and_o raise_v a_o expectation_n even_o among_o the_o roman_n of_o some_o great_a prince_n who_o be_v to_o rise_v in_o the_o east_n as_o tacitus_n observe_v and_o though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o reform_v nation_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o make_v a_o great_a many_o private_a convert_v who_o secret_o forsake_v the_o idolatry_n of_o their_o country_n and_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v it_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o we_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v wise_o design_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o some_o few_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o we_o know_v may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o on_o the_o famous_a day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v on_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o visible_a appearance_n of_o cleave_a tongue_n like_o as_o of_o fire_n there_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n great_a number_n not_o only_o of_o jew_n but_o of_o proselyte_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n parthian_n and_o mede_n and_o elamites_n and_o the_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n and_o in_o judaea_n and_o cappadocia_n in_o pontus_n and_o asia_n phrygia_n and_o pamphilia_n in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o part_n of_o lybia_n about_o cyrene_n and_o stranger_n of_o rome_n jew_n and_o proselyte_n cretes_n and_o arabian_n 2._o act_n 9_o 10_o 11._o whether_o these_o be_v circumcise_a or_o uncircumcised_a proselyte_n be_v not_o say_v but_o proselyte_n they_o be_v out_o of_o all_o these_o nation_n who_o come_v up_o at_o the_o feast_n to_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o all_o nation_n make_v great_a number_n of_o proselyte_n who_o either_o undertake_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n by_o circumcision_n and_o become_v jew_n or_o at_o least_o renounce_v all_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o worship_v no_o other_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o number_n of_o these_o last_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o circumcise_a proselyte_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v some_o learned_a man_n there_o be_v frequent_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o in_o scripture_n under_o the_o name_n of_o worship_v greek_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o those_o which_o fear_v god_n when_o saint_n paul_n preach_v at_o thessalonica_n there_o consort_v with_o paul_n and_o silas_n of_o the_o devout_a greek_n a_o great_a multitude_n 17._o act_n 24._o the_o very_a name_n of_o greek_n prove_v they_o to_o be_v gentile_n not_o jew_n who_o be_v always_o distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d devout_a or_o worship_a greek_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o that_o title_n be_v never_o give_v in_o scripture_n to_o idolater_n and_o their_o frequent_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n sufficient_o prove_v it_o for_o no_o gentile_n resort_v thither_o but_o those_o who_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n of_o this_o number_n be_v lydia_n 16._o act_n 14._o and_o cornelius_n the_o roman_a centurion_n who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o devout_a man_n and_o one_o who_o fear_v god_n himself_o but_o all_o his_o family_n be_v so_o too_o 10._o act_n 2._o and_o the_o eunuch_n 8._o act_n 27._o and_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n where_o st._n paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n we_o find_v great_a number_n of_o these_o worship_a gentile_n at_o thessalonica_n and_o philippi_n as_o you_o have_v see_v at_o corinth_n 18._o act_n 4._o at_o antioch_n of_o pisidia_n 13._o act_n 43._o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o other_o place_n which_o show_v what_o a_o great_a effect_n the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o all_o these_o country_n have_v in_o make_v proselyte_n some_o to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o many_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n which_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n when_o be_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o frequent_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o first_o gentile_n convert_v be_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o more_o ready_o embrace_v the_o faith_n than_o the_o jew_n themselves_o for_o they_o have_v all_o the_o preparation_n for_o christianity_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v but_o none_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la neither_o a_o fondness_n for_o their_o ceremonial_a worship_n nor_o for_o the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n 4._o and_o therefore_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n expound_v that_o text_n 13._o act_n 48._o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v of_o these_o devout_a and_o worship_a gentile_n that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ready_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a life_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n who_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n to_o consider_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n relate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o concern_v my_o present_a argument_n but_o if_o we_o take_v a_o brief_a review_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n for_o he_o come_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o world_n be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v he_o for_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n who_o complain_v that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v too_o long_o delay_v to_o tell_v i_o in_o what_o soon_o period_n it_o have_v be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o appear_v in_o every_o age_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v god_n take_v the_o wise_a method_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n will_v at_o that_o time_n allow_v to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o if_o