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 earth_n by_o a_o deluge_n and_o to_o shut_v up_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n be_v as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a mercy_n to_o noah_n than_o his_o preservation_n be_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o instead_o of_o drown_v the_o world_n god_n have_v at_o once_o destroy_v all_o mankind_n by_o plague_n or_o thunder_n from_o heaven_n or_o some_o other_o sudden_a stroke_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n who_o shall_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o this_o terrible_a execution_n and_o live_v to_o see_v the_o earth_n cover_v with_o dead_a body_n and_o none_o leave_v to_o bury_v they_o and_o their_o city_n lie_v waste_v and_o desolate_a without_o inhabitant_n who_o can_v conceive_v what_o the_o horror_n of_o such_o a_o sight_n will_v have_v be_v who_o will_v have_v be_v content_v to_o live_v in_o such_o a_o world_n to_o converse_v only_o with_o the_o image_n of_o death_n and_o with_o noisome_a carcase_n but_o god_n in_o great_a mercy_n shut_v up_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o 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deluge_n upon_o the_o old_a world_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o preserve_v noah_n from_o the_o common_a ruin_n we_o see_v in_o this_o example_n that_o number_n be_v no_o defence_n against_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o therefore_o no_o security_n to_o sinner_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n god_n destroy_v they_o all_o nay_o we_o see_v that_o the_o more_o wickedness_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n the_o near_a it_o be_v to_o destruction_n that_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reasonable_a temptation_n and_o encouragement_n to_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v a_o fair_a warning_n to_o consider_v man_n to_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o a_o wicked_a world_n by_o a_o exemplary_a virtue_n that_o god_n may_v distinguish_v they_o also_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n which_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n show_v to_o be_v very_o near_o and_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o sin_n with_o a_o multitude_n when_o the_o multitude_n of_o sinner_n will_v hasten_v vengeance_n here_o we_o see_v that_o though_o sinner_n may_v be_v very_o secure_a they_o be_v never_o safe_a as_o our_o saviour_n observe_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n they_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v marry_v and_o give_v in_o marriage_n until_o the_o day_n that_o noah_n go_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o know_v not_o until_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o 24._o matth._n 37_o 38_o 39_o god_n may_v delay_v punishment_n a_o great_a while_n and_o seem_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v below_o till_o sinner_n begin_v to_o think_v 21._o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o but_o their_o judgement_n all_o this_o while_n neither_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a calm_a and_o the_o serene_a day_n before_o the_o most_o terrible_a earthquake_n and_o the_o long_a god_n have_v keep_v silence_n the_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o expect_v a_o severe_a and_o surprise_v vengeance_n which_o make_v the_o psalmist_n advice_n in_o such_o case_n very_o seasonable_a 22._o now_o consider_v this_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n lest_o i_o tear_v you_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v and_o who_o will_v be_v afraid_a or_o be_v ashamed_a of_o noah_n singularity_n to_o be_v good_a alone_o and_o to_o be_v the_o single_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o remember_v that_o he_o alone_o with_o his_o three_o son_n be_v save_v from_o the_o deluge_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n must_v be_v a_o noah_n in_o a_o wicked_a world_n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o noah_n flood_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o old_a world_n and_o now_o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o new_a notwithstanding_o that_o late_a terrible_a example_n of_o god_n power_n and_o justice_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n begin_v to_o grow_v very_o corrupt_a as_o god_n foresee_v they_o will_v but_o resolve_v to_o try_v some_o new_a method_n and_o not_o to_o drown_v the_o world_n any_o more_o when_o noah_n have_v offer_v a_o burnt-offering_a to_o the_o lord_n of_o every_o clean_a beast_n and_o of_o every_o clean_a fowl_n after_o his_o come_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n the_o lord_n smell_v a_o sweet_a savour_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v in_o his_o heart_n i_o will_v not_o again_o curse_v the_o ground_n any_o more_o for_o man_n sake_n for_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v evil_a from_o his_o youth_n neither_o will_v i_o again_o smite_v any_o more_o every_o live_a thing_n as_o i_o have_v do_v 8._o gen._n 20_o 21._o the_o first_o exploit_n we_o hear_v of_o they_o be_v their_o building_n the_o tower_n of_o babel_n which_o story_n be_v so_o brief_o relate_v by_o moses_n that_o we_o can_v give_v a_o perfect_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o the_o most_o probable_a account_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o nimrod_n the_o son_n of_o cush_n and_o grandson_n of_o ham_n in_o which_o line_n true_a religion_n and_o piety_n first_o decay_v affect_v a_o universal_a empire_n to_o prevent_v the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o people_n persuade_v they_o to_o build_v a_o magnificent_a seat_n for_o his_o empire_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o centre_n of_o union_n for_o they_o at_o what_o distance_n soever_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o remove_v that_o the_o whole_a earth_n shall_v be_v but_o one_o kingdom_n and_o babel_n the_o royal_a palace_n have_v this_o design_n succeed_v the_o whole_a world_n will_v have_v be_v but_o one_o people_n and_o the_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o line_n of_o
