what_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o man_n be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n who_o live_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o this_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o believe_v so_o well_o of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v very_o persuade_v can_v we_o see_v what_o their_o state_n be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o account_n and_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n then_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n only_o because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o ignorant_a heathen_n in_o the_o next_o world_n if_o we_o know_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o these_o man_n and_o know_v that_o he_o deal_v hardly_o by_o they_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v this_o will_v be_v a_o difficulty_n but_o what_o difficulty_n be_v there_o in_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n for_o if_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v and_o judge_v nothing_o of_o it_o neither_o man_n must_v be_v very_o much_o incline_v to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n who_o will_v raise_v objection_n from_o what_o they_o confess_v they_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o yet_o i_o can_v guess_v how_o they_o shall_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o state_n of_o ignorant_a heathen_n in_o the_o next_o world_n since_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n for_o we_o can_v look_v into_o the_o other_o world_n the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o some_o man_n without_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n confident_o affirm_v that_o ignorant_a heathen_n shall_v suffer_v the_o same_o condemnation_n which_o christ_n have_v threaten_v against_o wilful_a infidel_n and_o wicked_a christian_n and_o than_o it_o may_v well_o be_v think_v a_o great_a difficulty_n that_o god_n shall_v as_o severe_o punish_v man_n for_o not_o know_v christ_n when_o he_o be_v never_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o possible_a way_n of_o know_v he_o as_o he_o will_v punish_v those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n preach_v to_o they_o but_o refuse_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o or_o have_v profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o live_v very_o wicked_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n but_o it_o be_v a_o difficulty_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o much_o more_o safe_a for_o ourselves_o and_o much_o more_o honourable_a for_o god_n to_o confess_v our_o ignorance_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o we_o have_v no_o possible_a way_n to_o know_v and_o to_o refer_v all_o such_o unknown_a case_n to_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n than_o to_o pretend_v to_o know_v what_o we_o can_v know_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o raise_v such_o objection_n as_o we_o can_v answer_v whatever_o difficulty_n immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v be_v content_v shall_v remain_v difficulty_n till_o we_o go_v thither_o for_o we_o know_v so_o little_a in_o particular_a about_o the_o other_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a either_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o or_o other_o in_o such_o matter_n but_o these_o be_v not_o proper_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n for_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n as_o of_o the_o next_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o large_a show_v not_o only_o that_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n make_v he_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o our_o narrow_a understanding_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o all_o the_o wise_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o receive_v it_o this_o indeed_o be_v so_o plain_a at_o the_o first_o hear_n to_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n that_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v insist_v so_o long_o on_o it_o do_v not_o all_o man_n know_v who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o dispute_n that_o most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n be_v owe_v whole_o to_o this_o cause_n that_o man_n will_v not_o allow_v god_n to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o the_o best_a way_n i_o can_v take_v to_o teach_v these_o man_n more_o modesty_n in_o censure_v providence_n be_v to_o show_v they_o particular_o that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n wise_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n which_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o then_o it_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v in_o many_o case_n give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o particular_a reason_n of_o providence_n five_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v in_o what_o case_n this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n give_v no_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o this_o enquiry_n that_o no_o man_n may_v presume_v to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o unaccountable_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o those_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o some_o modern_a controversy_n in_o religion_n i_o need_v instance_n at_o present_a only_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a and_o absolute_a election_n and_o reprobation_n on_o which_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a unaccountable_a doctrine_n depend_v that_o god_n create_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o eternal_o miserable_a or_o at_o least_o as_o other_o state_z it_o that_o he_o order_v and_o decree_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n effectual_o permit_v the_o sin_n and_o fall_n of_o adam_n that_o he_o may_v glorify_v his_o mercy_n in_o choose_v some_o few_o out_o of_o the_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v vessel_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o glorify_v his_o justice_n in_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o all_o other_o even_o of_o reprobated_a infant_n as_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o adam_n sin_n now_o thus_o far_o i_o confess_v they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o these_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a doctrine_n for_o to_o make_v creature_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o just_a and_o good_n but_o though_o we_o ready_o confess_v that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a yet_o man_n must_v not_o think_v upon_o this_o pretence_n to_o attribute_v what_o they_o please_v to_o god_n how_o absurd_a unreasonable_a unjust_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o then_o shelter_v themselves_o against_o all_o objection_n by_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o unaccountable_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o god_n have_v no_o such_o unaccountable_a will_n as_o this_o be_v to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o manifest_o contradict_v all_o the_o notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n abhor_v all_o such_o imputation_n as_o these_o as_o infinite_o injurious_a to_o he_o and_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o justify_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o whole_a 18_o chapter_n of_o ezekiel_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o this_o where_o god_n complain_v of_o that_o proverb_n as_o reflect_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o providence_n 2._o the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n that_o be_v that_o the_o child_n be_v punish_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o father_n how_o unreasonable_a a_o imputation_n this_o be_v god_n prove_v from_o that_o equal_a right_n which_o he_o have_v in_o parent_n and_o child_n 4._o which_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o such_o partiality_n behold_v all_o soul_n be_v i_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o father_n so_o also_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o son_n be_v i_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v and_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o a_o good_a man_n who_o do_v what_o be_v just_a and_o right_a shall_v sure_o live_v that_o if_o
complain_v against_o providence_n too_o when_o good_a man_n suffer_v and_o the_o wicked_a be_v prosperous_a but_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o the_o service_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n both_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o if_o he_o can_v serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n or_o by_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o when_o he_o have_v no_o far_a use_n of_o their_o service_n reward_n or_o punish_v they_o according_a as_o they_o deserve_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v the_o present_a suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o their_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v vindicate_v his_o justice_n 2_o but_o for_o a_o full_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n government_n of_o this_o low_a world_n and_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v the_o justice_n of_o government_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o government_n for_o all_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v not_o proper_a at_o all_o time_n and_o it_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n if_o god_n do_v not_o exercise_v such_o act_n of_o justice_n as_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n for_o justice_n be_v rectitude_n and_o what_o be_v not_o right_a and_o fit_a in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o just_a the_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o bad_a man_n punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o world_n where_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o all_o wicked_a man_n punish_v for_o if_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o reward_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o work_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n though_o every_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o every_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n if_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o such_o a_o strict_a and_o exact_a justice_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n at_o present_a of_o what_o be_v common_o say_v upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o what_o i_o have_v former_o discourse_v more_o large_o that_o this_o world_n be_v not_o the_o place_n of_o judgement_n but_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n probation_n and_o discipline_n where_o good_a man_n many_o time_n suffer_v not_o so_o much_o in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o to_o exercise_v their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o brighten_v their_o virtue_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o great_a reward_n and_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperon_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n or_o to_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o chastise_v the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o man_n or_o the_o more_o remarkable_a example_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n in_o their_o final_a ruin_n i_o say_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n now_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o justice_n of_o government_n which_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o final_a judgement_n now_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n do_v not_o signify_v to_o destroy_v it_o but_o to_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v it_o and_o to_o continue_v a_o succession_n of_o man_n in_o it_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o as_o good_a order_n as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v that_o provident_a care_n which_o he_o take_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n while_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o preserve_v this_o present_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o destroy_v the_o world_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o providence_n but_o of_o judgement_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n require_v god_n to_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n he_o must_v destroy_v far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o every_o age._n this_o earth_n will_v soon_o be_v little_a better_o than_o a_o desolate_a wilderness_n