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and_o in_o annex_v such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o observation_n or_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n as_o may_v reasonable_o invite_v he_o to_o obedience_n and_o deter_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o as_o this_o degenerate_a state_n require_v in_o lay_v such_o external_a restraint_n on_o he_o and_o afford_v he_o such_o internal_a assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v proportion_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v it_o become_v god_n to_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o reward_v or_o punish_v he_o as_o he_o deserve_v for_o a_o force_a virtue_n deserve_v no_o reward_n and_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v will_v reasonable_o excuse_v from_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n represent_v it_o as_o very_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o the_o 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creature_n may_v when_o he_o see_v fit_a press_v those_o man_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v to_o his_o service_n who_o will_v not_o do_v good_a upon_o choice_n this_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o government_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n the_o first_o have_v relation_n to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n to_o make_v man_n good_a to_o change_v their_o nature_n and_o sinful_a inclination_n into_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o admit_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n respect_v the_o external_a happiness_n or_o misery_n reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o man_n or_o nation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n god_n may_v use_v what_o instrument_n he_o please_v and_o exercise_v such_o authority_n over_o nature_n or_o man_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n of_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v this_o distinction_n because_o the_o confound_a these_o two_o have_v occasion_v great_a difficulty_n and_o mistake_n both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n let_v we_o then_o now_o more_o particular_o consider_v how_o god_n govern_v mankind_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a and_o we_o must_v not_o expectful_o to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n government_n but_o something_o we_o may_v know_v of_o this_o enough_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o reverence_n god_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o to_o vindicate_v his_o providence_n from_o the_o cavil_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v useful_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o two_o general_a head_n 1._o the_o government_n of_o man_n mind_n of_o their_o will_n their_o passion_n and_o counsel_n 2._o the_o government_n of_o their_o action_n 1._o god_n government_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n their_o will_n and_o passion_n and_o counsel_n for_o these_o be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o as_o free_v a_o principle_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v it_o be_v not_o ungovernable_a it_o may_v be_v govern_v and_o that_o without_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n against_o its_o own_o bias_n and_o without_o change_v its_o inclination_n and_o what_o may_v be_v do_v certain_o god_n can_v do_v and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o providence_n we_o may_v conclude_v he_o will_v do_v it_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o bend_v upon_o any_o project_n yet_o hope_v or_o fear_n some_o present_a great_a advantage_n or_o great_a inconvenience_n the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o friend_n a_o sudden_a change_n of_o circumstance_n the_o improbability_n of_o success_n the_o irreparable_a mischief_n of_o a_o defeat_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o consideration_n will_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o god_n to_o imprint_v such_o thought_n upon_o man_n mind_n with_o a_o irresistible_a vigour_n and_o brightness_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o than_o to_o resist_v all_o the_o charm_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n than_o to_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o to_o choose_v misery_n and_o ruin_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o 21._o prov._n 1_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n he_o turn_v it_o whither_o soever_o he_o will_v and_o if_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o he_o have_v all_o other_o man_n heart_n in_o his_o hand_n also_o and_o can_v turn_v and_o change_v they_o as_o he_o please_v thus_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o a_o man_n heart_n devise_v his_o way_n but_o the_o lord_n direct_v his_o step_n 16._o prov._n 9_o man_n consult_v and_o advise_v what_o to_o do_v but_o after_o all_o god_n steer_v and_o direct_v they_o which_o way_n he_o please_v for_o though_o there_o be_v many_o device_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n nevertheless_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v 19_o prov._n 21._o which_o make_v the_o wise_a man_n conclude_v man_n go_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n how_o then_o shall_v a_o man_n understand_v his_o own_o way_n 20._o prov._n 24._o that_o be_v god_n have_v such_o a_o absolute_a government_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o action_n of_o man_n when_o his_o providence_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o event_n that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o know_v what_o he_o himself_o shall_v choose_v and_o do_v for_o god_n can_v in_o a_o instant_n alter_v his_o mind_n and_o make_v he_o steer_v a_o very_a different_a course_n from_o what_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n assure_v we_o i_o know_v that_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n 10._o jer_n 23._o and_o solomon_n tell_v we_o something_o more_o strange_a than_o this_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o man_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n 16._o prov._n 1._o or_o as_o the_o hebrew_n seem_v to_o signify_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o man_n a_o man_n premeditate_v and_o resolve_v what_o he_o will_v say_v but_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v he_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n please_v which_o say_n must_v not_o be_v expound_v to_o a_o universal_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v always_o thus_o but_o that_o
be_v in_o the_o world_n either_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n by_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v unseasonable_a wether_n earthquake_n excessive_a heat_n or_o cold_a great_a drought_n or_o immoderate_a rain_n thunder_n lightning_n storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o occasion_n famine_n and_o plague_n great_a sickness_n or_o a_o great_a mortality_n these_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o more_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o direct_v and_o govern_v nature_n but_o beside_o that_o in_o such_o case_n the_o visible_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n justify_v such_o severity_n how_o rare_o do_v these_o happen_v and_o how_o few_o suffer_v by_o they_o in_o comparison_n with_o those_o many_o and_o constant_a evil_n which_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n every_o day_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o most_o of_o the_o other_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n be_v visible_o owe_v to_o man_n sin_n bodily_a sickness_n sharp_a and_o painful_a distemper_n which_o shorten_v man_n life_n or_o make_v they_o miserable_a be_v the_o common_a effect_n of_o intemperance_n luxury_n or_o wantonness_n child_n inherit_v the_o disease_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n only_o to_o cry_v and_o die_v or_o to_o struggle_v some_o few_o year_n in_o the_o very_a kingdom_n and_o territory_n of_o death_n and_o to_o languish_v under_o those_o mortal_a wound_n which_o they_o receive_v with_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o life_n another_o great_a evil_n be_v poverty_n which_o many_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o idleness_n or_o prodigality_n and_o some_o expensive_a vice_n it_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n by_o the_o great_a prudence_n and_o industry_n to_o make_v himself_o rich_a for_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o but_o in_o ordinary_a case_n prudence_n and_o industry_n join_v with_o a_o religious_a regard_n for_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n will_v preserve_v a_o man_n from_o the_o press_a want_n and_o necessity_n of_o poverty_n other_o who_o do_v not_o make_v themselves_o poor_a by_o their_o own_o sin_n be_v many_o time_n reduce_v to_o great_a poverty_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n by_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o violence_n by_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o war_n which_o bring_v a_o thousand_o evil_n with_o it_o which_o make_v many_o helpless_a widow_n and_o orphan_n deprive_v man_n of_o their_o patron_n and_o benefactor_n drive_v other_o from_o their_o plentiful_a fortune_n to_o seek_v their_o bread_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n plunder_v poor_a and_o rich_a lay_v a_o flourish_a country_n desolate_a put_v a_o stop_n to_o trade_n make_v provision_n dear_a and_o leave_v no_o work_n for_o the_o poor_a some_o other_o be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n more_o immediate_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n without_o their_o own_o fault_n those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o support_n but_o their_o daily_a labour_n be_v quick_o pinch_v by_o a_o long_a and_o expensive_a sickness_n or_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o age_n or_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o eye_n or_o hand_n or_o leg_n other_o be_v undo_v by_o fire_n or_o shipwreck_n or_o the_o various_a accident_n of_o trade_n which_o the_o most_o wary_a and_o cautious_a man_n can_v escape_v but_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v few_o of_o these_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o throng_n and_o crowd_n of_o idle_a prodigal_a self-made_a poor_a god_n have_v make_v provision_n for_o all_o such_o case_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v suffer_v extreme_a want_n by_o command_v the_o rich_a especial_o to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o such_o poor_a who_o be_v proper_o god_n poor_a or_o the_o poor_a of_o god_n make_v and_o command_v this_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o own_o estate_n if_o they_o prove_v unjust_a and_o unfaithful_a steward_n so_o that_o though_o god_n make_v some_o man_n poor_a it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n if_o they_o suffer_v want_v the_o poverty_n they_o suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o want_n and_o misery_n they_o suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o sin_n to_o the_o uncharitableness_n of_o man_n for_o though_o the_o world_n be_v unequal_o divide_v of_o which_o more_o present_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n shall_v want_v necessary_n that_o one_o man_n plenty_n and_o abundance_n shall_v cause_v another_o man_n to_o starve_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o misery_n of_o life_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o mankind_n which_o make_v they_o miserable_a which_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o one_o who_o will_v consider_v it_o that_o i_o need_v not_o expatiate_v on_o every_o particular_a i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v confess_v that_o be_v all_o man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a this_o world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a happy_a place_n and_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_n and_o sociable_a virtue_n will_v make_v mankind_n happy_a it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o guess_v what_o it_o be_v that_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o reproach_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o those_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o mankind_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o most_o man_n make_v themselves_o miserable_a it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o defend_v and_o justify_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o these_o evil_n which_o man_n complain_v of_o be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o providence_n and_o therefore_o be_v un_o unreasonable_a objection_n against_o providence_n god_n do_v not_o bring_v these_o evil_n upon_o mankind_n but_o man_n bring_v they_o upon_o themselves_o suppose_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o be_v what_o they_o now_o be_v and_o that_o man_n live_v just_a as_o they_o now_o do_v there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o now_o be_v