good_a of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v the_o happiness_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n be_v the_o good_a of_o nature_n the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a and_o the_o more_o effectual_a it_o be_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n the_o great_a good_n it_o be_v though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a evil_n and_o whatever_o will_v hinder_v or_o destroy_v our_o happiness_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a good_n in_o all_o such_o case_n thing_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o end_n or_o to_o their_o natural_a or_o moral_a consequence_n when_o we_o be_v in_o health_n that_o be_v good_a food_n which_o be_v pleasant_a and_o wholesome_a and_o will_v preserve_v health_n but_o the_o same_o diet_n may_v be_v very_o hurtful_a and_o fatal_a when_o we_o be_v sick_a indulgence_n or_o severity_n to_o child_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o temper_n and_o inclination_n as_o it_o be_v apt_a either_o to_o corrupt_v their_o manner_n or_o to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v so_o much_o what_o be_v natural_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o what_o the_o state_n of_o those_o be_v who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o discipline_n and_o what_o be_v good_a for_o they_o in_o such_o a_o state_n for_o how_o many_o natural_a evil_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o evil_n of_o affliction_n and_o judgement_n of_o plague_n and_o famine_n and_o sword_n if_o such_o severity_n be_v good_a for_o mankind_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n to_o inflict_v they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o parent_n or_o a_o prince_n to_o reclaim_v and_o reform_v his_o child_n or_o his_o subject_n by_o great_a severity_n and_o a_o easy_a and_o prosperous_a state_n when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n require_v severe_a restraint_n be_v no_o more_o a_o act_n of_o kindness_n and_o goodness_n than_o the_o fond_a indulgence_n of_o parent_n be_v to_o disobedient_a child_n so_o that_o this_o take_v away_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n the_o principal_a objection_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n we_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v very_o good_a in_o it_o and_o that_o these_o natural_a evil_n though_o they_o be_v grievous_a be_v not_o evil_n to_o we_o because_o they_o be_v and_o be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a we_o can_v neither_o prove_v nor_o disprove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n mere_o by_o external_a event_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o particular_a man_n for_o prosperity_n be_v not_o always_o good_a for_o we_o nor_o be_v affliction_n always_o for_o our_o hurt_n god_n may_v make_v some_o man_n prosperous_a in_o his_o anger_n and_o chastise_v other_o in_o great_a love_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o wiseman_n 9_o eccl._n 1_o 2._o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o they_o for_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n which_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n for_o god_n do_v love_n good_a man_n and_o hate_v the_o wicked_a and_o his_o providence_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o though_o this_o difference_n be_v not_o always_o visible_a in_o external_a event_n for_o when_o the_o same_o event_n happen_v to_o both_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a it_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o favour_n to_o good_a man_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o the_o wicked_a for_o external_a prosperity_n and_o adversity_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n may_v either_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o may_v be_v good_a for_o one_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v evil_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v a_o difference_n when_o the_o external_a event_n make_v none_o the_o wiseman_n confess_v this_o be_v a_o evil_n among_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o there_o be_v one_o event_n unto_o all_o bad_a man_n who_o look_v no_o far_o than_o external_a event_n make_v a_o very_a bad_a use_n of_o it_o and_o conclude_v that_o god_n make_v no_o difference_n when_o they_o see_v none_o make_v and_o thus_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o evil_n and_o madness_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n while_o they_o live_v and_o after_o that_o they_o go_v to_o the_o dead_a 3._o v._n but_o those_o who_o consider_v wise_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o external_a event_n from_o such_o a_o promiscuous_a distribution_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n either_o to_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n since_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o state_n be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o which_o they_o serve_v it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n to_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o correct_v and_o punish_v and_o to_o cure_v our_o discontent_n at_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o what_o be_v good_a in_o such_o a_o state_n man_n have_v sin_v and_o man_n must_v die_v but_o god_n have_v in_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o mankind_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n who_o by_o death_n have_v destroy_v he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n