if_o none_o but_o good_a man_n be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o it_o but_o this_o kind_n of_o justice_n god_n have_v renounce_v ever_o since_o the_o universal_a deluge_n he_o then_o indeed_o exercise_v such_o a_o terrible_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n as_o some_o man_n think_v can_v be_v the_o only_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n he_o destroy_v the_o whole_a world_n by_o water_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n who_o he_o preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n but_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v never_o do_v so_o again_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a wickedness_n of_o mankind_n 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 while_o the_o earth_n remain_v seedtime_n and_o harvest_n and_o cold_a and_o heat_n and_o summer_n and_o winter_n and_o day_n and_o night_n shall_v not_o cease_v 8._o gen._n 21_o 22._o so_o that_o god_n will_v no_o more_o destroy_v the_o world_n nor_o all_o the_o wicked_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o wicked_a man_n can_v be_v punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o this_o world_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o root_a all_o bad_a man_n out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o make_v they_o all_o miserable_a in_o it_o or_o in_o reward_v all_o good_a man_n with_o temporal_a felicity_n which_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v do_v without_o constant_a miracle_n and_o the_o visible_a interposition_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n for_o when_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a number_n they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o govern_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o protect_v the_o good_a to_o restrain_v and_o govern_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o executioner_n of_o his_o just_a vengeance_n on_o one_o another_o and_o to_o make_v some_o of_o they_o in_o every_o age_n notorious_a example_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o awaken_v in_o they_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v in_o this_o not_o that_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o all_o bad_a man_n miserable_a but_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o world_n be_v keep_v in_o tolerable_a order_n and_o be_v a_o tolerable_a place_n to_o live_v in_o and_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v as_o often_o punish_v and_o good_a man_n as_o often_o reward_v as_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v that_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o deserve_v and_o what_o god_n see_v good_a for_o he_o if_o he_o will_v make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o it_o and_o that_o how_o prosperous_a soever_o bad_a man_n be_v there_o be_v few_o of_o they_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n without_o some_o mark_n and_o token_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n though_o not_o always_o so_o remarkable_a as_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o world_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o god_n be_v very_o just_a in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o require_v the_o same_o act_n of_o justice_n that_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o mankind_n do_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n which_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o final_a judgement_n that_o be_v between_o god_n govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n we_o shall_v easy_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o true_a account_n of_o the_o
who_o cry_v against_o the_o altar_n at_o bethel_n his_o hand_n immediate_o dry_v up_o so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o pull_v it_o in_o again_o 1_o king_n 13._o 4._o and_o that_o when_o vzziah_n will_v have_v usurp_v the_o priest_n office_n to_o burn_v incense_n he_o be_v immediate_o smite_v with_o leprosy_n 2_o chron._n 26._o 19_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o for_o god_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n to_o hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n to_o take_v away_o man_n life_n or_o their_o natural_a power_n of_o act_v which_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n sometime_o when_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o work_v miracle_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o rare_a as_o miracle_n be_v for_o such_o a_o way_n as_o this_o of_o hinder_v sin_n will_v quick_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o the_o commerce_n and_o conversation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v proper_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n not_o to_o govern_v it_o two_o and_o therefore_o though_o god_n do_v take_v care_n to_o prevent_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n which_o man_n intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o commit_v and_o watch_v for_o opportunity_n of_o commit_v yet_o he_o do_v it_o not_o by_o a_o immediate_a supernatural_a power_n but_o in_o human_a way_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n command_v we_o not_o only_o to_o do_v no_o wickedness_n ourselves_o but_o by_o our_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n authority_n and_o power_n to_o hinder_v other_o man_n from_o do_v wicked_o and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n whereby_o god_n hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o many_o sin_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v which_o show_v how_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o a_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a power_n to_o hinder_v three_o to_o be_v sure_a for_o god_n to_o permit_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v no_o great_a blemish_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n than_o to_o permit_v man_n to_o conceive_v sin_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o therein_o the_o moral_a evil_n consist_v when_o the_o will_n choose_v and_o consent_v to_o it_o the_o external_a action_n may_v be_v a_o natural_a political_n or_o oeconomical_a evil_n but_o the_o moral_a evil_n be_v in_o the_o will_n and_o choice_n and_o therefore_o the_o permit_v or_o hinder_v the_o external_a commission_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o so_o proper_o concern_v the_o holiness_n as_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o to_o hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o prevent_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o man_n have_v the_o guilt_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o he_o will_v but_o can_v not_o commit_v but_o it_o hinder_v that_o mischief_n which_o the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n will_v have_v do_v to_o other_o man_n by_o murder_v their_o person_n or_o defile_v their_o wife_n or_o rob_v they_o of_o their_o estate_n and_o good_a name_n 4thly_a and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v wise_a reason_n for_o god_n to_o permit_v the_o external_a commission_n of_o many_o sin_n as_o act_n of_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n on_o other_o sinner_n or_o as_o act_n of_o correction_n and_o discipline_n on_o good_a man_n for_o since_o god_n very_o rare_o punish_v bad_a man_n or_o correct_v good_a man_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n and_o yet_o punishment_n or_o correction_n be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o providence_n it_o can_v unbecome_v god_n to_o make_v the_o sin_n of_o some_o the_o correction_n and_o punishment_n of_o other_o that_o it_o be_v so_o be_v so_o visible_a that_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v it_o for_o few_o man_n suffer_v any_o great_a evil_n but_o from_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o if_o god_n take_v care_n as_o most_o certain_o he_o do_v to_o direct_v the_o evil_n which_o man_n sin_n do_v to_o light_v upon_o those_o who_o deserve_v to_o suffer_v by_o they_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a vindication_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o external_a commission_n of_o sin_n 5thly_a especial_o consider_v how_o many_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n god_n can_v serve_v by_o permit_v sin_n as_o to_o render_v sin_n itself_o infamous_a and_o hateful_a by_o the_o great_a mischief_n it_o do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o expose_v the_o sinner_n himself_o to_o shame_n and_o punishment_n which_o both_o deter_v other_o man_n from_o sin_n and_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o reform_v the_o sinner_n nay_o many_o time_n god_n bring_v about_o great_a and_o excellent_a design_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n both_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n of_o which_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v be_v it_o needful_a which_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o man_n sin_n nor_o any_o reason_n why_o god_n shall_v order_v and_o over-rule_v man_n by_o his_o providence_n to_o commit_v such_o sin_n but_o be_v a_o very_a justifiable_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n when_o he_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o it_o 6thly_a and_o therefore_o last_o god_n do_v hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n as_o often_o as_o he_o see_v fit_a to_o hinder_v the_o evil_a and_o mischief_n which_o such_o sin_n will_v do_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v sometime_o he_o very_o remarkable_o disappoint_v wicked_a design_n from_o take_v effect_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o haman_n and_o mordecai_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v devote_v to_o destruction_n and_o we_o have_v as_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o we_o have_v discovery_n of_o plot_n and_o treason_n against_o the_o life_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n or_o private_a design_n against_o the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o private_a man_n and_o how_o much_o unknown_a wickedness_n the_o divine_a providence_n every_o day_n prevent_v we_o can_v tell_v but_o all_o the_o wickedness_n mankind_n will_v commit_v but_o can_v must_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o restraint_n and_o prevention_n of_o providence_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o bad_a man_n can_v give_v a_o great_a many_o instance_n of_o such_o disappointment_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v meet_v with_o that_o as_o much_o evil_a as_o there_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o consider_v the_o great_a wickedness_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n hinder_v a_o hundred_o time_n more_o than_o he_o permit_v and_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n it_o become_v we_o to_o think_v that_o god_n never_o permit_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o any_o sin_n but_o he_o order_v it_o for_o some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n and_o this_o i_o hope_n be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n notwithstanding_o so_o much_o wickedness_n as_o be_v daily_o commit_v 3_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n now_o since_o the_o permission_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o it_o unless_o we_o can_v prove_v by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o indeed_o will_v prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n with_o holiness_n if_o he_o have_v any_o proper_a efficiency_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n that_o be_v do_v god_n tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o by_o any_o secret_a influence_n and_o impulse_n incline_v and_o even_o compel_v they_o to_o sin_n but_o the_o least_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a blasphemy_n and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o unpardonable_a blasphemy_n because_o there_o be_v no_o temptation_n to_o suspect_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o know_v this_o but_o either_o by_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n or_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o revelation_n as_o for_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n this_o can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o no_o man_n find_v any_o other_o force_n or_o impulse_n but_o from_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o sinful_a inclination_n every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v 1._o james_n 14._o those_o who_o charge_n god_n with_o incline_v man_n heart_n to_o wickedness_n yet_o confess_v that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o such_o secret_a influence_n as_o no_o man_n can_v distinguish_v from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o