though_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n though_o god_n do_v not_o interpose_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o intemperance_n luxury_n and_o lust_n will_v destroy_v man_n health_n sloth_n and_o prodigality_n and_o expensive_a vice_n will_v make_v man_n poor_a pride_n ambition_n and_o revenge_n will_v make_v quarrel_n raise_v war_n and_o bring_v all_o the_o calamity_n of_o war_n upon_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n thus_o it_o must_v be_v for_o excessive_a eat_n and_o drink_v will_v oppress_v nature_n and_o those_o who_o will_v take_v no_o honest_a pain_n to_o get_v money_n or_o will_v spend_v what_o they_o have_v upon_o their_o lust_n must_v be_v poor_a and_o those_o who_o will_v quarrel_v and_o fight_v must_v take_v what_o follow_v these_o evil_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o providence_n because_o providence_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o no_o more_o than_o providence_n make_v man_n wicked_a man_n make_v themselves_o wicked_a and_o wickedness_n make_v they_o miserable_a and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o with_o those_o misery_n which_o their_o own_o wickedness_n bring_v upon_o they_o now_o since_o most_o of_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o providence_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o those_o very_a evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v for_o 1._o god_n have_v in_o ordinary_a case_n put_v it_o into_o every_o man_n power_n to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o most_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o misery_n of_o life_n even_o from_o all_o those_o which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o than_o this_o for_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o make_v it_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o his_o own_o power_n whether_o he_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a god_n have_v not_o only_o in_o his_o law_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n set_v before_o we_o life_n and_o death_n happiness_n and_o misery_n all_o man_n see_v what_o the_o visible_a and_o natural_a punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v and_o have_v a_o natural_a aversion_n to_o those_o evil_n and_o may_v avoid_v they_o if_o they_o will_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o in_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o those_o natural_a evil_n which_o attend_v it_o but_o also_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o show_v man_n a_o plain_a and_o natural_a method_n how_o to_o avoid_v the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o easy_a and_o
most_o acquaint_v with_o without_o any_o certain_a and_o periodical_a return_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o mechanism_n for_o mechanical_a motion_n be_v fix_v and_o certain_a and_o either_o always_o the_o same_o or_o regular_a or_o uniform_a in_o their_o change_n it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o to_o understand_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o god_n and_o what_o we_o must_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o ordinary_a case_n that_o god_n shall_v reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o we_o that_o if_o we_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n it_o shall_v not_o burn_v we_o or_o into_o the_o water_n it_o shall_v not_o drown_v we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o preserve_v we_o when_o we_o destroy_v ourselves_o by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_v miracle_n to_o deliver_v man_n from_o the_o evil_a effect_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n but_o all_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o heaven_n which_o supply_n our_o want_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n be_v owe_v to_o that_o good_a providence_n which_o command_v nature_n to_o yield_v she_o increase_v and_o those_o disorder_n of_o nature_n which_o afflict_v the_o world_n with_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o earthquake_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n and_o be_v order_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n we_o must_v all_o believe_v this_o or_o confess_v that_o we_o mock_v god_n when_o we_o bless_v he_o for_o a_o healthful_a air_n and_o fruitful_a season_n or_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n when_o we_o see_v the_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n for_o do_v not_o god_n immediate_o interpose_v in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o beg_v his_o favour_n or_o to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n upon_o these_o account_n 2_o let_v we_o consider_v god_n government_n of_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n which_o have_v a_o large_a empire_n over_o human_a affair_n not_o that_o chance_n and_o accident_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n proper_o speak_v for_o whatever_o be_v do_v have_v some_o proper_a and_o natural_a cause_n which_o do_v it_o but_o what_o we_o call_v accidental_a cause_n be_v rather_o such_o a_o accidental_a concurrence_n of_o different_a cause_n as_o produce_v unexpected_a and_o undesign_v effect_n as_o when_o one_o man_n by_o accident_n lose_v a_o purse_n of_o gold_n and_o another_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o field_n without_o any_o such_o expectation_n by_o as_o great_a a_o accident_n find_v it_o and_o how_o much_o of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v owe_v to_o such_o undesign_v surprise_v accidental_a event_n every_o man_n must_v know_v who_o have_v make_v any_o observation_n on_o his_o own_o or_o other_o man_n life_n and_o fortune_n the_o wise_a man_n observe_v this_o long_a since_o 9_o eccl._n 11._o i_o return_v and_o see_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a neither_o yet_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o yet_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o yet_o favour_n to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o some_o unusual_a and_o casual_a event_n change_v the_o fortune_n of_o man_n and_o disappoint_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a mean_n of_o success_n what_o shall_v conquer_v in_o a_o race_n but_o swiftness_n or_o win_v the_o battle_n but_o strength_n what_o shall_v supply_v man_n want_n and_o increase_v riches_n but_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o human_a affair_n what_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n than_o a_o dextrous_a and_o skilful_a application_n and_o address_n and_o yet_o the_o preacher_n observe_v in_o his_o day_n and_o the_o observation_n hold_v good_a still_o that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o time_n and_o chance_n some_o favourable_a juncture_n and_o unseen_a accident_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o all_o human_a strength_n or_o art_n or_o skill_n now_o what_o a_o ill_a state_n be_v mankind_n in_o do_v not_o a_o wise_a and_o merciful_a hand_n govern_v what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n how_o can_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n or_o dispose_v of_o man_n life_n and_o fortune_n without_o govern_v chance_n all_o unseen_a unknown_a and_o surprise_v event_n which_o disappoint_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o in_o a_o moment_n unavoidable_o change_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o human_a affair_n upon_o what_o little_a unexpected_a thing_n do_v the_o fortune_n of_o man_n of_o family_n of_o whole_a kingdom_n turn_v and_o unless_o these_o little_a unexpected_a thing_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n some_o of_o the_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n be_v exempt_v from_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n he_o govern_v chance_n and_o fortune_n that_o the_o most_o unexpected_a event_n how_o casual_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v foresee_v and_o order_v by_o god_n such_o event_n as_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o god_n care_n and_o government_n because_o they_o be_v very_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n many_o time_n the_o great_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o superior_a wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o these_o mean_v god_n disappoint_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o mighty_a frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o liar_n and_o make_v diviner_n mad_a turn_v wise_a man_n backward_o and_o make_v their_o knowledge_n foolish_a 44._o isai._n 25._o do_v strength_n and_o wisdom_n always_o prevail_v as_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n they_o will_v be_v it_o not_o for_o such_o unseen_a disappointment_n mankind_n will_v take_v less_o notice_n of_o providence_n and_o will_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o since_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o absolute_a master_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n a_o powerful_a combination_n of_o sinner_n manage_v by_o some_o crafty_a politician_n will_v govern_v the_o world_n but_o the_o uncertain_a turn_n and_o change_n of_o fortune_n keep_v mankind_n in_o awe_n make_v the_o most_o prosperous_a and_o powerful_a sinner_n fear_v a_o unseen_a vengeance_n and_o give_v security_n to_o good_a man_n against_o unseen_a evil_n which_o can_v befall_v they_o without_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o accidental_a and_o casual_a event_n which_o happen_v to_o we_o all_o and_o which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o our_o life_n all_o man_n see_v and_o feel_v that_o we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o from_o such_o unseen_a event_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o till_o we_o feel_v they_o be_v as_o manifest_v as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o event_n and_o what_o so_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a care_n as_o that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o can_v take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o heathen_n make_v fortune_n a_o goddess_n and_o attribute_v the_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o she_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o they_o only_o signify_v the_o government_n of_o providence_n in_o all_o casual_a and_o fortuitous_a event_n and_o if_o providence_n govern_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v govern_v chance_n which_o govern_v almost_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v govern_v as_o far_o as_o human_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n reach_v god_n expect_v we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o he_o suffer_v we_o to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o folly_n but_o when_o we_o can_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v and_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o in_o other_o case_n human_a prudence_n and_o industry_n must_v concur_v with_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o matter_n of_o chance_n and_o accident_n providence_n must_v act_v alone_o and_o do_v all_o itself_o for_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o providence_n do_v most_o strong_o conclude_v for_o god_n government_n of_o all_o casual_a event_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v as_o express_o attribute_v all_o such_o event_n to_o god_n as_o any_o other_o act_n of_o providence_n and_o government_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o a_o man_n kill_v his_o neighbour_n by_o accident_n god_n be_v say_v to_o deliver_v he_o into_o his_o hand_n 21._o exod._n 12_o 13._o he_o that_o smite_v a_o man_n so_o that_o he_o die_v shall_v
