_v not_o know_v my_o way_n so_o i_o swear_v in_o my_o wrath_n they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o my_o rest_n which_o he_o make_v a_o admonition_n to_o christian_n take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v in_o forsake_v the_o true_a god_n and_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n as_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n do_v and_o to_o who_o swear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o so_o we_o see_v that_o they_o can_v not_o enter_v in_o because_o of_o unbelief_n the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o that_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o remember_v the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o people_n be_v so_o strange_o addict_v to_o idolatry_n that_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o see_v in_o egypt_n in_o the_o red-sea_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n can_v not_o perfect_o cure_v they_o but_o whenever_o they_o have_v opportunity_n they_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o heathen_a god_n eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o bow_v themselves_o before_o they_o that_o have_v these_o man_n go_v into_o canaan_n which_o be_v then_o a_o land_n of_o idolater_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v worship_v their_o god_n instead_o of_o destroy_v they_o and_o have_v mingle_v themselves_o with_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n and_o have_v learn_v their_o manner_n for_o they_o who_o so_o often_o tempt_v god_n and_o disobey_v moses_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o expectation_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n what_o will_v they_o have_v do_v have_v they_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o it_o so_o that_o to_o have_v give_v that_o generation_n of_o man_n possession_n of_o canaan_n will_v not_o have_v answer_v god_n orginal_a design_n in_o choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n for_o in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o nation_n of_o idolater_n like_o the_o other_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o therefore_o god_n defer_v the_o final_a accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n till_o that_o generation_n be_v all_o dead_a and_o a_o new_a generation_n spring_v up_o which_o know_v not_o egypt_n nor_o have_v converse_v with_o idolatrous_a nation_n but_o have_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o god_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v learn_v his_o statute_n and_o judgement_n and_o be_v sufficient_o warn_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o father_n who_o carcase_n fall_v in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o fear_v and_o reverence_v the_o lord_n jehovah_n and_o to_o make_v he_o their_o trust._n this_o be_v the_o very_a account_n the_o scripture_n give_v of_o it_o and_o thus_o according_o it_o prove_v for_o that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n be_v never_o charge_v with_o idolatry_n but_o we_o be_v express_o tell_v that_o israel_n serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o elder_n that_o overlived_a joshua_n and_o which_o have_v know_v all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o israel_n 24._o josh._n 31._o all_o this_o we_o see_v be_v design_v by_o god_n with_o admirable_a wisdom_n to_o make_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o power_n know_v and_o to_o publish_v his_o choice_n of_o israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o himself_o and_o to_o establish_v his_o name_n and_o worship_n among_o they_o and_o now_o god_n have_v make_v they_o fit_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n without_o any_o long_a delay_n he_o give_v they_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o now_o follow_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n the_o history_n of_o the_o war_n of_o canaan_n be_v sufficient_o know_v which_o present_v we_o with_o new_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n not_o inferior_a to_o those_o which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o god_n so_o visible_o fight_v the_o battle_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o and_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o that_o good_a land_n and_o drive_v out_o those_o wicked_a inhabitant_n before_o they_o which_o declare_v his_o glory_n and_o make_v his_o power_n know_v and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v concern_v the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n in_o egypt_n be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o this_o and_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o let_v we_o then_o consider_v israel_n in_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n more_o i_o shall_v observe_v in_o the_o jewish_a history_n till_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n 1._o their_o frequent_a
he_o shall_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o ungodly_a and_o shall_v save_v they_o because_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o the_o whole_a 91_o sy_n psalm_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o this_o that_o i_o need_v name_n no_o more_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n be_v call_v dwell_v in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o most_o high_a or_o under_o the_o defence_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o most_o high_a that_o be_v such_o a_o man_n put_v himself_o under_o god_n protection_n and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o shall_v abide_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o be_v he_o shall_v defend_v thou_o under_o his_o wing_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v safe_a under_o his_o feather_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n shall_v be_v thy_o shield_n and_o buckler_n and_o the_o psalmist_n particular_o reckon_v up_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o human_a life_n and_o promise_n security_n against_o they_o all_o because_o thou_o have_v make_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v my_o refuge_n even_o the_o most_o high_a thy_o habitation_n there_o shall_v no_o evil_n befall_v thou_o neither_o shall_v any_o plague_n come_v nigh_o thy_o dwell_n this_o psalm_n indeed_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o the_o height_n and_o latitude_n of_o the_o expression_n be_v applicable_a only_o to_o he_o but_o yet_o it_o give_v a_o general_a security_n to_o all_o who_o trust_v in_o god_n of_o protection_n from_o all_o