their_o suffering_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o forerunner_n of_o future_a vengeance_n except_o they_o repent_v and_o when_o we_o know_v this_o it_o make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o prosperity_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o because_o this_o be_v not_o always_o visible_a in_o external_a event_n god_n have_v take_v care_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o but_o god_n have_v make_v this_o very_a visible_a in_o most_o of_o the_o ordinary_a calamity_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o sin_n of_o intemperance_n luxury_n lust_n pride_n passion_n covetousness_n idleness_n and_o prodigality_n most_o of_o those_o evil_n which_o bad_a man_n suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o such_o vice_n and_o all_o these_o good_a man_n escape_v and_o sometime_o their_o virtue_n advance_v they_o to_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o when_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o make_v they_o content_v and_o please_v but_o when_o wickedness_n make_v man_n great_a it_o common_o make_v they_o a_o mark_n for_o envy_n and_o advance_v they_o to_o tumble_v they_o down_o nay_o though_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o always_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o to_o their_o external_a fortune_n yet_o sometime_o god_n make_v a_o very_a remarkable_a difference_n between_o they_o give_v such_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o his_o anger_n against_o bad_a man_n and_o of_o his_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o good_a that_o it_o force_v man_n to_o acknowledge_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n 58._o psal._n 11._o and_o a_o few_o such_o example_n as_o these_o though_o both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a story_n furnish_v we_o with_o very_a many_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v as_o visible_a a_o distinction_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n require_v 4._o but_o yet_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o allow_v of_o great_a evil_n and_o calamity_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n not_o of_o judgement_n good_a man_n must_v suffer_v no_o more_o than_o what_o will_v increase_v their_o virtue_n not_o prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a must_v not_o always_o rest_v on_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o righteous_a lest_o he_o also_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n unto_o iniquity_n the_o suffering_n of_o bad_a man_n who_o be_v in_o a_o curable_a state_n must_v be_v only_o proportion_v to_o their_o cure_n unless_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o example_n require_v a_o severe_a punishment_n to_o warn_v other_o sinner_n as_o for_o harden_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v for_o they_o but_o he_o may_v serve_v his_o providence_n on_o they_o as_o he_o please_v either_o by_o make_v they_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o execute_v such_o a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o the_o world_n as_o none_o but_o such_o harden_a sinner_n will_v execute_v or_o by_o make_v they_o the_o last_a monument_n of_o his_o own_o vengeance_n as_o he_o do_v a_o harden_a and_o incorrigible_a pharaoh_n for_o this_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v such_o example_n and_o such_o sinner_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v example_n of_o and_o all_o such_o severity_n as_o these_o be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 5._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n not_o only_o allow_v but_o require_v great_a patience_n long-suffering_a and_o goodness_n to_o sinner_n for_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o reclaim_v sinner_n to_o give_v they_o time_n for_o repentance_n and_o to_o invite_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o repent_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o method_n of_o goodness_n as_o well_o as_o to_o overawe_v they_o by_o judgement_n and_o severity_n promise_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o reform_v sinner_n as_o threaten_n for_o hope_n be_v as_o powerful_a a_o principle_n as_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o goodness_n work_v more_o kind_o upon_o ingenuous_a mind_n and_o melt_v those_o who_o judgement_n can_v bow_v nor_o break_v thus_o a_o kind_a parent_n deal_v with_o a_o prodigal_a son_n try_v he_o with_o kindness_n as_o well_o as_o severity_n and_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o sinner_n he_o be_v good_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a and_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o upon_o the_o unjust_a and_o this_o be_v such_o goodness_n as_o be_v proper_a only_a for_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 6._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o good_a than_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n for_o since_o goodness_n govern_v the_o world_n even_o in_o this_o state_n the_o good_a must_v be_v predominant_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n there_o be_v it_o may_v still_o be_v very_o visible_a that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o good_a god_n that_o this_o be_v so_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v for_o we_o all_o see_v and_o feel_v it_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n bear_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o the_o good_a there_o be_v some_o few_o example_n of_o miserable_a people_n but_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o happy_a and_o even_o these_o miserable_a people_n have_v great_a allay_v of_o their_o misery_n and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n have_v a_o much_o great_a share_n of_o good_a than_o evil._n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o very_o terrible_a but_o they_o come_v but_o seldom_o for_o a_o year_n plague_n or_o famine_n we_o enjoy_v some_o age_n of_o health_n and_o plenty_n and_o the_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n of_o war_n be_v recompense_v and_o forget_v by_o a_o more_o last_a and_o flourish_a peace_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n move_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o uniform_a round_n visit_v all_o part_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o sun_n do_v with_o its_o light_n and_o heat_n that_o consider_v how_o little_a mankind_n deserve_v of_o god_n in_o this_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n how_o high_o they_o provoke_v he_o every_o day_n and_o how_o constant_o and_o universal_o he_o do_v good_a to_o they_o instead_o of_o complain_v of_o the_o many_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o admire_v the_o patience_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n goodness_n as_o it_o respect_v a_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n and_o then_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n vanish_v of_o themselves_o though_o this_o world_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a goodness_n can_v make_v it_o yet_o god_n abound_v in_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o goodness_n which_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n will_v allow_v which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v and_o all_o that_o god_n can_v wise_o do_v for_o we_o in_o this_o state_n 2_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n for_o this_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o most_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n that_o man_n consider_v human_a nature_n absolute_o and_o appeal_v to_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o notion_n and_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o be_v by_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o mean_v only_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_a such_o as_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_v or_o of_o trouble_n and_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n riches_n or_o poverty_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n and_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o mankind_n and_o particular_a man_n be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a then_o god_n do_v good_a and_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o providence_n be_v good_a if_o they_o be_v afflict_v this_o be_v very_o evil_a and_o therefore_o a_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n but_o do_v not_o every_o man_n know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n the_o end_n be_v happiness_n which_o be_v the_o
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 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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
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 mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o among_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n he_o mention_n the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o deliverance_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o overthrow_n of_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o red-sea_n to_o he_o that_o smite_v egypt_n in_o their_o first-born_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o bring_v out_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o with_o a_o stretched-out_a arm_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o to_o he_o which_o divide_v the_o red-sea_n into_o part_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v israel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o but_o overthrow_v pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red-sea_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n to_o he_o who_o smite_v great_a king_n and_o slay_v famous_a king_n sihon_n king_n of_o the_o amorites_n and_o og_n the_o king_n of_o bashan_n and_o give_v their_o land_n for_o a_o heritage_n even_o for_o a_o heritage_n to_o israel_n his_o servant_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v before_o we_o object_v the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v bad_a man_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o there_o be_v few_o bad_a man_n who_o suffer_v any_o remarkable_a vengeance_n but_o that_o their_o suffering_n be_v a_o great_a kindness_n and_o deliverance_n to_o other_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o public_a in_o break_v their_o power_n or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o psalmist_n have_v teach_v we_o a_o very_a proper_a hymn_n i_o will_v sing_v of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n will_v i_o sing_v 101._o psal._n 1_o thus_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v some_o great_a and_o last_a example_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o vengeance_n against_o sin_n and_o as_o terrible_a as_o such_o example_n be_v they_o be_v a_o 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 least_o blemish_n to_o his_o holiness_n or_o justice_n for_o such_o frightful_a execution_n convince_v the_o world_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o when_o god_n have_v public_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o may_v try_v gentle_a method_n and_o glorify_v his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n and_o thus_o god_n punish_v that_o he_o may_v spare_v be_v sometime_o very_o terrible_a in_o his_o judgement_n to_o prevent_v the_o necessity_n of_o strike_v often_o that_o sinner_n may_v have_v sufficient_a warning_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v good_a to_o sinner_n without_o encourage_v they_o in_o sin_n thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n when_o they_o be_v past_o be_v reform_v be_v a_o warn_n to_o all_o sinner_n as_o long_o as_o this_o world_n last_v and_o be_v a_o public_a and_o stand_a confutation_n of_o atheism_n of_o such_o scoffer_n as_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o 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 reserve_v unto_o fire_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o perdition_n of_o ungodly_a man_n 2_o peter_n 3._o 5_o 6_o 7._o such_o destruction_n as_o these_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o natural_a cause_n but_o the_o same_o word_n which_o make_v the_o world_n destroy_v the_o old_a world_n by_o water_n and_o will_v destroy_v this_o by_o fire_n which_o make_v it_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o only_o a_o general_n warn_v to_o sinner_n but_o a_o example_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o unnatural_a lusts._n as_o st._n jude_n tell_v we_o even_o