must_v be_v punish_v than_o they_o must_v allow_v that_o god_n may_v spare_v a_o sinner_n a_o great_a while_n and_o then_o very_a great_a sinner_n may_v be_v prosperous_a a_o great_a while_n and_o if_o they_o repent_v at_o last_o may_v final_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o then_o the_o prosperity_n of_o sinner_n can_v never_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o providence_n unless_o they_o can_v prescribe_v to_o god_n just_o how_o long_o and_o no_o long_o he_o may_v just_o spare_v sinner_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o complain_v of_o any_o thing_n and_o to_o start_v difficulty_n and_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o reduce_v providence_n to_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o these_o man_n desire_v though_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n by_o never_o such_o fix_a and_o steady_a law_n we_o can_v never_o see_v it_o in_o external_a event_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o assign_v a_o reason_n of_o all_o that_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o 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and_o when_o god_n visible_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n for_o the_o secret_a good_a or_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v the_o reason_n of_o such_o reward_n or_o punishment_n must_v be_v unknown_a to_o we_o because_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n for_o which_o they_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v be_v unknown_a all_o these_o thing_n make_v the_o reason_n and_o event_n of_o providence_n very_o uncertain_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o see_v there_o may_v be_v very_o wise_a reason_n for_o they_o which_o we_o can_v understand_v and_o which_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v desire_v shall_v be_v understand_v for_o will_v you_o desire_v that_o every_o sin_n you_o commit_v shall_v be_v immediate_o punish_v without_o any_o time_n to_o repent_v without_o any_o hope_n of_o mercy_n will_v you_o have_v god_n reward_v and_o punish_v as_o human_a law_n do_v to_o consider_v only_o what_o be_v do_v without_o make_v any_o allowance_n for_o ignorance_n and_o surprise_v or_o without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o principle_n or_o end_n of_o our_o action_n will_v you_o have_v a_o casement_n into_o every_o man_n breast_n or_o have_v all_o their_o secret_a sin_n or_o virtue_n write_v upon_o their_o forehead_n that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v as_o perfect_o know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v to_o himself_o if_o you_o do_v not_o desire_v this_o you_o must_v be_v content_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n of_o those_o good_a and_o evil_a event_n which_o happen_v to_o man_n why_o god_n punish_v one_o man_n and_o spare_v or_o reward_v another_o why_o he_o do_v not_o punish_v those_o who_o we_o judge_v to_o deserve_v punishment_n nor_o reward_v those_o who_o we_o think_v worthy_a of_o a_o reward_n god_n have_v wise_a reason_n for_o all_o this_o but_o we_o can_v understand_v they_o and_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o we_o all_o that_o they_o be_v not_o understand_v this_o show_v how_o absurd_a it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o demand_v a_o reason_n and_o to_o complain_v that_o we_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o all_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v this_o by_o the_o way_n that_o if_o man_n will_v in_o other_o case_n take_v the_o same_o course_n that_o i_o have_v do_v in_o this_o they_o will_v quick_o perceive_v how_o vain_a and_o senseless_a all_o their_o objection_n against_o providence_n be_v that_o be_v whatever_o they_o object_n against_o providence_n let_v they_o turn_v the_o other_o side_n of_o it_o and_o try_v whether_o that_o will_v be_v better_o let_v they_o consider_v how_o they_o will_v have_v what_o they_o call_v the_o defect_n and_o blemish_n of_o providence_n rectify_v and_o whether_o it_o will_v be_v more_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o happy_a government_n of_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v so_o i_o dare_v challenge_v the_o great_a pretender_n to_o wit_n and_o reason_n to_o give_v any_o one_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o name_v any_o one_o thing_n which_o they_o quarrel_n at_o which_o they_o know_v how_o to_o mend_v and_o if_o the_o world_n be_v so_o wise_o order_v already_o that_o those_o who_o complain_v most_o can_v tell_v how_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v better_o do_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o impudent_a to_o find_v fault_n which_o be_v no_o hard_a word_n in_o such_o a_o cause_n as_o this_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o i_o intend_v mere_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a objection_n against_o providence_n that_o the_o event_n of_o it_o be_v many_o time_n very_o uncertain_a hide_a and_o mysterious_a and_o such_o as_o we_o can_v give_v the_o particular_a reason_n of_o but_o likewise_o to_o satisfy_v you_o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o mankind_n require_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o great_a and_o excellent_a advantage_n of_o it_o now_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v all_o grant_v that_o what_o be_v most_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o restraint_n of_o wickedness_n be_v the_o wise_a way_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o if_o you_o will_v grant_v this_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v present_o satisfy_v you_o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v secret_a and_o hide_a method_n of_o providence_n such_o uncertain_a and_o surprise_v event_n as_o at_o least_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o till_o it_o come_v to_o its_o last_o and_o conclude_a issue_n 1._o for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o excite_v in_o we_o a_o great_a admiration_n of_o god_n than_o to_o see_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n bring_v to_o pass_v by_o a_o long_a and_o wind_a labyrinth_n of_o surprise_v and_o perplex_v event_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o nor_o whither_o they_o tend_v till_o we_o see_v where_o they_o end_n mankind_n never_o great_o admire_v what_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a and_o every_o man_n thought_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o show_v any_o extraordinary_a contrivance_n but_o when_o unexpected_a event_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o unsuspected_a mean_n and_o yet_o design_v and_o direct_v by_o a_o steady_a and_o unerring_a counsel_n when_o great_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o such_o mean_n as_o have_v no_o natural_a causality_n to_o produce_v such_o effect_n and_o therefore_o can_v give_v no_o notice_n nor_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o what_o be_v do_v when_o our_o very_a fear_n be_v turn_v into_o triumph_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o threaten_v we_o with_o some_o great_a evil_n be_v make_v the_o instrument_n of_o some_o great_a and_o surprise_v blessing_n when_o bad_a man_n be_v ensnare_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o pit_n which_o they_o have_v dig_v for_o other_o when_o god_n turn_v their_o curse_n into_o blessing_n
he_o beget_v a_o wicked_a son_n his_o son_n shall_v sure_o die_v and_o if_o this_o wicked_a son_n beget_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a son_n he_o shall_v live_v 20._o the_o son_n shall_v not_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n neither_o shall_v the_o father_n bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o son_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v upon_o he_o that_o if_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n he_o shall_v live_v and_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v from_o his_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v die_v and_o appeal_v to_o they_o to_o judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o equal_a yet_o you_o say_v 29._o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o equal_a hear_v now_o o_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a this_o plain_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n be_v very_o just_a and_o equal_a and_o that_o to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o contradict_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v a_o very_a great_a reproach_n to_o he_o and_o be_v think_v so_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n complain_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n as_o a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n he_o lay_v this_o down_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o a_o unshaken_a principle_n that_o god_n be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n when_o i_o plead_v with_o thou_o yet_o let_v i_o talk_v with_o thou_o of_o thy_o judgement_n wherefore_o do_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v wherefore_o be_v all_o they_o happy_a that_o deal_n very_o treacherous_o 12._o jer._n 1._o this_o very_a complaint_n that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o all_o mankind_n expect_v from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v govern_v the_o world_n with_o great_a justice_n and_o equity_n for_o otherwise_o though_o such_o a_o providence_n itself_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n if_o god_n be_v not_o by_o the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n what_o can_v the_o unaccountable_a difficulty_n of_o providence_n be_v be_v it_o that_o we_o observe_v such_o event_n as_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reconcile_v with_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o what_o then_o this_o be_v no_o difficulty_n nor_o unaccountable_a if_o god_n observe_v no_o rule_n of_o justice_n in_o his_o government_n if_o he_o act_v by_o such_o a_o unaccountable_a will_n as_o have_v no_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o such_o a_o will_v as_o regard_v not_o what_o we_o call_v right_a and_o just_a but_o make_v every_o thing_n just_o it_o will_v the_o difficulty_n and_o unsearchableness_n of_o providence_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o providence_n but_o in_o the_o event_n not_o in_o reconcile_n the_o rule_n of_o providence_n to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n but_o in_o reconcile_n some_o event_n to_o the_o acknowledge_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n government_n this_o be_v the_o atheist_n objection_n against_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n because_o they_o think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o and_o wise_o govern_v and_o though_o we_o can_v vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o a_o great_a many_o difficult_a and_o unaccountable_a event_n which_o the_o atheist_n object_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n against_o unjust_a and_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o government_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n conclude_v to_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o unjust_a as_o for_o instance_n though_o we_o see_v good_a man_n afflict_v and_o wicked_a man_n prosperous_a and_o it_o may_v be_v can_v give_v no_o particular_a account_n why_o this_o good_a man_n be_v afflict_v and_o such_o a_o wicked_a man_n prosperous_a yet_o we_o can_v vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o it_o but_o shall_v any_o man_n turn_v this_o into_o a_o rule_n of_o providence_n that_o by_o the_o sovereign_n and_o unaccountable_a will_n of_o god_n some_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o miserable_a and_o some_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o happy_a this_o we_o can_v never_o vindicate_v because_o it_o contradict_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o though_o we_o can_v always_o judge_v of_o the_o righteousness_n and_o justice_n of_o a_o particular_a event_n yet_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o rule_n and_o abstract_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n thus_o god_n have_v often_o threaten_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o will_v visit_v on_o they_o not_o only_o their_o own_o sin_n but_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n which_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v very_o wise_a and_o just_a of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o but_o when_o by_o a_o ignorant_a or_o spiteful_a mistake_n they_o turn_v this_o into_o a_o unjust_a proverb_n which_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v unjust_a god_n declare_v his_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o what_o mean_v you_o that_o you_o use_v this_o proverb_n concern_v the_o land_n of_o israel_n 2._o say_v 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 as_o if_o child_n who_o have_v never_o eat_v sour_a grape_n themselves_o shall_v have_v their_o tooth_n set_v on_o edge_n by_o their_o father_n eat_v they_o that_o be_v that_o those_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o own_o sin_n shall_v yet_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o father_n sin_n this_o appear_v manifest_o unjust_a and_o god_n himself_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o reproach_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o how_o difficult_a soever_o some_o passage_n of_o providence_n may_v be_v we_o must_v own_v no_o rule_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v manifest_o unjust_a thus_o it_o be_v too_o certain_a that_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n will_v be_v final_o miserable_a and_o this_o be_v very_o reconcilable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n if_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o wicked_a and_o deserve_v to_o be_v miserable_a but_o to_o say_v that_o god_n create_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n nay_o that_o he_o create_v any_o one_o man_n under_o the_o absolute_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n that_o he_o make_v they_o to_o make_v they_o miserable_a can_v never_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o unaccountable_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v notorious_o unjust_a if_o mankind_n be_v competent_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o unjust_a the_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a incomprehensible_a unaccountable_a be_v no_o reason_n to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o when_o reduce_v into_o abstract_a notion_n and_o general_a rule_n of_o action_n be_v notorious_o unjust_a but_o the_o true_a use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o charge_v any_o particular_a event_n of_o providence_n with_o injustice_n mere_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o they_o the_o general_a notion_n and_o rule_n of_o justice_n be_v not_o unaccountable_a thing_n for_o we_o understand_v very_o well_o what_o they_o be_v for_o justice_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v do_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n wise_o and_o just_o which_o our_o narrow_a mind_n can_v comprehend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o now_o this_o make_v infinite_a wisdom_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n notwithstanding_o such_o event_n as_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o but_o a_o unaccountable_a will_n which_o act_v by_o no_o rule_n of_o justice_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v what_o justice_n mean_v can_v give_v no_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n to_o any_o man_n for_o it_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o providence_n that_o god_n do_v such_o thing_n by_o a_o sovereign_n and_o arbitrary_a will_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n condemn_v as_o unjust_a for_o this_o do_v not_o answer_v our_o complaint_n but_o justify_v they_o this_o be_v all_o the_o atheist_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v and_o all_o that_o he_o desire_n shall_v be_v grant_v he_o to_o confute_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n that_o god_n do_v such_o thing_n