evil_a this_o no_o man_n can_v promise_v himself_o who_o do_v not_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o how_o be_v providence_n concern_v for_o they_o who_o expect_v nothing_o from_o it_o nay_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v disappoint_v and_o fall_v into_o misery_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o no_o human_a strength_n or_o policy_n can_v save_v they_o but_o trust_v in_o god_n make_v we_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n none_o so_o much_o deserve_v his_o protection_n as_o those_o who_o commit_v themselves_o to_o his_o care_n a_o good_a man_n will_v not_o deceive_v or_o forsake_v those_o who_o depend_v on_o he_o much_o less_o will_v a_o good_a god_n three_o another_o duty_n we_o own_o to_o providence_n be_v prayer_n to_o ask_v of_o god_n all_o those_o blessing_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o need_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o own_v a_o god_n and_o that_o natural_a impulse_n all_o man_n find_v to_o seek_v to_o god_n in_o their_o distress_n show_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o nature_n be_v but_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v much_o puzzle_v how_o to_o reconcile_v prayer_n with_o their_o notion_n of_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o indeed_o be_v providence_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o necessary_a chain_n of_o cause_n or_o fix_v and_o immutable_a decree_n there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a encouragement_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n who_o upon_o this_o supposition_n can_v help_v we_o no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v alter_v destiny_n and_o fate_n but_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n with_o as_o great_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n govern_v his_o family_n or_o a_o prince_n govern_v his_o kingdom_n there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o petition_n to_o our_o parent_n or_o to_o our_o prince_n for_o if_o we_o must_v receive_v all_o from_o god_n what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o ask_v every_o thing_n of_o he_o but_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n more_o particular_o for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n wherein_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o reason_n themselves_o out_o of_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o form_v such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n as_o make_v it_o needless_a nay_o absurd_a to_o worship_v he_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o 11._o heb._n 6._o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o that_o this_o god_n do_v take_v care_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a favour_n for_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o for_o if_o god_n neither_o take_v any_o care_n of_o we_o or_o take_v no_o more_o care_n of_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o than_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o but_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o suppose_n that_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a for_o worship_v be_v a_o reasonable_a foundation_n for_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n as_o allow_v no_o peculiar_a reward_n and_o benefit_n to_o worshipper_n be_v certain_o false_a how_o philosophical_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v and_o impious_a too_o because_o they_o shut_v all_o religious_a worship_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o some_o man_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n understand_v for_o what_o reason_n they_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n they_o comply_v with_o the_o superstitious_a custom_n of_o the_o country_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o public_a censure_n but_o think_v they_o may_v as_o well_o let_v it_o alone_o as_o for_o any_o advantage_n they_o hope_v for_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o have_v as_o good_a not_o be_v present_a at_o prayer_n as_o not_o to_o pray_v for_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v to_o any_o advantage_n who_o despise_v prayer_n it_o will_v therefore_o be_v high_o necessary_a plain_o to_o state_n this_o matter_n and_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n lay_v the_o strong_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n the_o scripture-proof_n of_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o at_o large_a repeat_v they_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n we_o be_v more_o frequent_o command_v none_o we_o be_v more_o earnest_o exhort_v to_o than_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a man_n for_o it_o and_o of_o christ_n himself_o who_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n and_o we_o have_v the_o encouragement_n of_o as_o express_v promise_n as_o any_o in_o scripture_n that_o if_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n he_o will_v hear_v and_o answer_v we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o encouragement_n we_o can_v desire_v for_o our_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v 65._o psal._n 2._o to_o thou_o they_o shall_v pray_v because_o thou_o hear_v prayer_n for_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n to_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n will_v i_o call_v upon_o thou_o for_o thou_o will_v answer_v i_o 86._o psal._n 5_o 7._o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o also_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o 145._o psal._n 18_o 19_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o express_a than_o our_o saviour_n promise_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v 7._o matt._n 7_o 8._o and_o what_o great_a thing_n be_v attribute_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o power_n of_o prayer_n st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o and_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o example_n of_o elias_n who_o be_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v and_o he_o pray_v earnest_o that_o it_o may_v not_o rain_v and_o it_o rain_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n and_o he_o pray_v again_o and_o the_o heaven_n give_v rain_v and_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n 5._o james_n 17_o 18._o and_o all_o those_o wonder_n which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n attribute_n to_o faith_n belong_v to_o this_o prayer_n of_o faith_n 11._o heb._n 32_o 33_o 34._o for_o this_o