as_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n give_v themselves_o over_o to_o fornication_n and_o go_v after_o strange_a flesh_n be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o example_n suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n v_o 7._o thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o most_o terrible_a circumstance_n that_o we_o ever_o meet_v with_o in_o story_n be_v a_o last_a confutation_n of_o infidelity_n and_o a_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o terrible_a example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n how_o terrible_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o those_o who_o suffer_v be_v act_n of_o great_a goodness_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o belong_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o government_n by_o some_o severe_a execution_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v the_o innocent_a and_o reclaim_v other_o offender_n without_o the_o necessity_n of_o terrify_v the_o world_n in_o every_o age_n with_o such_o repeat_v severity_n nay_o we_o may_v observe_v far_o that_o when_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a and_o such_o sinner_n if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o will_v certain_o propagate_v their_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o lewdness_n to_o all_o posterity_n it_o be_v great_a goodness_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n to_o cleanse_v the_o world_n of_o its_o impure_a inhabitant_n by_o some_o great_a destruction_n by_o sword_n or_o plague_n or_o famine_n to_o lessen_v the_o number_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o possess_v those_o who_o escape_n with_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n judgement_n nay_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o many_o time_n these_o terrible_a shake_v and_o convulsion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o open_v some_o new_a and_o more_o glorious_a scene_n of_o providence_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o four_o empire_n which_o prey_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o be_v at_o last_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o roman_a power_n though_o they_o make_v great_a destruction_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o carry_v learn_v and_o civility_n into_o
36._o wo_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n because_o you_o build_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o garnish_v the_o sepulcher_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o say_v if_o we_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n we_o will_v not_o have_v be_v partaker_n with_o they_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n wherefore_o you_o be_v witness_n unto_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n fill_v you_o up_o then_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o father_n sin_n wherefore_o behold_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o prophet_n and_o wise_a man_n and_o scribe_n and_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v you_o kill_v and_o crucify_v and_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v you_o scourge_v in_o your_o synagogue_n and_o persecute_v they_o from_o city_n to_o city_n that_o upon_o you_o may_v come_v all_o the_o righteous_a blood_n shed_v upon_o the_o earth_n from_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o zacharias_n son_n of_o barachias_n who_o you_o slay_v between_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o altar_n god_n may_v wait_v with_o patience_n upon_o a_o wicked_a nation_n or_o a_o wicked_a family_n but_o when_o they_o sin_v on_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o it_o all_o aggravate_v the_o account_n and_o when_o god_n see_v it_o time_n to_o punish_v make_v the_o punishment_n very_o severe_a or_o final_a 2_o the_o righteous_a posterity_n of_o good_a man_n be_v reward_v also_o for_o their_o father_n sake_n for_o he_o show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n a_o wicked_a son_n may_v receive_v a_o great_a many_o temporal_a blessing_n from_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o righteous_a father_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n that_o god_n show_v great_a favour_n and_o exercise_n great_a patience_n to_o bad_a man_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o good_a but_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o righteous_a seed_n of_o good_a man_n for_o though_o it_o do_v not_o unbecome_v the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o show_v favour_n to_o bad_a man_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o make_v it_o the_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v fit_v to_o make_v any_o general_a promise_n of_o favour_n to_o they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o encouragement_n of_o vice_n the_o righteous_a seed_n then_o of_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v but_o so_o shall_v the_o righteous_a seed_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v and_o what_o peculiar_a privilege_n be_v this_o to_o the_o good_a i_o answer_v when_o god_n promise_v to_o bless_v the_o righteous_a posterity_n of_o good_a man_n if_o it_o contain_v any_o thing_n peculiar_a which_o god_n have_v not_o so_o express_o promise_v to_o other_o good_a man_n it_o must_v signify_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o a_o more_o last_a prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n nor_o have_v god_n any_o where_o promise_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o no_o more_o than_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v visible_o punish_v here_o but_o as_o god_n visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n by_o execute_v a_o more_o speedy_a vengeance_n on_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n so_o the_o righteous_a child_n of_o righteous_a parent_n shall_v be_v more_o certain_o prosperous_a than_o other_o good_a man_n and_o the_o more_o uninterrupted_a succession_n there_o be_v of_o such_o righteous_a parent_n and_o righteous_a child_n the_o deep_a root_n they_o shall_v take_v and_o be_v like_o a_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o his_o season_n his_o leaf_n also_o shall_v not_o wither_v and_o what_o soever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v 1._o psal._n 3_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o short_a representation_n of_o this_o case_n and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o state_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v no_o injustice_n in_o it_o let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o wise_a end_v it_o serve_v both_o with_o respect_n to_o parent_n and_o to_o child_n and_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o providence_n 1._o as_o to_o parent_n if_o they_o have_v any_o natural_a affection_n to_o their_o child_n this_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o vice_n and_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o virtue_n most_o of_o the_o labour_n and_o toil_n which_o man_n undergo_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o child_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o while_o they_o live_v and_o to_o leave_v they_o in_o easy_a and_o happy_a circumstance_n when_o they_o die_v to_o raise_v and_o perpetuate_v a_o family_n and_o to_o secure_v they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a from_o all_o adverse_a event_n but_o how_o successful_a soever_o bad_a man_n may_v be_v in_o raise_v a_o estate_n they_o build_v upon_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n and_o leave_v a_o very_a perish_a inheritance_n to_o their_o child_n especial_o if_o they_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n by_o defraud_v god_n and_o the_o poor_a of_o their_o portion_n which_o many_o time_n make_v it_o moulder_v away_o in_o the_o hand_n even_o of_o a_o righteous_a heir_n the_o more_o prosperous_a a_o wicked_a man_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a be_v his_o posterity_n to_o be_v miserable_a if_o he_o propagate_v his_o vice_n to_o they_o for_o god_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o reckon_v with_o wicked_a family_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o that_o will_v be_v a_o terrible_a account_n when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o father_n shall_v be_v remember_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o mother_n shall_v not_o be_v blot_v out_o 109._o psal._n 14._o and_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v this_o to_o good_a man_n though_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v unfortunate_a in_o the_o world_n to_o know_v that_o their_o posterity_n shall_v reap_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o virtue_n that_o if_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v wicked_a there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o gentle_o use_v and_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v many_o temporal_a blessing_n for_o their_o sake_n but_o if_o they_o be_v righteous_a they_o shall_v then_o take_v root_n and_o flourish_v in_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o little_a which_o the_o righteous_a man_n have_v righteous_o get_v shall_v prove_v a_o better_a a_o more_o last_a and_o increase_a inheritance_n than_o the_o riches_n of_o many_o wicked_a and_o that_o a_o liberal_a charity_n which_o some_o man_n think_v be_v to_o defraud_v their_o child_n shall_v prove_v like_o seed_n sow_v in_o the_o earth_n which_o repay_v all_o with_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n it_o be_v certain_a be_v this_o firm_o believe_v and_o well_o consider_v it_o will_v lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n in_o the_o world_n both_o on_o bad_a and_o good_a man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n of_o their_o child_n the_o only_a way_n wicked_a man_n have_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o entail_v of_o misery_n from_o their_o family_n and_o to_o secure_v their_o child_n from_o that_o vengeance_n which_o their_o own_o sin_n have_v deserve_v be_v to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o only_a way_n good_a man_n have_v to_o entitle_v their_o child_n to_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n wherewith_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reward_v their_o virtue_n upon_o their_o posterity_n which_o be_v the_o best_a inheritance_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o be_v to_o make_v they_o good_n the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n have_v their_o own_o and_o their_o father_n sin_n to_o hasten_v and_o increase_v their_o punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a child_n of_o righteous_a parent_n have_v their_o own_o and_o their_o father_n virtue_n to_o secure_v and_o to_o augment_v their_o reward_n 2._o as_o for_o child_n what_o great_a obligation_n than_o this_o can_v be_v lay_v on_o they_o to_o avoid_v the_o evil_a example_n and_o to_o imitate_v the_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o father_n make_v it_o more_o dangerous_a for_o they_o to_o be_v wicked_a for_o when_o wickedness_n be_v entail_v the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n be_v entail_v too_o and_o the_o long_a judgement_n have_v be_v delay_v the_o near_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o severe_a it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o wicked_a son_n of_o a_o wicked_a father_n can_v promise_v himself_o to_o escape_v so_o well_o as_o his_o father_n do_v because_o his_o father_n sin_n which_o he_o imitate_v call_v for_o a_o more_o speedy_a vengeance_n on_o he_o either_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o wickedness_n or_o to_o root_v out_o a_o wicked_a family_n and_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o leprous_a house_n but_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v it_o to_o the_o child_n of_o righteous_a