than_o to_o command_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o forbid_v all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v all_o wicked_a practice_n as_o much_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o human_a action_n will_v allow_v that_o god_n do_v all_o this_o wherein_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n consist_v i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o deny_v as_o wicked_a as_o mankind_n be_v it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n unto_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a unto_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o 19_o psal._n 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o great_a complaint_n be_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v too_o holy_a for_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o most_o man_n think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o too_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o perform_v now_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n law_n be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n whether_o we_o consider_v these_o law_n as_o a_o copy_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n much_o more_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o both_o as_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o will_n as_o all_o moral_a law_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o necessary_a goodness_n in_o they_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n unless_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will._n nay_o law_n themselves_o be_v not_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o obdience_n to_o subject_n but_o of_o government_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o prince_n not_o to_o govern_v by_o his_o own_o law_n as_o it_o be_v in_o subject_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o prince_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o miscarriage_n but_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o the_o law_n he_o give_v to_o we_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n and_o then_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n prove_v that_o his_o government_n and_o providence_n must_v be_v very_o holy_a and_o indeed_o we_o have_v very_o visible_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o that_o care_n he_o take_v to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o those_o great_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o by_o those_o terrible_a threaten_n which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o mean_v for_o man_n can_v despise_v both_o promise_n and_o threaten_n if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o be_v much_o the_o most_o considerable_a be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o affect_v bad_a man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v here_o be_v how_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o providence_n encourage_v virtue_n and_o discourage_v wickedness_n and_o vice_n now_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n or_o reward_n of_o sin_n as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n nay_o as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v that_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n govern_v the_o world_n must_v confess_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v do_v abundant_o enough_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n for_o it_o be_v visible_a enough_o how_o many_o misery_n be_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a as_o be_v common_o think_v a_o reproach_n to_o providence_n but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v only_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n mortality_n and_o death_n and_o consequent_o all_o those_o infirmity_n and_o decay_n of_o nature_n all_o those_o pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o which_o we_o do_v not_o inherit_v from_o our_o more_o immediate_a parent_n as_o a_o entail_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n which_o bring_v death_n upon_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n and_o such_o a_o curse_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o have_v entail_v labour_n and_o sorrow_n on_o we_o as_o for_o many_o other_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n they_o be_v visible_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n sin_n such_o as_o want_v and_o poverty_n infamy_n and_o reproach_n sedition_n and_o tumult_n violent_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o government_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o desolation_n of_o war._n take_v a_o survey_n in_o your_o thought_n of_o all_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o tell_v i_o what_o place_n they_o can_v find_v here_o by_o what_o possible_a mean_n they_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n be_v sin_n banish_v out_o of_o it_o what_o misery_n can_v disturb_v human_a life_n be_v all_o man_n just_o and_o honest_a and_o charitable_a do_v they_o love_v one_o another_o as_o themselves_o perfect_a virtue_n be_v not_o only_o a_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a but_o a_o very_a beneficial_a thing_n it_o do_v no_o hurt_n but_o all_o the_o good_a it_o can_v both_o to_o itself_o and_o other_o and_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o hurt_v we_o neither_o within_o nor_o without_o we_o can_v suffer_v no_o hurt_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n have_v so_o order_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v wicked_a they_o shall_v be_v miserable_a can_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n more_o discourage_v man_n from_o sin_n or_o make_v they_o more_o zealous_a to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n than_o so_o many_o daily_a and_o sensible_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o expectation_n of_o a_o secure_a state_n of_o rest_n and_o happiness_n while_o either_o they_o themselves_o or_o other_o man_n with_o who_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n converse_v or_o have_v something_o to_o do_v be_v wicked_a for_o you_o must_v remember_v that_o i_o be_o not_o now_o a_o vindicate_a the_o justice_n but_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o many_o time_n virtuous_a and_o innocent_a man_n suffer_v very_o great_o by_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o this_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o account_v for_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n but_o a_o great_a justification_n of_o it_o for_o the_o more_o effectual_a care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o give_v all_o mankind_n a_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o more_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n government_n and_o this_o be_v more_o effectual_o do_v by_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n wickedness_n than_o from_o our_o own_o man_n who_o be_v very_o favourable_a to_o their_o own_o vice_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o learn_v to_o hate_v to_o condemn_v to_o punish_v they_o by_o feel_v what_o they_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n when_o they_o lose_v their_o own_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o violence_n or_o their_o good_a name_n by_o reproach_n and_o defamation_n or_o be_v injure_v in_o the_o chastity_n of_o their_o wife_n and_o daughter_n by_o other_o man_n lust_n this_o give_v they_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o injustice_n defamation_n and_o lust_n and_o make_v they_o condemn_v these_o vice_n in_o themselves_o how_o well_o soever_o they_o love_v they_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o human_a government_n which_o keep_v mankind_n in_o order_n and_o lay_v great_a restraint_n upon_o
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
confess_v that_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o move_v and_o incline_v by_o god_n but_o only_o charge_v their_o sin_n on_o god_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o every_o man_n feel_v what_o it_o be_v that_o tempt_v he_o his_o love_n of_o riches_n of_o pleasure_n or_o honour_n and_o that_o the_o temptation_n and_o impulse_n be_v weak_a or_o strong_a in_o proportion_n to_o his_o fondness_n and_o passion_n for_o these_o tempt_a object_n but_o yet_o he_o feel_v himself_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v and_o determine_v himself_o and_o find_v a_o principle_n within_o he_o which_o resist_v and_o oppose_v his_o compliance_n with_o the_o temptation_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o for_o which_o god_n will_v punish_v he_o and_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n for_o man_n to_o charge_v their_o sin_n upon_o god_n when_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o give_v check_v to_o they_o and_o make_v sin_n uneasy_a be_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o what_o he_o will_v punish_v this_o i_o think_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o god_n tempt_a and_o incline_v man_n to_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n such_o a_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o such_o a_o natural_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o justice_n that_o while_o we_o preserve_v this_o sense_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a no_o temptation_n can_v fasten_v on_o we_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o reason_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o and_o can_v tempt_v incline_v and_o over-rule_v man_n to_o choose_v or_o to_o act_v any_o wickedness_n for_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n all_o mankind_n believe_v god_n to_o be_v perfect_a holiness_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a be_v can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n do_v man_n sin_n by_o divine_a impulse_n or_o by_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o the_o scripture_n teach_v this_o in_o express_a word_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n 1._o james_n 13._o and_o all_o the_o law_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n exhortation_n reproof_n and_o passionate_a expostulation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n if_o they_o mean_v any_o thing_n sincere_a do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o man_n sin_v free_o and_o that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o incline_v and_o tempt_a man_n to_o sin_n that_o he_o do_v all_o that_o become_v a_o wise_a and_o holy_a be_v to_o restrain_v and_o deter_v they_o from_o it_o now_o when_o we_o have_v such_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n that_o god_n be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v nor_o be_v any_o such_o proof_n pretend_v and_o then_o some_o remote_a and_o uncertain_a consequence_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o our_o ignorance_n or_o confuse_a and_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o some_o obscure_a expression_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o disprove_v a_o direct_a and_o positive_a evidence_n no_o more_o than_o the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o motion_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o motion_n when_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o feel_v ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n move_v and_o yet_o such_o kind_n of_o difficulty_n as_o these_o be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v to_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o