this_o remove_v the_o scene_n of_o happiness_n from_o this_o world_n to_o the_o next_o and_o make_v this_o present_a life_n only_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n for_o eternity_n if_o we_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o imitate_v his_o example_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o raise_v we_o again_o when_o our_o dead_a body_n be_v putrify_v in_o the_o grave_a into_o immortal_a life_n but_o have_v threaten_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o eternal_a death_n against_o incorrigible_a sinner_n so_o that_o the_o great_a good_a that_o god_n or_o man_n can_v do_v for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v by_o all_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o and_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o those_o eternal_a misery_n which_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o sinner_n though_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o foolish_a sinner_n who_o never_o consider_v this_o yet_o all_o mankind_n agree_v that_o that_o be_v best_a for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n which_o will_v make_v we_o eternal_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a great_a evil_n which_o will_v betray_v we_o to_o eternal_a misery_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o infidel_n who_o believe_v neither_o a_o heaven_n nor_o a_o hell_n but_o yet_o these_o very_a infidel_n be_v not_o so_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n as_o to_o deny_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n that_o to_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n whatever_o it_o be_v upon_o other_o account_n which_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o keep_v we_o out_o of_o hell_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n there_o can_v be_v so_o great_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n but_o what_o may_v be_v good_a for_o we_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v a_o expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o for_o if_o pain_n and_o sickness_n poverty_n and_o disgrace_n wean_v we_o from_o this_o world_n subdue_v our_o lust_n make_v we_o good_a man_n and_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a reward_n though_o they_o be_v great_a affliction_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o good_a as_o the_o way_n though_o a_o rough_a and_o difficult_a way_n to_o happiness_n that_o prosperity_n do_v oftentimes_o corrupt_a man_n life_n and_o manner_n make_v they_o proud_a and_o sensual_a regardless_o of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o so_o fond_a of_o
this_o be_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n which_o no_o consider_a man_n will_v serious_o make_v the_o more_o considerable_a objection_n relate_v to_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o only_a objection_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a can_v have_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o be_v that_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o many_o so_o great_a and_o so_o universal_a that_o they_o overballance_v the_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o therefore_o need_v no_o answer_n to_o this_o yet_o they_o think_v they_o have_v the_o scripture_n on_o their_o side_n for_o the_o wiseman_n 4._o eccl._n 2_o 3._o tell_v we_o wherefore_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n which_o be_v yet_o alive_a yea_o better_a be_v he_o than_o both_o they_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v who_o have_v not_o see_v the_o evil_a work_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n this_o at_o first_o view_n look_v like_o a_o very_a sharp_a satyr_n upon_o human_a life_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v and_o that_o not_o to_o live_v at_o all_o be_v better_a than_o either_o and_o be_v this_o universal_o true_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o think_v of_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n which_o have_v nothing_o good_a or_o desirable_a in_o it_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v from_o those_o many_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o good_a man_n in_o this_o life_n and_o god_n will_v not_o promise_v good_a man_n what_o be_v worth_a nothing_o but_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o text_n will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o understanding_n this_o whole_a matter_n and_o therefore_o 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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
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of_o providence_n do_v require_v that_o virtue_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o vice_n punish_v and_o that_o in_o such_o degree_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o shall_v lay_v all_o reasonable_a restraint_n on_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n and_o encourage_v their_o virtue_n now_o virtue_n be_v reward_v and_o vice_n punish_v when_o it_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v if_o not_o in_o the_o person_n yet_o in_o the_o posterity_n of_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n which_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o good_a man_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o ministries_n of_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o service_n of_o providence_n and_o yet_o very_o effectual_o discourage_v wickedness_n and_o encourage_v virtue_n 2_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v that_o god_n very_o often_o punish_v sin_n with_o sin_n and_o many_o time_n with_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n 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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 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