upon_o mount_n zion_n and_o on_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o proud_a look_n 10._o isai._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o a_o great_a many_o example_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o different_a intention_n god_n and_o man_n have_v in_o the_o same_o action_n and_o how_o easy_o god_n can_v defeat_v what_o man_n intend_v and_o accomplish_v by_o they_o his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n which_o they_o never_o think_v of_o when_o god_n have_v no_o particular_a end_n of_o providence_n to_o serve_v by_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o evil_a design_n of_o man_n he_o common_o disappoint_v they_o that_o when_o they_o intend_v evil_a and_o imagine_v a_o mischievous_a device_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o 21._o psal._n 11._o or_o he_o turn_v the_o evil_a upon_o their_o own_o head_n the_o heathen_a be_v sink_v down_o in_o the_o pit_n that_o they_o make_v in_o the_o net_n which_o they_o hide_v be_v their_o own_o foot_n take_v the_o lord_n be_v know_v by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v the_o wicked_a be_v snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n 9_o psal._n 15_o 16._o or_o he_o double_o disappoint_v their_o malice_n not_o only_o by_o defeat_v the_o evil_n they_o intend_v but_o by_o turn_v it_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o those_o it_o be_v intend_v against_o which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o case_n of_o haman_n who_o malice_n against_o mordecai_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o sake_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v his_o own_o ruin_n but_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o mordecai_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v thus_o brief_o show_v what_o government_n god_n have_v both_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o action_n of_o man_n how_o easy_o he_o can_v alter_v their_o counsel_n and_o manage_v their_o passion_n make_v they_o do_v what_o good_a they_o never_o intend_v and_o disappoint_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o do_v intend_v or_o turn_v it_o into_o good_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n how_o absolute_a the_o divine_a providence_n be_v for_o he_o who_o have_v such_o a_o absolute_a government_n of_o nature_n of_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o of_o the_o will_n and_o action_n of_o man_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o but_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o god_n government_n of_o mankind_n to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o providence_n i_o shall_v more_o particular_o but_o very_o brief_o state_n this_o matter_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o good_a and_o to_o bad_a man_n 1._o as_o for_o good_a man_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o their_o case_n for_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o a_o good_a and_o beneficent_a providence_n they_o do_v good_a out_o of_o temper_n and_o inclination_n and_o a_o habit_n and_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o obey_v every_o extraordinary_a impression_n to_o excite_v and_o determine_v they_o to_o such_o particular_a good_a office_n as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o employ_v they_o in_o and_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o honourable_a for_o god_n and_o what_o become_v good_a man_n for_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o glory_n of_o human_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o good_a man_n will_v observe_v the_o law_n of_o virtue_n in_o do_v good_a and_o while_o good_a be_v do_v by_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a mean_n there_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n 2_o but_o as_o bad_a man_n be_v most_o difficulty_n govern_v so_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v in_o vindicate_a providence_n in_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ministries_n of_o bad_a man_n for_o it_o be_v common_o think_v a_o great_a blemish_n to_o providence_n when_o glorious_a and_o admirable_a design_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n now_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v a_o great_a mistake_n as_o if_o god_n can_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o providence_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n sin_n for_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n nor_o reasonable_a pretence_n of_o a_o objection_n against_o god_n make_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n serve_v wise_a and_o good_a end_n if_o he_o can_v do_v this_o without_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o man_n sin_n it_o be_v the_o great_a glory_n of_o providence_n to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o while_o all_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v just_o and_o righteous_a and_o holy_a and_o wise_a and_o such_o as_o become_v a_o god_n it_o be_v much_o more_o admirable_a to_o consider_v that_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v while_o there_o be_v so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o short_a be_v this_o god_n never_o suggest_v any_o evil_a design_n to_o man_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o their_o own_o wicked_a heart_n or_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o other_o wicked_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a spirit_n but_o when_o man_n have_v form_v any_o wicked_a design_n he_o sometime_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v change_v their_o purpose_n or_o deter_v they_o from_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n and_o when_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o proceed_v to_o action_n he_o either_o shameful_o disappoint_v they_o or_o serve_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n by_o what_o they_o wicked_o do_v and_o if_o providence_n consist_v in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o mankind_n how_o can_v god_n govern_v mankind_n better_o than_o to_o permit_v bad_a man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o hurt_n than_o what_o he_o can_v turn_v to_o good_a god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o a_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a power_n but_o govern_v man_n by_o man_n and_o make_v they_o help_v and_o defend_v reward_n and_o punish_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinary_a way_n of_o punish_v bad_a man_n except_v the_o civil_a sword_n which_o reach_v but_o a_o few_o criminal_n but_o to_o punish_v they_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o bad_a man_n and_o what_o can_v more_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o to_o make_v bad_a man_n the_o minister_n and_o executioner_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n upon_o each_o other_o which_o be_v one_o great_a end_n god_n serve_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v the_o government_n of_o bad_a man_n that_o they_o can_v do_v so_o much_o hurt_v as_o they_o will_v and_o that_o the_o mischief_n god_n permit_v they_o to_o do_v be_v direct_v to_o fall_v on_o such_o person_n as_o either_o want_n correction_n or_o deserve_v punishment_n for_o this_o be_v another_o thing_n very_o observable_a in_o god_n government_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n 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against_o providence_n be_v that_o good_a man_n be_v not_o always_o reward_v nor_o bad_a man_n punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n that_o many_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o some_o good_a man_n great_a sufferer_n that_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n 9_o eccl._n 2._o this_o make_v the_o event_n of_o providence_n very_o sudden_a mysterious_a and_o unaccountable_a that_o no_o man_n know_v what_o course_n to_o take_v to_o make_v his_o life_n easy_a and_o prosperous_a for_o whether_o he_o be_v good_a or_o wicked_a he_o may_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a as_o it_o happen_v as_o for_o the_o objection_n itself_o i_o shall_v 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every_o sinner_n be_v punish_v in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o his_o desert_n what_o man_n be_v there_o so_o just_a and_o innocent_a as_o to_o escape_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n if_o thou_o lord_n shall_v mark_v iniquity_n o_o lord_n who_o shall_v stand_v 130._o psal._n 3_o be_v every_o sinner_n punish_v as_o he_o deserve_v i_o doubt_v there_o will_v be_v no_o good_a man_n leave_v to_o be_v reward_v for_o where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o do_v good_a and_o sin_v not_o what_o room_n do_v this_o leave_n for_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n for_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n for_o god_n pardoning-grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o what_o a_o terrible_a providence_n be_v this_o how_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o kind_n and_o gracious_a government_n of_o his_o creature_n i_o grant_v god_n may_v exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n he_o may_v forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o true_a penitent_n and_o yet_o punish_v 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who_o they_o will_v have_v punish_v do_v they_o mean_v every_o one_o who_o do_v a_o wicked_a action_n or_o every_o impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n if_o every_o one_o who_o at_o any_o time_n do_v any_o wicked_a action_n must_v be_v punish_v for_o it_o than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v escape_v then_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n or_o forgiveness_n but_o a_o speedy_a vengeance_n must_v pursue_v the_o sinner_n and_o god_n know_v we_o be_v all_o sinner_n and_o must_v all_o be_v punish_v and_o if_o this_o remove_v one_o objection_n against_o providence_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v very_o much_o increase_v another_o from_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o will_v be_v many_o more_o and_o much_o great_a if_o every_o sin_n must_v receive_v its_o just_a punishment_n if_o they_o mean_v only_o that_o impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n
man_n lust_n for_o do_v not_o all_o mankind_n suffer_v by_o one_o another_o sin_n i_o doubt_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a man_n will_v be_v so_o zealous_o concern_v to_o punish_v and_o suppress_v vice_n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v not_o have_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o discourage_v wickedness_n than_o to_o make_v all_o mankind_n sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n by_o make_v they_o all_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o feel_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v by_o their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o be_v all_o man_n convince_v and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n will_v not_o convince_v they_o that_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o misery_n of_o life_n be_v owe_v to_o sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v happy_a without_o reform_v themselves_o and_o other_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v what_o more_o powerful_a argument_n can_v providence_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o calamity_n and_o very_o terrible_a one_o too_o which_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o providence_n can_v attribute_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o wicked_a world_n such_o as_o plague_n and_o pestilence_n and_o famine_n deluge_n and_o earthquake_n which_o destroy_v city_n and_o country_n and_o more_o ordinary_a accident_n when_o they_o act_v in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o unseen_a hand_n a_o great_a many_o such_o instance_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o express_o ascribe_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n god_n have_v threaten_v such_o judgement_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v they_o execute_v we_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n as_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o sin_n nay_o those_o very_a evil_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o suffer_v by_o other_o man_n sin_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o event_n for_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o these_o judgement_n be_v not_o order_v by_o god_n that_o we_o can_v find_v some_o immediate_a cause_n for_o they_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v owe_v to_o natural_a cause_n other_o to_o man_n other_o to_o some_o surprise_v and_o unusual_a or_o it_o may_v be_v usual_a accident_n for_o whoever_o believe_v a_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o therefore_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n immediate_o by_o his_o own_o power_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o second_o cause_n either_o natural_a or_o free_a agent_n or_o what_o we_o call_v accident_n but_o he_o be_v only_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n govern_v all_o second_o cause_n to_o produce_v such_o effect_n as_o he_o see_v fit_a that_o all_o nature_n move_v at_o god_n command_n that_o fire_n and_o hail_n snow_n and_o vapour_n wind_n and_o storm_n fulfil_v his_o word_n 148._o psal._n 8._o v._n that_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v under_o his_o