most_o material_a of_o which_o i_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o examine_v 1._o one_o and_o that_o the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n and_o to_o charge_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o god_n be_v his_o prescience_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o all_o future_a event_n that_o god_n do_v foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o heathen_n jew_n and_o christian_n and_o prophecy_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v must_v foreknow_v they_o now_o from_o hence_o they_o thus_o argue_v what_o be_v certain_o fore-known_a must_v certain_o be_v and_o what_o be_v thus_o certain_a be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o if_o all_o future_a event_n be_v certain_a as_o be_v certain_o foreknow_v then_o all_o thing_n even_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v owe_v to_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o then_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o necessity_n and_o fate_n must_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o man_n sin_n too_o now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v certain_o fore-known_a but_o what_o will_v certain_o be_v but_o then_o i_o deny_v that_o nothing_o will_v certain_o be_v but_o what_o have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o we_o see_v ten_o thousand_o effect_n of_o free_a or_o contingent_a cause_n which_o certain_o be_v though_o they_o may_v never_o have_v be_v for_o whatever_o be_v certain_o be_v and_o whatever_o certain_o be_v now_o be_v certain_o though_o not_o necessary_o future_a a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o that_o man_n understand_v very_o little_a who_o know_v not_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o event_n no_o event_n be_v necessary_a but_o that_o which_o have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n as_o the_o rise_n and_o sit_v of_o the_o sun_n but_o every_o event_n be_v certain_a which_o will_v certain_o be_v though_o it_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o cause_n which_o act_v free_o and_o may_v do_v otherwise_o if_o it_o please_v as_o all_o the_o free_a action_n of_o man_n be_v some_o of_o which_o though_o do_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n may_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o certain_o know_v as_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v do_v free_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o that_o which_o be_v certain_a may_v be_v certain_o know_v then_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n foreknowledge_n only_o prove_v the_o certainty_n but_o not_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o event_n and_o then_o god_n may_v foreknow_v all_o event_n and_o yet_o lie_v no_o necessity_n on_o mankind_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n foreknowledge_n lay_v no_o great_a necessity_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v fore-known_a than_o knowledge_n do_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v know_v for_o foreknowledge_n be_v nothing_o but_o knowledge_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v know_v much_o less_o the_o necessary_a cause_n of_o it_o we_o certain_o know_v at_o what_o time_n the_o sun_n will_v rise_v and_o sit_v every_o day_n in_o the_o year_n but_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v or_o sit_v nay_o in_o many_o case_n in_o proportion_n to_o our_o knowledge_n of_o man_n we_o may_v with_o great_a certainty_n foretell_v what_o they_o will_v do_v and_o how_o they_o will_v behave_v themselves_o in_o such_o or_o such_o circumstance_n and_o do_v we_o perfect_o know_v they_o we_o shall_v rare_o if_o ever_o mistake_v for_o though_o man_n act_v free_o they_o do_v not_o act_v arbitrary_o but_o there_o be_v always_o some_o bias_n upon_o their_o mind_n which_o incline_v and_o draw_v they_o and_o the_o more_o confirm_a habit_n man_n have_v of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n the_o more_o certain_o and_o steady_o they_o act_v and_o the_o more_o certain_o we_o may_v know_v they_o without_o make_v they_o either_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a now_o can_v we_o certain_o know_v what_o all_o man_n will_v do_v before_o they_o do_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o will_v neither_o make_v nor_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a agent_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n be_v such_o as_o to_o know_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o before_o we_o think_v they_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o make_v we_o think_v such_o thought_n nor_o do_v such_o action_n how_o god_n can_v foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v even_o such_o event_n as_o depend_v upon_o the_o most_o free_a and_o contingent_a cause_n we_o can_v tell_v but_o it_o be_v not_o incredible_a that_o infinite_a knowledge_n shall_v do_v this_o when_o wise_a man_n who_o knowledge_n be_v so_o very_o
ham_n which_o will_v quick_o have_v endanger_v as_o general_a a_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n as_o there_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o course_n god_n take_v to_o prevent_v this_o and_o the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o 11._o genes_n 7_o 8._o that_o god_n confound_v their_o language_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v one_o another_o speech_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n scatter_v they_o abroad_o from_o thence_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o they_o leave_v off_o to_o build_v the_o city_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o ready_a way_n to_o people_n the_o whole_a earth_n even_o the_o remote_a corner_n of_o it_o which_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o mankind_n find_v they_o work_v to_o do_v force_v they_o upon_o the_o invention_n of_o ingenious_a art_n and_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n make_v every_o country_n which_o be_v not_o want_v to_o itself_o a_o little_a world_n and_o every_o part_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o say_v beside_o this_o it_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n that_o can_v be_v use_v at_o that_o time_n to_o prevent_v the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n for_o 1._o this_o separate_v the_o family_n of_o sem_fw-mi and_o japhet_n from_o the_o family_n of_o ham_n where_o the_o infection_n be_v already_o begin_v and_o will_v have_v spread_v apace_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o power_n and_o empire_n when_o cain_n have_v slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n god_n send_v he_o away_o out_o of_o adam_n family_n that_o his_o presence_n and_o example_n may_v do_v no_o hurt_n and_o if_o by_o the_o daughter_n of_o man_n in_o 6._o genes_n we_o understand_v as_o some_o good_a expositor_n do_v those_o who_o descend_v of_o cain_n and_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o posterity_n of_o seth_n in_o who_o family_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v preserve_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o moses_n date_n the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o union_n of_o these_o two_o family_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n see_v the_o daughter_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v fair_a and_o take_v they_o wife_n of_o all_o which_o they_o choose_v and_o have_v the_o universal_a empire_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o family_n of_o ham_n and_o the_o posterity_n of_o sem_fw-mi and_o japhet_n be_v bring_v into_o subjection_n to_o they_o as_o they_o must_v in_o a_o short_a time_n have_v be_v what_o less_o can_v have_v be_v expect_v from_o such_o a_o union_n and_o government_n but_o another_o antediluvian_n corruption_n of_o all_o flesh_n this_o dispersion_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v a_o general_a corruption_n but_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o cain_n that_o a_o mere_a local_a separation_n be_v no_o security_n for_o they_o may_v come_v together_o again_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o daughter_n of_o man_n in_o process_n of_o time_n do_v and_o therefore_o two_o the_o most_o last_a dispersion_n and_o separation_n be_v by_o a_o confusion_n of_o language_n which_o hinder_v all_o intercourse_n and_o communication_n at_o least_o till_o there_o be_v a_o remedy_n find_v against_o it_o by_o learn_v each_o other_o language_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v so_o general_a as_o to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o a_o common_a intercourse_n this_o effectual_o divide_v they_o at_o first_o and_o will_v always_o keep_v nation_n divide_v till_o foreign_a arm_n shall_v give_v new_a law_n and_o a_o new_a language_n to_o a_o conquer_a people_n 3_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o the_o more_o division_n of_o language_n be_v make_v and_o the_o great_a the_o dispersion_n be_v the_o great_a security_n be_v it_o against_o a_o general_a corruption_n which_o be_v a_o reason_n not_o only_o for_o separate_v the_o family_n of_o ham_n from_o the_o family_n of_o sem_fw-mi and_o japhet_n but_o for_o separate_v they_o from_o each_o other_o and_o divide_v they_o into_o small_a body_n for_o the_o more_o division_n there_o be_v whatever_o part_n be_v infect_v the_o less_o can_v the_o corruption_n spread_v when_o there_o be_v no_o communication_n between_o they_o 4thly_a this_o also_o divide_a mankind_n into_o several_a little_a independent_a monarchy_n under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o head_n of_o their_o several_a family_n which_o keep_v all_o mankind_n under_o a_o strict_a government_n than_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v be_v one_o great_a empire_n which_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o tyrannical_a domination_n but_o can_v have_v take_v little_a care_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o subject_n especial_o if_o the_o government_n itself_o be_v corrupt_v the_o whole_a world_n must_v be_v corrupt_a with_o it_o but_o when_o so_o many_o distinct_a society_n be_v form_v this_o give_v they_o distinct_a interest_n and_o make_v their_o law_n and_o custom_n the_o very_a humour_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o people_n so_o different_a from_o each_o other_o as_o will_v keep_v they_o distinct_a and_o this_o will_v necessary_o occasion_v mutual_a emulation_n and_o jealousy_n to_o rival_n their_o neighbour_n in_o riches_n and_o power_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o wise_a law_n and_o a_o strict_a discipline_n and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o labour_n and_o industry_n of_o liberal_a art_n and_o all_o social_a virtue_n and_o the_o suppression_n of_o such_o vice_n as_o weaken_v government_n and_o emasculate_a man_n spirit_n this_o effect_n we_o know_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n it_o have_v as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o most_o early_a account_n of_o the_o grecian_a commonwealth_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o excellent_a law_n and_o such_o great_a example_n of_o frugality_n temperance_n fortitude_n and_o a_o generous_a love_n of_o their_o country_n which_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v attribute_v to_o their_o mutual_a emulation_n which_o teach_v they_o prudence_n and_o justice_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o force_v on_o they_o the_o exercise_n of_o many_o civil_a and_o military_a virtue_n it_o have_v indeed_o be_v more_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o mankind_n have_v be_v but_o one_o people_n and_o one_o kingdom_n without_o divide_a interest_n and_o government_n but_o such_o a_o profound_a state_n of_o ease_n be_v apt_a to_o loosen_v the_o rain_n of_o government_n and_o to_o corrupt_v man_n mind_n with_o sloth_n and_o luxury_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o more_o fit_a for_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v that_o the_o earth_n shall_v have_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o itself_o without_o humane_a labour_n and_o industry_n but_o jealousy_n and_o emulation_n the_o necessity_n of_o defend_v themselves_o against_o potent_a neighbour_n or_o the_o ambition_n to_o equal_v or_o to_o outdo_v they_o restrain_v public_a vice_n and_o be_v a_o spur_n to_o virtue_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o many_o misery_n to_o mankind_n of_o all_o the_o calamity_n and_o desolation_n of_o war_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v 5thly_a that_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n while_o god_n keep_v the_o sword_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v a_o admirable_a instrument_n of_o government_n and_o a_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o again_o any_o more_o smite_v every_o live_a thing_n as_o he_o have_v do_v 8._o genes_n 21._o and_o yet_o mankind_n can_v not_o be_v govern_v without_o some_o restraint_n and_o punishment_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v god_n to_o punish_v man_n and_o nation_n as_o often_o as_o they_o deserve_v it_o by_o a_o immediate_a hand_n and_o what_o then_o can_v be_v more_o wise_o design_v than_o so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o if_o man_n and_o nation_n be_v wicked_a they_o shall_v scourge_v and_o punish_v one_o another_o by_o this_o mean_v god_n can_v chastise_v two_o wicked_a nation_n by_o each_o other_o sword_n without_o destroy_v either_o he_o can_v so_o lessen_v their_o number_n and_o exhaust_v their_o treasure_n and_o impoverish_v their_o country_n as_o to_o force_v they_o to_o peace_n and_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o laborious_a and_o frugal_a life_n which_o will_v cure_v the_o wantonness_n and_o luxury_n of_o plenty_n and_o ease_n if_o a_o nation_n be_v grow_v incurable_o wicked_a he_o can_v by_o this_o mean_n destroy_v they_o without_o embroil_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n he_o can_v carry_v they_o captive_a into_o foreign_a country_n or_o make_v they_o slave_n at_o home_n and_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o yoke_n of_o a_o conqueror_n who_o shall_v correct_v they_o and_o teach_v they_o better_o in_o a_o word_n the_o dispersion_n of_o