government_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o what_o seem_v perfect_a chance_n to_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n and_o than_o whatever_o evil_n we_o suffer_v and_o whatever_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o they_o be_v we_o must_v ascribe_v they_o all_o to_o god_n especial_o when_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o judgement_n which_o have_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o immediate_a cause_n be_v attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o we_o whenever_o such_o judgement_n befall_v we_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o i_o need_v not_o dispute_v here_o whether_o all_o those_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v sinner_n be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o till_o they_o can_v prove_v à _fw-la priori_fw-la by_o direct_a and_o positive_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o a_o providence_n which_o none_o of_o our_o modern_a atheist_n pretend_v to_o do_v while_o they_o dispute_v only_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n they_o must_v prove_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o order_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v order_v do_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v their_o objection_n be_v answer_v now_o with_o respect_n to_o my_o present_a argument_n to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o thing_n be_v so_o order_v for_o the_o discouragement_n of_o wickedness_n and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o order_v on_o purpose_n by_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v so_o order_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o holy_a providence_n as_o far_o then_o as_o to_o command_v and_o encourage_v all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o forbid_v and_o discourage_v all_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v this_o point_n and_o i_o must_v desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o these_o be_v direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n such_o as_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v and_o can_v avoid_v the_o evidence_n of_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o difficulty_n object_v against_o they_o for_o our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o which_o we_o so_o certain_o know_v but_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o objection_n as_o we_o can_v easy_o and_o satisfactory_o answer_v but_o one_o plain_a positive_a proof_n be_v a_o better_a reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n than_o a_o hundred_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v it_o because_o since_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a it_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v what_o we_o do_v know_v and_o what_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n because_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o same_o subject_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o objection_n be_v as_o positive_a and_o evident_a as_o the_o proof_n be_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o yet_o may_v very_o reasonable_o believe_v on_o as_o we_o do_v 2_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o government_n do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o and_o i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n make_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n daily_o commit_v in_o the_o world_n now_o if_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n this_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o it_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o mankind_n be_v very_o wicked_a but_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o that_o god_n can_v be_v holy_a nor_o his_o providence_n holy_a because_o man_n be_v wicked_a we_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n such_o conceit_n as_o these_o tempt_v some_o ancient_a heretic_n to_o assert_v two_o principle_n a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a god_n because_o they_o think_v that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o he_o very_o good_a there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v any_o man_n think_v this_o a_o good_a argument_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o government_n that_o he_o have_v many_o wicked_a subject_n and_o how_o then_o do_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n to_o state_n this_o in_o a_o few_o word_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n permit_v sin_n we_o either_o mean_v the_o internal_a or_o the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n 1._o the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o will_n when_o man_n choose_v that_o which_o be_v wicked_a and_o full_o resolve_v and_o purpose_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n this_o make_v we_o guilty_a before_o god_n who_o know_v our_o heart_n though_o human_a law_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o it_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o already_o in_o his_o
heart_n he_o who_o intend_v and_o resolve_v it_o and_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o opportunity_n to_o commit_v adultery_n be_v a_o adulterer_n if_o god_n then_o must_v not_o permit_v sin_n he_o must_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o will_n and_o to_o choose_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a for_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n herein_o the_o immorality_n of_o the_o act_n consist_v consider_v then_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v that_o god_n must_v not_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n but_o must_v always_o over-rule_v their_o mind_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o refuse_v the_o evil_n but_o will_v any_o one_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o govern_v man_n like_o man_n be_v this_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o free_a agent_n to_o take_v away_o their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o choice_n do_v government_n signify_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v do_v this_o become_v god_n to_o make_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o to_o govern_v he_o by_o necessity_n and_o force_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o keep_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o thrust_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n too_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o choice_n there_o can_v be_v neither_o moral_a good_a nor_o evil_a and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o more_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o it_o banish_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n i_o grant_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o external_a action_n direct_v and_o influence_n their_o counsel_n suggest_v wise_a thought_n to_o they_o excite_v good_a man_n to_o great_a and_o virtuous_a action_n and_o lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n turn_v their_o heart_n change_v their_o counsel_n and_o divert_v they_o from_o ill-laid_a design_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v no_o external_a restraint_n on_o they_o and_o the_o pursue_v such_o counsel_n will_v be_v very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o such_o case_n god_n may_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o influence_n govern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o to_o make_v they_o good_a but_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v such_o good_a as_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o do_v and_o to_o chain_v up_o their_o passion_n that_o they_o may_v not_o do_v that_o hurt_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a above_o and_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o this_o 3._o which_o unbecome_v the_o wise_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n sometime_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n to_o govern_v the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v able_a to_o will_n and_o choose_v than_o they_o be_v to_o do_v what_o they_o themselves_o please_v for_o though_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n he_o have_v not_o whole_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n but_o that_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a he_o can_v lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o he_o or_o clap_v a_o counter_a bias_n upon_o his_o mind_n which_o shall_v lead_v he_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o lust_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a world_n though_o god_n have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o natural_a virtue_n and_o quality_n and_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n suffer_v they_o to_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n yet_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n to_o reverse_v its_o law_n or_o suspend_v its_o influence_n by_o a_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o do_v this_o in_o the_o moral_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a world_n when_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o but_o though_o god_n may_v thus_o sometime_o by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o chain_v up_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o free_a agent_n and_o it_o will_v no_o more_o become_v god_n always_o to_o over-rule_v man_n will_n in_o this_o manner_n than_o it_o will_v always_o to_o overpower_v nature_n and_o to_o govern_v the_o natural_a world_n not_o by_o its_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n but_o by_o constant_a miracle_n and_o if_o the_o ordinary_a and_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o reasonable_a and_o free_a agent_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n permit_v man_n to_o choose_v wicked_o that_o he_o do_v not_o always_o by_o a_o irresistible_a and_o sovereign_a power_n hinder_v the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n give_v man_n all_o those_o internal_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o lay_v all_o those_o internal_a restraint_n upon_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n though_o we_o know_v not_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o this_o we_o know_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o he_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v he_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o and_o bad_a man_n themselves_o if_o they_o will_v but_o confess_v what_o they_o feel_v must_v tell_v you_o what_o struggle_n they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n before_o they_o can_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n how_o in_o some_o case_n especial_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n natural_a modesty_n in_o other_o natural_a pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o other_o a_o natural_a greatness_n and_o generosity_n of_o mind_n give_v check_v to_o they_o how_o at_o first_o they_o blush_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o wickedness_n and_o be_v reproach_v by_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o it_o how_o they_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n or_o some_o present_a vengeance_n to_o overtake_v they_o and_o can_v never_o sin_v secure_o till_o they_o have_v laugh_v away_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o of_o another_o world_n such_o care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o make_v sin_n uneasy_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o after_o all_o they_o will_v be_v wicked_a as_o free_a agent_n may_v be_v if_o they_o will_v this_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n of_o providence_n to_o leave_v free_a agent_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n two_o as_o for_o the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o god_n permit_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v such_o as_o theft_n murder_n adultery_n perjury_n and_o the_o like_a now_o this_o require_v a_o different_a consideration_n for_o in_o human_a government_n this_o be_v think_v a_o great_a miscarriage_n to_o suffer_v any_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v which_o we_o can_v hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o no_o man_n will_v be_v think_v innocent_a much_o less_o a_o prince_n who_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n murder_v a_o virgin_n deflower_v a_o robbery_n or_o any_o other_o villainy_n commit_v without_o interpose_v to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n which_o see_v and_o observe_v and_o can_v easy_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n as_o it_o daily_o permit_v now_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v 1._o that_o god_n can_v always_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n without_o a_o perpetual_a violation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o a_o ordinary_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o when_o jeroboam_fw-la in_o great_a anger_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o prophet_n