who_o they_o suppose_v entrust_v with_o the_o immediate_a care_n of_o particular_a country_n and_o how_o can_v god_n give_v a_o more_o sensible_a demonstration_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o pay_v divine_a honour_n to_o any_o but_o himself_o than_o by_o raise_v up_o a_o new_a people_n distinguish_v and_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sole_a worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o own_a by_o he_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n by_z as_o distinguish_v providence_n for_o this_o not_o only_o prove_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n but_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_n and_o this_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o partial_a in_o his_o favour_n as_o to_o prefer_v one_o nation_n before_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o they_o be_v no_o nation_n nor_o people_n when_o god_n choose_v they_o for_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n when_o there_o be_v none_o but_o himself_o but_o when_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v idolater_n god_n promise_v to_o multiply_v abraham_n seed_n into_o a_o great_a nation_n and_o to_o make_v they_o his_o own_o peculiar_a people_n that_o be_v he_o make_v a_o new_a people_n and_o nation_n in_o great_a kindness_n to_o mankind_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o extirpate_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n 2._o that_o to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o these_o divine_a oracle_n a_o system_fw-la of_o law_n both_o for_o religious_a worship_n and_o civil_a conversation_n shall_v be_v deposit_v somewhere_o for_o their_o idolatry_n do_v every_o day_n corrupt_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o be_v likely_a in_o time_n to_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o make_v a_o write_a law_n necessary_a from_o whence_o man_n may_v learn_v their_o duty_n whenever_o they_o please_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o law_n can_v be_v give_v to_o no_o other_o people_n but_o the_o jew_n who_o alone_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v law_n to_o idolater_n who_o do_v not_o own_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o their_o god_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v law_n from_o he_o and_o though_o these_o law_n be_v immediate_o give_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o nation_n at_o that_o time_n which_o own_v and_o worship_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n yet_o as_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n so_o these_o law_n will_v be_v of_o more_o universal_a use_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v even_o to_o this_o day_n nay_o even_o while_o idolatry_n prevail_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n very_o much_o reform_v the_o pagan_a philosophy_n give_v they_o better_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religious_a worship_n and_o more_o divine_a rule_n of_o life_n as_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o pythagoras_n and_o plato_n who_o be_v general_o think_v to_o have_v learn_v some_o of_o their_o best_a notion_n from_o their_o conversation_n with_o jewish_a priest_n but_o yet_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o use_v the_o world_n do_v make_v of_o this_o but_o what_o use_v they_o may_v have_v make_v of_o it_o and_o whither_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n than_o be_v any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o wise_o design_v than_o to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o a_o system_v of_o divine_a law_n in_o a_o nation_n raise_v up_o on_o purpose_n to_o season_v the_o world_n and_o to_o preserve_v it_o from_o a_o universal_a apostasy_n but_o god_n have_v a_o more_o glorious_a design_n than_o all_o this_o in_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o choose_v his_o seed_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o have_v promise_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v it_o be_v not_o fit_v that_o the_o messiah_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v descend_v from_o idolater_n and_o that_o when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v find_v no_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o that_o age_n who_o be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n and_o promise_n to_o multiply_v his_o seed_n and_o to_o preserve_v his_o name_n and_o worship_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v descend_v from_o his_o loin_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o necessary_a preparation_n be_v require_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o for_o his_o reception_n in_o the_o world_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v it_o will_v satisfy_v we_o how_o wise_o this_o be_v design_v by_o god_n the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n be_v very_o surprise_v and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v think_v that_o any_o one_o who_o make_v such_o pretence_n shall_v find_v credit_n unless_o the_o world_n have_v beforehand_o be_v prepare_v to_o expect_v he_o and_o have_v some_o infallible_a mark_n and_o character_n whereby_o to_o know_v he_o when_o he_o come_v and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o law_n to_o contain_v the_o promise_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o character_n whereby_o to_o know_v he_o the_o temple_n itself_o and_o the_o whole_a temple-worship_n be_v little_o more_o than_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o incarnation_n or_o live_v among_o man_n in_o a_o earthly_a tabernacle_n of_o his_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n there_o to_o intercede_v for_o we_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n as_o the_o highpriest_n enter_v once_o a_o year_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n now_o this_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v have_v not_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n have_v a_o temple_n and_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n on_o earth_n that_o be_v a_o people_n peculiar_o devote_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n for_o the_o temple_n and_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o idol_n can_v not_o be_v type_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o confound_v all_o the_o pagan_a god_n and_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n thus_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n have_v there_o be_v no_o prophet_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o these_o prophecy_n will_v have_v meet_v with_o little_a credit_n have_v they_o be_v find_v in_o idol_n temple_n so_o that_o god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o to_o receive_v and_o to_o convey_v down_o to_o future_a age_n with_o a_o unquestionable_a authority_n all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n this_o give_v we_o a_o general_a view_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o that_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o this_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o discover_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n towards_o the_o jewish_a nation_n which_o will_v be_v both_o so_o useful_a and_o entertain_v a_o meditation_n that_o i_o can_v pass_v it_o over_o without_o some_o short_a remark_n now_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o a_o visible_a confutation_n of_o idolatry_n and_o to_o establish_v and_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o effect_v this_o four_o thing_n be_v manifest_o necessary_a 1._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v visible_a to_o all_o that_o know_v they_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n 2._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o visible_a that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n the_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 3._o
there_o be_v a_o power_n and_o therefore_o a_o god_n above_o they_o all_o who_o all_o mankind_n ought_v to_o fear_v and_o worship_n this_o convince_v nabuchadnezzar_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o have_v deliver_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a from_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n 29._o he_o make_v a_o decree_n that_o every_o people_n nation_n and_o langage_fw-fr which_o speak_v amiss_o against_o the_o god_n of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a shall_v be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o their_o house_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o dunghill_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n that_o can_v deliver_v after_o this_o sort_n thus_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n den_n darius_n make_v a_o decree_n 27._o that_o in_o every_o dominion_n of_o his_o kingdom_n man_n shall_v tremble_v and_o fear_v before_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n for_o he_o be_v the_o live_a god_n and_o steadfast_a for_o ever_o and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v and_o his_o dominion_n shall_v be_v even_o unto_o the_o end_n he_o deliver_v and_o rescue_v and_o work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n who_o have_v deliver_v daniel_n from_o ihe_a power_n of_o the_o lion_n both_o these_o king_n be_v convince_v by_o these_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o supreme_a god_n but_o nebuchadnezzar_n decree_n only_o forbid_v man_n to_o blaspheme_v god_n darius_n seem_v to_o command_v all_o people_n to_o worship_v he_o for_o to_o tremble_v and_o fear_v before_o he_o signify_v a_o religious_a veneration_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o appoint_v any_o solemn_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v he_o much_o less_o do_v they_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o any_o other_o go_n but_o a_o little_a consideration_n will_v have_v carry_v they_o far_o for_o those_o mighty_a work_n which_o prove_v a_o power_n superior_a to_o all_o god_n prove_v a_o sovereign_a providence_n too_o that_o this_o supreme_a god_n have_v not_o so_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o any_o minister_n or_o inferior_a deity_n but_o that_o he_o reserve_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n 35_o as_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v convince_v that_o his_o dominion_n be_v a_o everlasting_a dominion_n and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v repute_v as_o nothing_o and_o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o this_o cut_v off_o all_o reasonable_a pretence_n of_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o their_o country-goods_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a power_n and_o providence_n over_o they_o at_o most_o they_o can_v be_v only_a minister_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o title_n to_o divine_a honour_n no_o more_o than_o minister_n of_o state_n have_v to_o the_o royal_a dignity_n and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v this_o when_o they_o see_v that_o this_o supreme_a god_n will_v not_o suffer_v israel_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o worship_v any_o other_o god_n beside_o himself_o this_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o be_v more_o manifest_a in_o after-age_n when_o god_n so_o severe_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o darius_n when_o god_n deliver_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n out_o of_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o and_o deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lion_n when_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n for_o pray_v to_o his_o god_n this_o show_v the_o strange_a power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o custom_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v wise_o design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n have_v thus_o vindicate_v and_o explain_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o egypt_n and_o the_o hard_a bondage_n they_o suffer_v there_o and_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n let_v we_o now_o follow_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n god_n have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n before_o he_o show_v they_o open_o to_o the_o world_n under_o such_o a_o peculiar_a character_n it_o be_v necessary_a first_o to_o form_v their_o manner_n to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o shall_v own_v he_o for_o their_o god_n and_o behave_v themselves_o as_o it_o become_v so_o glorious_a a_o relation_n this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v in_o egypt_n where_o they_o be_v oppress_v by_o hard_a bondage_n and_o therefore_o god_n first_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n remote_a from_o the_o conversation_n of_o all_o other_o people_n and_o upon_o all_o account_v a_o fit_a place_n both_o to_o instruct_v and_o try_v they_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mystical_a reason_n of_o those_o various_a providence_n with_o which_o god_n exercise_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o often_o refer_v and_o which_o they_o apply_v to_o the_o gospel-state_n but_o shall_v only_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a conduct_n of_o that_o people_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v own_v before_o all_o the_o world_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n they_o have_v live_v two_o hundred_o year_n in_o egypt_n and_o be_v tincture_v with_o the_o idolatry_n and_o have_v learn_v the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o that_o people_n and_o have_v all_o that_o meanness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o perverseness_n of_o humour_n that_o a_o state_n of_o servitude_n and_o bondage_n be_v apt_a to_o create_v of_o which_o we_o have_v too_o many_o visible_a instance_n in_o their_o behaviour_n towards_o moses_n all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v correct_v before_o their_o entrance_n into_o canaan_n which_o will_v give_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o some_o very_a wonderful_a providence_n the_o first_o remarkable_a thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v god_n deliver_v the_o law_n to_o they_o with_o all_o the_o most_o formidable_a solemnity_n in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o mount_n sinai_n which_o moses_n tell_v they_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o know_v before_o 33._o since_o the_o day_n that_o god_n create_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n do_v ever_o people_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n as_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o live_v and_o the_o use_n moses_n make_v of_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n 35._o unto_o thou_o it_o be_v show_v that_o thou_o may_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n 36._o there_o be_v none_o else_o beside_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n he_o make_v thou_o to_o hear_v his_o voice_n that_o he_o may_v instruct_v thou_o and_o upon_o earth_n he_o show_v thou_o his_o great_a fire_n and_o thou_o hear_v his_o word_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n 39_o know_v therefore_o this_o day_n and_o consider_v it_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n in_o heaven_n above_o and_o upon_o the_o earth_n beneath_o there_o be_v none_o else_o for_o what_o can_v convince_v man_n that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a god_n if_o such_o a_o terrible_a appearance_n as_o that_o on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o the_o law_n deliver_v in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n will_v not_o convince_v they_o numa_n pretend_v to_o receive_v his_o law_n from_o the_o goddess_n aegeria_n as_o some_o other_o lawgiver_n pretend_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o no_o man_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o themselves_o but_o here_o a_o whole_a nation_n hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o and_o see_v such_o a_o awful_a appearance_n upon_o the_o mount_n as_o make_v moses_n himself_o fear_v and_o tremble_v i_o desire_v any_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o how_o god_n who_o be_v a_o pure_a invisible_a mind_n can_v possible_o give_v a_o more_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o power_n i_o desire_v the_o witty_a and_o most_o philosophical_a atheist_n only_o for_o experiment_n sake_n to_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o moses_n give_v we_o of_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v present_a at_o mount_n sinai_n have_v see_v the_o smoke_n and_o fire_n
my_o anger_n shall_v be_v kindle_v against_o they_o in_o that_o day_n and_o i_o will_v forsake_v they_o and_o i_o will_v hide_v my_o face_n from_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v devour_v and_o many_o evil_n and_o trouble_n shall_v befall_v they_o so_o that_o they_o will_v say_v in_o that_o day_n be_v not_o these_o evil_n come_v upon_o we_o because_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v not_o among_o we_o this_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o judgement_n though_o not_o always_o so_o last_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n 78._o psal._n 34_o 35._o by_o these_o mean_v god_n make_v they_o sensible_a of_o his_o justice_n and_o power_n and_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o idolatry_n and_o restore_v his_o own_o worship_n among_o they_o for_o they_o certain_o know_v by_o the_o threaten_n of_o their_o own_o law_n for_o what_o reason_n they_o be_v thus_o punish_v and_o indeed_o their_o own_o experience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v they_o in_o this_o for_o they_o no_o soon_o forsake_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o worship_v other_o god_n but_o they_o be_v oppress_v by_o their_o enemy_n and_o when_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o return_v to_o god_n he_o raise_v up_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n who_o vanquish_v their_o enemy_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o liberty_n and_o peace_n especial_o since_o those_o wonderful_a deliverance_n which_o god_n wrought_v for_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o judge_n give_v that_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o know_v not_o the_o war_n of_o canaan_n new_a and_o visible_a proof_n of_o god_n power_n and_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o we_o know_v what_o effect_n this_o discipline_n have_v it_o do_v not_o whole_o prevent_v their_o idolatry_n which_o they_o be_v very_o prone_a to_o when_o the_o memory_n of_o such_o judgement_n be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o long_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n but_o then_o the_o repetition_n of_o such_o judgement_n as_o they_o repeat_v their_o provocation_n join_v with_o the_o admonition_n of_o their_o prophet_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o in_o several_a age_n do_v general_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n among_o they_o till_o at_o last_o the_o ten_o tribe_n grow_v incurable_a and_o be_v therefore_o utter_o reject_v by_o god_n and_o carry_v into_o a_o perpetual_a captivity_n never_o to_o return_v more_o into_o their_o own_o land_n and_o judah_n who_o will_v not_o take_v warning_n by_o the_o punishment_n of_o israel_n be_v carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n for_o seventy_o year_n which_o so_o perfect_o cure_v their_o idolatry_n that_o we_o hear_v no_o more_o complaint_n of_o that_o after_o their_o return_n from_o captivity_n and_o this_o answer_v god_n design_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n for_o notwithstanding_o their_o several_a relapse_n into_o idolatry_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o israel_n be_v consecrate_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n and_o when_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o be_v witness_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o israel_n when_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o of_o their_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a state_n while_o they_o keep_v his_o covenant_n it_o be_v a_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n especial_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o ten_o tribe_n utter_o root_v out_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o judah_n carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n and_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n destroy_v and_o the_o land_n lay_v waste_v and_o desolate_a without_o inhabitant_n the_o justice_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o their_o land_n will_v then_o be_v as_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o his_o wonderful_a providence_n in_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o place_v they_o in_o that_o good_a land_n be_v as_o god_n himself_o tell_v solomon_n in_o answer_n to_o his_o prayer_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o if_o you_o turn_v away_o and_o forsake_v my_o statute_n and_o my_o commandment_n which_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o and_o shall_v go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o worship_n they_o then_o will_v i_o pluck_v they_o up_o by_o the_o root_n out_o of_o my_o land_n which_o i_o have_v give_v they_o and_o this_o house_n which_o i_o have_v sanctify_v for_o my_o name_n will_v i_o cast_v out_o of_o my_o sight_n and_o will_v make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o proverb_n and_o a_o byword_n among_o all_o nation_n and_o this_o house_n which_o be_v high_a shall_v be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o every_o one_o that_o pass_v by_o it_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v say_v why_o have_v the_o lord_n do_v thus_o unto_o this_o land_n and_o unto_o this_o house_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v answer_v because_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n which_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o other_o god_n and_o worship_v they_o and_o serve_v they_o therefore_o have_v he_o bring_v all_o this_o evil_a upon_o they_o for_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o god_n have_v as_o well_o choose_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o his_o worship_n as_o israel_n to_o be_v his_o worshipper_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v bestow_v on_o they_o in_o virtue_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v worship_v no_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o and_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n on_o their_o part_n by_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n be_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o right_n to_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o the_o proper_a punishment_n of_o it_o be_v either_o oppression_n at_o home_n which_o make_v they_o servant_n and_o stranger_n in_o their_o own_o land_n or_o captivity_n in_o foreign_a country_n and_o this_o be_v so_o public_o know_v that_o when_o any_o such_o evil_n befall_v israel_n the_o nation_n round_o about_o be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n so_o that_o the_o very_a oppression_n and_o captivity_n of_o israel_n publish_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o partner_n in_o worship_n but_o when_o his_o own_o people_n forsake_v he_o and_o serve_v strange_a god_n in_o the_o land_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o separate_v to_o his_o own_o worship_n he_o make_v they_o serve_v stranger_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v not_o they_o 5._o jer._n 19_o 2_o these_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o israel_n especial_o the_o long_a captivity_n of_o judah_n in_o babylon_n serve_v other_o end_n beside_o the_o punishment_n and_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o idolatry_n for_o into_o what_o country_n soever_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_a they_o carry_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n along_o with_o they_o while_o they_o live_v at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o country_n and_o have_v little_a commerce_n with_o any_o other_o people_n the_o very_a name_n of_o israel_n be_v know_v only_o to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n can_v be_v know_v no_o far_o than_o israel_n be_v but_o when_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_a to_o babylon_n and_o disperse_v through_o all_o the_o province_n of_o that_o vast_a empire_n this_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n too_o who_o by_o many_o wonderful_a providence_n own_v these_o captive_n for_o his_o people_n and_o make_v the_o heathen_n see_v and_o confess_v his_o glory_n and_o power_n but_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o wise_a preparation_n god_n make_v for_o it_o in_o those_o great_a revolution_n of_o state_n and_o empire_n which_o begin_v about_o this_o time_n to_o prevent_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o god_n confound_v their_o language_n and_o thereby_o separate_v they_o from_o each_o other_o and_o form_v they_o into_o several_a distinct_a independent_a society_n and_o kingdom_n which_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o infection_n and_o to_o force_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o great_a many_o moral_a and_o political_a virtue_n but_o when_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v corrupt_v by_o idolatry_n and_o god_n see_v a_o proper_a season_n to_o begin_v a_o reformation_n to_o make_v the_o cure_n more_o easy_a and_o universal_a it_o