never_o become_v a_o holy_a god_n to_o infuse_v hardness_n into_o man_n heart_n yet_o when_o man_n have_v harden_v themselves_o and_o will_v abuse_v all_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o providence_n to_o harden_v themselves_o and_o be_v now_o ripe_a for_o destruction_n it_o very_o much_o become_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a god_n to_o exercise_v they_o with_o such_o providence_n as_o he_o know_v will_v still_o harden_v they_o till_o they_o make_v themselves_o such_o infamous_a example_n of_o wickedness_n as_o may_v deserve_v a_o more_o glorious_a and_o exemplary_a vengeance_n which_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o very_o necessary_a to_o the_o full_a understanding_n this_o difficult_a case_n of_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n god_n have_v peremptory_o decree_v not_o only_o to_o deliver_v israel_n but_o to_o punish_v egypt_n both_o king_n and_o people_n for_o the_o cruel_a oppression_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v without_o any_o more_o solemnity_n have_v destroy_v pharaoh_n his_o people_n and_o land_n and_o have_v carry_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n but_o when_o they_o have_v deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o destroy_v and_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o punish_v they_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o punishment_n be_v at_o the_o free_a disposal_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o choose_v to_o punish_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v make_v the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a account_n which_o god_n himself_o give_v why_o he_o take_v such_o a_o course_n with_o pharaoh_n as_o he_o foresee_v will_v harden_v and_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o resolution_n of_o not_o part_v with_o israel_n when_o he_o can_v have_v force_v he_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o few_o miracle_n to_o have_v send_v they_o away_o if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o multiply_v my_o sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o pharaoh_n shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o you_o that_o i_o may_v lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v forth_o my_o army_n and_o my_o people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n by_o great_a judgement_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n when_o i_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v out_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o 7._o exod._n 3_o 4_o 5._o the_o same_o thing_n he_o tell_v pharaoh_n i_o will_v at_o this_o time_n send_v all_o my_o plague_n upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o upon_o thy_o servant_n and_o upon_o thy_o people_n that_o thou_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o i_o in_o all_o the_o earth_n for_o now_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n that_o i_o may_v smite_v thou_o and_o thy_o people_n with_o pestilence_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o very_a deed_n for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o raise_v thou_o up_o have_v all_o this_o time_n preserve_v thou_o and_o not_o cut_v thou_o off_o for_o to_o show_v in_o thou_o my_o power_n and_o that_o my_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n 9_o exod._n 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o this_o reason_n god_n give_v why_o he_o harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n to_o pursue_v israel_n i_o will_v be_v honour_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o upon_o all_o his_o host_n that_o the_o egyptian_n may_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n 14._o exod._n 4._o this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n for_o though_o god_n infuse_v no_o hardness_n into_o man_n heart_n yet_o if_o he_o exercise_v they_o with_o such_o providence_n as_o he_o foresee_v will_v harden_v they_o and_o do_v this_o with_o a_o intention_n and_o design_n to_o harden_v they_o this_o signify_v his_o will_n to_o harden_v they_o and_o such_o a_o moral_a efficiency_n in_o use_v harden_v providence_n as_o will_v as_o certain_o harden_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v infuse_v hardness_n into_o they_o and_o this_o make_v little_a difference_n whether_o god_n harden_v man_n by_o external_a providence_n or_o by_o a_o internal_a operation_n on_o their_o mind_n when_o he_o intend_v such_o providence_n to_o harden_v they_o and_o know_v that_o they_o will_v effectual_o do_v it_o now_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o though_o god_n infuse_v no_o hardness_n into_o pharaoh_n heart_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o unbecome_v a_o holy_a god_n to_o do_v yet_o he_o do_v intend_v to_o harden_v he_o and_o do_v intend_v to_o harden_v he_o on_o purpose_n to_o multiply_v his_o judgement_n on_o egypt_n and_o to_o destroy_v he_o and_o all_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o this_o be_v so_o plain_o express_v that_o we_o can_v deny_v it_o nay_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v be_v just_o chargeable_a with_o man_n sin_n do_v he_o without_o any_o respect_n 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speak_v distinct_o but_o brief_o to_o they_o 1._o that_o god_n never_o harden_v man_n till_o they_o have_v deserve_v and_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v they_o this_o must_v be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o for_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o god_n harden_v man_n how_o innocent_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v if_o he_o intend_v to_o harden_v they_o not_o because_o they_o deserve_v and_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o he_o may_v with_o some_o fair_a appearance_n of_o justice_n destroy_v they_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o satisfy_v equal_a and_o impartial_a judge_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o providence_n but_o if_o man_n have_v harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n beyond_o all_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o recovery_n and_o have_v so_o provoke_v a_o good_a and_o merciful_a god_n that_o he_o give_v they_o over_o to_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n then_o by_o what_o 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have_v so_o grievous_o oppress_v israel_n that_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v they_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o send_v moses_n to_o inflict_v a_o great_a many_o miraculous_a judgement_n on_o they_o not_o intend_v thereby_o to_o convince_v pharaoh_n who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o convince_v he_o and_o who_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v but_o only_o to_o lay_v egypt_n waste_v and_o to_o take_v a_o signal_n vengeance_n upon_o that_o cruel_a persecutor_n by_o overthrow_v he_o and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o therefore_o he_o so_o order_v the_o execution_n of_o these_o judgement_n that_o the_o harden_a heart_n of_o pharaoh_n shall_v grow_v more_o harden_v by_o they_o thus_o when_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o cut_v off_o ahab_n as_o his_o grievous_a sin_n have_v long_o before_o deserve_v he_o intend_v to_o harden_v he_o to_o go_v up_o to_o ramoth_n gilead_n and_o fall_v there_o and_o for_o that_o purpose_n suffer_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o prophet_n to_o encourage_v the_o king_n in_o that_o fatal_a expedition_n and_o as_o god_n have_v foretell_v they_o do_v prevail_v against_o micaiah_n the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o plain_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v fall_v in_o it_o 1_o king_n 22._o thus_o when_o god_n be_v so_o provoke_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o judah_n that_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n who_o shall_v destroy_v their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o carry_v they_o captive_a to_o babylon_n he_o pronounce_v this_o harden_v sentence_n on_o they_o go_v and_o tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v what_o this_o mean_n you_o shall_v hear_v more_o hereafter_o all_o that_o i_o observe_v at_o present_a be_v that_o this_o sentence_n be_v not_o pronounce_v against_o they_o till_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o carry_v they_o into_o captivity_n and_o to_o lay_v their_o city_n and_o country_n desolate_a as_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n then_o say_v i_o lord_n how_o long_o and_o he_o answer_v until_o the_o city_n be_v waste_v without_o inhabitant_n and_o the_o house_n without_o man_n and_o the_o land_n be_v utter_o desolate_a 6._o isaiah_n 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n when_o god_n have_v determine_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n their_o city_n temple_n and_o polity_n for_o their_o great_a sin_n in_o crucify_a their_o messiah_n as_o christ_n tell_v we_o 23._o matth._n 37_o 38_o 39_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o that_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v i_o henceforth_o till_o you_o shall_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 19_o luke_n 41_o 42_o 43_o 44._o and_o when_o he_o come_v near_o he_o behold_v the_o city_n and_o weep_v over_o it_o say_v if_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n for_o the_o day_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o that_o thy_o enemy_n shall_v cast_v a_o trench_n about_o thou_o and_o compass_v thou_o round_o and_o keep_v thou_o in_o on_o every_o side_n and_o shall_v lay_v thou_o even_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o thy_o child_n within_o thou_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o because_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n now_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o final_a sentence_n which_o god_n have_v pronounce_v against_o they_o though_o he_o delay_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o for_o forty_o year_n st._n paul_n apply_v to_o they_o the_o case_n of_o a_o harden_a pharaoh_n who_o god_n spare_v also_o a_o great_a while_n as_o he_o do_v they_o though_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v he_o by_o a_o signal_n overthrow_n to_o show_v his_o power_n and_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n though_o he_o delay_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o some_o year_n after_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v they_o to_o make_v they_o also_o a_o more_o remarkable_a example_n of_o a_o just_a vengeance_n and_o more_o glorious_a power_n what_o if_o god_n willing_a to_o show_v his_o wrath_n and_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n that_o be_v delay_n for_o many_o year_n the_o execution_n of_o those_o who_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o destroy_v for_o their_o great_a sin_n by_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n for_o such_o only_o be_v the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v to_o destruction_n 9_o rom._n 17_o 22._o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o apply_v to_o they_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n concern_v the_o judicial_a blindness_n and_o deafness_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n when_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n which_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o they_o also_o and_o receive_v its_o full_a accomplishment_n in_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n 28._o act_n 26_o 27._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o these_o example_n and_o i_o know_v no_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o god_n never_o harden_v man_n till_o he_o have_v first_o determine_v to_o punish_v or_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o harden_v which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n decree_n to_o punish_v or_o to_o destroy_v relate_v only_o to_o some_o temporal_a evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o god_n intend_v to_o bring_v on_o they_o not_o to_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o world_n god_n be_v never_o say_v to_o harden_v any_o man_n that_o he_o may_v eternal_o damn_v they_o that_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o their_o own_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n but_o god_n do_v sometime_o harden_v man_n in_o order_n to_o take_v a_o more_o exemplary_a vengeance_n on_o they_o in_o this_o world_n which_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o make_v his_o power_n and_o glory_n know_v two_o this_o will_n more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v never_o say_v to_o harden_v any_o man_n in_o sin_n but_o he_o only_o harden_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o such_o ruinous_a counsel_n as_o will_v bring_v that_o destruction_n on_o they_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o determine_v for_o they_o they_o harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n and_o make_v it_o wise_a and_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o and_o when_o god_n resolve_v to_o do_v so_o then_o sometime_o he_o harden_v they_o in_o such_o course_n as_o will_v bring_v a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o they_o i_o need_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n which_o be_v the_o most_o express_a text_n we_o have_v for_o god_n harden_v man_n now_o what_o do_v god_n harden_v pharaoh_n in_o do_v he_o harden_v he_o against_o believe_v moses_n and_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n no_o such_o matter_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n say_v but_o he_o harden_v he_o not_o to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v pharaoh_n harden_v himself_o against_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v against_o own_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o power_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n though_o when_o he_o feel_v the_o judgement_n inflict_v on_o he_o they_o be_v so_o uneasy_a as_o to_o make_v he_o relent_v and_o to_o promise_v to_o send_v israel_n away_o but_o his_o great_a concernment_n be_v how_o to_o keep_v israel_n and_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o these_o plague_n and_o his_o firm_a resolution_n be_v never_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v any_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v they_o safe_o now_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a evil_a to_o disbelieve_v moses_n and_o to_o disobey_v god_n command_n attest_v and_o confirm_v by_o
will_v not_o see_v to_o deceive_v those_o with_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n who_o do_v not_o love_v the_o trath_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n who_o endeavour_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o desire_v to_o be_v deceive_v for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n that_o god_n suffer_v the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o erect_v his_o kingdom_n after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n when_o man_n be_v in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o love_v the_o truth_n because_o it_o discover_v and_o reprove_v their_o sin_n they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o crafty_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o god_n grace_n he_o force_v truth_n on_o no_o man_n but_o those_o who_o love_v the_o truth_n shall_v find_v it_o those_o who_o cry_v after_o knowledge_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n for_o understanding_n who_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n they_o shall_v understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 2._o prov._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o but_o if_o man_n wilful_o shut_v their_o own_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n god_n suffer_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n to_o blind_v they_o as_o st._n paul_n teach_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o which_o shall_v make_v we_o all_o afraid_a of_o prejudice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n which_o 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be_v ripe_a for_o action_n or_o can_v make_v what_o they_o do_v serve_v quite_o another_o end_n than_o what_o they_o intend_v now_o this_o only_a prove_n what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n man_n may_v choose_v what_o they_o please_v but_o they_o shall_v do_v only_o what_o god_n see_v fit_a and_o what_o he_o order_v for_o wise_a end_n god_n do_v not_o act_v immediate_o but_o make_v use_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o of_o the_o ministries_n of_o man_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n man_n choose_v and_o act_v free_o and_o pursue_v their_o own_o design_n and_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o the_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o the_o action_n be_v their_o own_o and_o god_n do_v as_o free_o with_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n over-rule_v all_o event_n which_o be_v therefore_o god_n do_v as_o well_o as_o man_n be_v direct_v by_o he_o to_o serve_v the_o wise_a 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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 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for_o god_n have_v conclude_v they_o all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a event_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v make_v objection_n against_o providence_n i_o have_v already_o upon_o other_o occasion_n take_v notice_n of_o several_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o more_o transport_v sense_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o see_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v in_o one_o view_n in_o general_n whoever_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o govern_v a_o world_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o must_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n the_o 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inconstancy_n of_o human_a affair_n the_o promiscuous_a dispensation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n both_o to_o good_a and_o to_o bad_a man_n and_o i_o have_v already_o vindicate_v not_o only_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o account_n by_o show_v what_o wise_a end_v god_n serve_v by_o they_o and_o what_o a_o wise_a use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o such_o providence_n and_o therefore_o the_o principal_a thing_n i_o shall_v now_o insist_v on_o shall_v be_v some_o of_o those_o wise_a method_n god_n use_v in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n wherein_o the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o government_n consist_v and_o i_o shall_v brief_o mention_v some_o few_o 1._o that_o god_n reward_n and_o punish_v man_n in_o their_o posterity_n this_o be_v so_o plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n though_o some_o man_n venture_v to_o dispute_v the_o justice_n at_o least_o of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o that_o god_n shall_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n which_o the_o jew_n object_v against_o god_n in_o that_o profane_a proverb_n the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v a_o edge_n 18._o ezek._n and_o by_o the_o answer_n god_n there_o make_v we_o may_v learn_v in_o what_o sense_n god_n threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o posterity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o to_o reward_v the_o posterity_n of_o good_a man_n for_o their_o father_n sake_n which_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o other_o world_n where_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o his_o own_o work_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v and_o as_o to_o this_o world_n where_o we_o may_v allow_v more_o to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n without_o impeach_v the_o divine_a justice_n yet_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o a_o righteous_a son_n shall_v not_o be_v punish_v mere_o because_o he_o have_v a_o wicked_a father_n nor_o a_o wicked_a son_n be_v reward_v mere_o because_o he_o have_v a_o righteous_a father_n for_o thus_o much_o the_o word_n must_v signify_v if_o they_o relate_v to_o this_o life_n as_o they_o certain_o do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o future_a state_n now_o if_o neither_o a_o righteous_a son_n shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o father_n nor_o a_o wicked_a son_n receive_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o father_n virtue_n this_o can_v afford_v no_o pretence_n to_o impeach_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n but_o it_o give_v occasion_n to_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n god_n be_v say_v to_o visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n and_o to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v the_o posterity_n of_o good_a man_n for_o their_o sake_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v a_o righteous_a son_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o father_n then_o to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n must_v be_v confine_v only_o to_o such_o child_n as_o inherit_v the_o vice_n and_o imitate_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o parent_n that_o be_v god_n have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n this_o you_o will_v say_v have_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o it_o for_o god_n have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v all_o wicked_a man_n whatever_o their_o parent_n be_v and_o if_o they_o be_v punish_v only_o because_o they_o be_v wicked_a how_o be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n on_o they_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o seem_v as_o obvious_a as_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n shall_v be_v more_o certain_o and_o more_o severe_o punish_v than_o other_o bad_a man_n ordinary_o be_v 1._o as_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o punishment_n we_o know_v a_o great_a many_o bad_a man_n very_o often_o escape_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n for_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o punish_v here_o as_o their_o wickedness_n deserve_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v not_o require_v a_o sudden_a and_o hasty_a execution_n bad_a man_n may_v be_v prosperous_a many_o year_n and_o be_v severe_o punish_v at_o last_o or_o may_v be_v prosperous_a all_o their_o life_n and_o go_v down_o to_o their_o grave_n in_o peace_n and_o only_o answer_v for_o their_o wickedness_n in_o the_o next_o world_n but_o then_o god_n threaten_v that_o a_o more_o speedy_a vengeance_n shall_v overtake_v their_o posterity_n if_o they_o be_v wicked_a that_o god_n will_v then_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n and_o not_o exercise_v the_o same_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n on_o they_o for_o though_o they_o be_v punish_v only_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n yet_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n punish_v they_o in_o this_o world_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o the_o example_n of_o his_o justice_n while_o other_o man_n as_o wicked_a as_o themselves_o escape_v 2._o as_o for_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o punishment_n no_o man_n shall_v be_v punish_v more_o than_o his_o own_o sin_n deserve_v but_o yet_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n may_v be_v and_o very_o often_o be_v punish_v more_o severe_o than_o other_o wicked_a man_n god_n do_v not_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n alike_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v more_o proper_o act_n of_o discipline_n than_o act_n of_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n but_o to_o the_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o to_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o government_n and_o if_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n be_v punish_v though_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n yet_o the_o more_o severe_o for_o their_o father_n sake_n this_o be_v to_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o certain_a measure_n of_o iniquity_n which_o be_v fill_v up_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o till_o a_o last_o it_o make_v a_o nation_n or_o family_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n and_o although_o those_o person_n on_o who_o this_o final_a vengeance_n fall_v suffer_v no_o more_o than_o their_o own_o personal_a sin_n deserve_v yet_o because_o the_o sin_n of_o former_a generation_n which_o they_o equal_a or_o out_o do_v make_v it_o time_n for_o god_n utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o age_n and_o generation_n be_v all_o say_v to_o fall_v upon_o they_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n 23._o matt._n 29_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 34_o 35_o