submission_n be_v due_a to_o god_n in_o the_o change_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o condition_n and_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o low_a to_o high_a or_o from_o high_a to_o low_a as_o for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v few_o man_n who_o find_v any_o difficulty_n in_o submit_v to_o providence_n when_o it_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o high_a station_n but_o some_o few_o such_o there_o be_v who_o love_v their_o ease_n and_o retirement_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o the_o security_n of_o a_o private_a life_n before_o noisy_a greatness_n and_o the_o endless_a fatigue_n of_o public_a ministry_n who_o have_v rather_o enjoy_v themselves_o and_o be_v master_n of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o thought_n and_o action_n than_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o flatter_v slave_n to_o be_v envy_v by_o some_o to_o be_v court_v by_o other_o to_o be_v servant_n to_o all_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o censorious_a tongue_n to_o the_o frown_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o emulation_n of_o their_o equal_n and_o to_o all_o the_o change_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o fortune_n it_o be_v not_o often_o that_o man_n of_o this_o temper_n be_v in_o any_o great_a danger_n of_o such_o troublesome_a honour_n there_o be_v enough_o that_o snatch_v at_o they_o before_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o secure_v those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o have_v they_o but_o sometime_o this_o do_v happen_v and_o then_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n and_o conscience_n for_o man_n to_o sacrifice_v their_o own_o ease_n and_o private_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o country_n and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o great_a a_o fault_n obstinate_o to_o decline_v such_o service_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n call_v they_o to_o as_o it_o be_v vanity_n and_o ambition_n to_o affect_v they_o for_o god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o service_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o may_v employ_v they_o in_o what_o station_n he_o please_v then_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o providence_n choose_v our_o station_n for_o we_o when_o it_o be_v what_o we_o do_v not_o and_o will_v not_o choose_v for_o ourselves_o two_o but_o the_o great_a and_o more_o common_a difficulty_n be_v in_o submit_v to_o the_o other_o change_n from_o a_o high_a to_o a_o low_a fortune_n there_o be_v many_o who_o suffer_v such_o a_o change_n as_o this_o though_o most_o of_o they_o may_v thank_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o vice_n for_o it_o but_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o submit_v to_o it_o i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v that_o they_o do_v not_o bear_v such_o a_o change_n of_o fortune_n with_o that_o patience_n and_o submission_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n when_o this_o change_n be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o providence_n and_o not_o to_o their_o own_o fault_n but_o that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o their_o condition_n that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o be_v poor_a when_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v make_v they_o so_o some_o man_n if_o they_o meet_v with_o misfortune_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v their_o creditor_n pay_v for_o it_o and_o be_v their_o own_o carver_n too_o and_o raise_v a_o estate_n out_o of_o force_a and_o knavish_a composition_n other_o though_o they_o be_v very_o poor_a will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o state_n of_o poverty_n will_v not_o bring_v their_o mind_n to_o their_o condition_n they_o can_v stoop_v to_o the_o mean_a and_o frugal_a and_o industrious_a life_n of_o poverty_n they_o have_v always_o live_v well_o and_o easy_o and_o they_o expect_v to_o live_v still_o as_o they_o have_v live_v and_o to_o be_v maintain_v according_a to_o their_o quality_n and_o the_o figure_n they_o have_v former_o make_v in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v work_v but_o to_o beg_v they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a though_o a_o true_o great_a mind_n will_v prefer_v the_o mean_a employment_n before_o it_o for_o that_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o any_o man_n to_o live_v by_o his_o own_o industry_n when_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v 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of_o trust_v in_o god_n they_o trust_v in_o he_o without_o hope_n or_o any_o comfortable_a expectation_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o more_o visible_a assurance_n to_o rely_v on_o this_o make_v most_o man_n hope_n ebb_v and_o flow_v as_o their_o external_a circumstance_n change_v if_o they_o be_v prosperous_a and_o have_v great_a number_n of_o friend_n and_o have_v their_o enemy_n at_o their_o foot_n than_o they_o be_v full_a of_o hope_n and_o can_v trust_v secure_o in_o god_n when_o they_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o help_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o see_v no_o body_n that_o can_v hurt_v they_o but_o if_o their_o condition_n be_v perplex_v and_o calamitous_a and_o they_o see_v no_o prospect_n of_o human_a relief_n their_o spirit_n sink_v and_o as_o much_o as_o they_o talk_v of_o providence_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n they_o find_v no_o support_n in_o it_o to_o understand_v this_o aright_o wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o peace_n and_o security_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n must_v either_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n or_o on_o the_o general_a belief_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o care_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o to_o trust_v in_o man_n be_v either_o to_o trust_v their_o promise_n or_o their_o friendship_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v secure_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o they_o reach_v for_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v but_o then_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o expound_v temporal_a promise_n to_o a_o large_a sense_n than_o god_n intend_v or_o than_o providence_n ordinary_o make_v good_a which_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o his_o providence_n into_o question_n and_o discourage_v our_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n when_o we_o see_v event_n not_o to_o answer_v god_n promise_n nor_o our_o expectation_n to_o state_n this_o matter_n plain_o we_o must_v proceed_v by_o degree_n and_o distinguish_v between_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o state_n and_o kingdom_n and_o to_o private_a and_o single_a man_n or_o rather_o to_o man_n in_o their_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n most_o of_o the_o temporal_a promise_n under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o nation_n that_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o god_n he_o will_v bless_v they_o with_o great_a plenty_n and_o peace_n or_o give_v they_o victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n that_o he_o will_v have_v respect_n unto_o they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a and_o multiply_v they_o and_o establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o 26._o leu._n which_o be_v public_a and_o national_a blessing_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o temporal_a 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as_o the_o christian_a church_n inherit_v all_o those_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o be_v typify_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o a_o christian_a nation_n succeed_v to_o all_o those_o temporal_a promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jewish_a state_n or_o else_o all_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o now_o so_o that_o these_o national_a promise_v we_o may_v secure_o rely_v on_o as_o to_o their_o utmost_a extent_n and_o signification_n and_o i_o be_o satisfy_v there_o can_v be_v one_o example_n give_v wherein_o these_o promise_n have_v fail_v god_n have_v oftentimes_o suffer_v a_o wicked_a nation_n to_o be_v prosperous_a to_o scourge_v their_o wicked_a neighbour_n but_o he_o never_o suffer_v a_o true_o righteous_a and_o religious_a nation_n to_o be_v oppress_v now_o the_o large_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a promise_n in_o scripture_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n such_o as_o concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n but_o even_o in_o the_o most_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o case_n of_o particular_a man_n be_v very_o different_a some_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v and_o therefore_o those_o promise_n which_o concern_v good_a man_n in_o their_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n must_v be_v more_o cautious_o expound_v to_o a_o more_o restrain_v and_o limit_a sense_n accommodate_v to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o their_o different_a attainment_n in_o virtue_n as_o for_o example_n when_o solomon_n tell_v we_o of_o wisdom_n length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a riches_n and_o honour_n 3._o prov._n 16._o will_v any_o man_n expound_v this_o to_o signify_v that_o all_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o prudent_a shall_v live_v till_o old_a age_n and_o attain_v to_o riches_n and_o honour_n do_v god_n then_o intend_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o different_a rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o poor_a man_n as_o well_o as_o rich_a or_o do_v he_o intend_v that_o no_o poor_a man_n shall_v be_v wise_a wisdom_n indeed_o will_v advance_v a_o prince_n to_o great_a riches_n and_o honour_n as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o his_o father_n david_n instruct_v he_o he_o teach_v i_o also_o and_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v thy_o heart_n retain_v my_o word_n keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o live_v get_v wisdom_n get_v understanding_n forget_v she_o not_o neither_o decline_v from_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n forsake_v she_o not_o and_o she_o shall_v preserve_v thou_o love_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v keep_v thou_o wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o get_n get_v understanding_n exalt_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v promote_v thou_o she_o shall_v bring_v thou_o to_o honour_v when_o thou_o do_v embrace_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o 4._o prov._n 4_o 9_o this_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o young_a prince_n to_o make_v he_o rich_a and_o great_a for_o religious_a wisdom_n will_v certain_o advance_v he_o beyond_o all_o the_o politic_n of_o machiavelli_n and_o if_o solomon_n in_o imitation_n of_o his_o father_n david_n direct_v his_o instruction_n to_o his_o child_n and_o particular_o to_o that_o son_n who_o be_v to_o inherit_v his_o throne_n as_o he_o himself_o seem_v to_o intimate_v 1_o 2_o 3._o verse_n we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o because_o he_o tell_v his_o son_n that_o wisdom_n will_v make_v he_o a_o glorious_a prince_n that_o therefore_o wisdom_n will_v advance_v all_o man_n to_o riches_n and_o honour_n wisdom_n will_v give_v a_o lustre_n even_o to_o poverty_n itself_o and_o sometime_o advance_v the_o poor_a to_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o increase_v the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o honourable_a but_o we_o must_v not_o always_o expect_v this_o much_o less_o pretend_v a_o promise_n for_o it_o for_o there_o always_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v poor_a wise_a man_n thus_o when_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o diligent_a make_v rich_a 10._o prov._n 4._o and_o see_v thou_o a_o man_n diligent_a in_o his_o business_n he_o shall_v stand_v before_o king_n he_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o mean_a man_n 22._o prov._n 29._o no_o man_n can_v think_v that_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o every_o diligent_a man_n shall_v be_v rich_a for_o there_o be_v such_o mean_a employment_n as_o can_v never_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o the_o great_a industry_n much_o less_o can_v we_o think_v that_o diligence_n in_o such_o mean_a employment_n shall_v make_v man_n know_v to_o prince_n or_o that_o all_o diligent_a man_n whatever_o their_o