christ_n appear_v at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o his_o appearance_n he_o appear_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v if_o we_o will_v allow_v god_n to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n wise_o that_o he_o do_v so_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v who_o believe_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v to_o give_v you_o a_o fair_a representation_n of_o all_o those_o wise_a advances_n god_n make_v to_o this_o last_o complete_n and_o stupendous_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n god_n have_v promise_v our_o first_o parent_n immediate_o upon_o the_o fall_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n all_o true_o good_a man_n be_v save_v by_o christ_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o more_o to_o recommend_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o seem_v very_o congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o all_o other_o method_n shall_v be_v first_o try_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o mankind_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o world_n be_v best_o prepare_v to_o receive_v he_o and_o as_o little_a as_o we_o understand_v of_o the_o unsearchable_a counsel_n of_o god_n it_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o upon_o both_o these_o account_v christ_n appear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v the_o only_a probable_a mean_n of_o restore_a piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o world_n be_v to_o destroy_v all_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o preserve_v that_o righteous_a family_n to_o new-people_n the_o world_n when_o that_o new_a generation_n begin_v to_o corrupt_v themselves_o god_n separate_v they_o from_o each_o other_o by_o confound_v their_o language_n and_o form_v they_o into_o distinct_a society_n and_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o stop_v the_o infection_n and_o to_o force_v on_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o moral_a and_o civil_a virtue_n when_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o all_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n god_n choose_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o give_v they_o his_o law_n commit_v to_o
end_n explain_v they_o and_o then_o we_o admire_v the_o skill_n and_o art_n of_o the_o poet._n now_o the_o great_a obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n be_v in_o such_o intermediate_v event_n before_o we_o know_v what_o god_n intend_v by_o they_o as_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o of_o it_o have_v we_o hear_v no_o more_o of_o joseph_n but_o that_o he_o be_v sell_v by_o his_o brethren_n into_o egypt_n and_o there_o false_o accuse_v by_o a_o wanton_a mistress_n and_o cast_v into_o prison_n we_o shall_v have_v think_v that_o god_n have_v deal_v very_o hardly_o with_o he_o but_o when_o we_o understand_v that_o all_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o pharaoh_n throne_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v a_o joseph_n thus_o the_o story_n of_o iob_n affliction_n strike_v terror_n and_o astonishment_n into_o all_o that_o hear_v they_o job_n himself_o know_v not_o what_o account_n to_o give_v of_o his_o suffering_n and_o his_o friend_n give_v a_o very_a bad_a one_o by_o false_o and_o uncharitable_o accuse_v job_n of_o some_o unknown_a wickedness_n to_o vindicate_v god_n severity_n towards_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v as_o much_o puzzle_v with_o it_o to_o this_o day_n have_v we_o not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o iob_n suffering_n and_o with_o that_o long_a and_o great_a prosperity_n wherewith_o god_n reward_v his_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o now_o no_o man_n think_v the_o suffering_n of_o job_n any_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n much_o less_o any_o objection_n against_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o single_a man_n when_o we_o see_v only_o a_o scene_n or_o two_o of_o their_o life_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o such_o prosperous_a or_o adverse_a event_n as_o we_o can_v account_v for_o but_o can_v we_o see_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n in_o most_o case_n the_o divine_a providence_n will_v justify_v itself_o but_o then_o the_o hide_a and_o mysterious_a design_n of_o providence_n relate_v to_o church_n and_o kingdom_n which_o comprehend_v so_o many_o great_a and_o wonderful_a revolution_n the_o translation_n of_o empire_n the_o remove_v the_o gospel_n from_o one_o country_n and_o plant_v church_n in_o other_o where_o there_o be_v none_o before_o the_o increase_n and_o flourish_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o one_o age_n and_o its_o great_a declension_n and_o almost_o total_a eclipse_n in_o another_o those_o surprise_v change_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o genius_n temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n in_o several_a age_n the_o unaccountable_a beginning_n of_o war_n and_o the_o as_o unaccountable_a success_n and_o unaccountable_a end_n of_o it_o the_o long_a prosperity_n of_o persecute_v tyrant_n and_o their_o sudden_a fall_n these_o and_o such_o like_a event_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a to_o we_o who_o know_v not_o what_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o all_o this_o nor_o what_o design_n he_o be_v carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n many_o time_n reach_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o nay_o do_v not_o come_v to_o perfection_n in_o many_o age_n and_o yet_o have_v all_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o relation_n to_o each_o other_o and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o some_o last_o great_a end_n the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n as_o mysterious_a book_n as_o they_o be_v and_o as_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v to_o apply_v the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o to_o their_o particular_a event_n yet_o thus_o much_o be_v plain_a in_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o long_a series_n and_o chain_n of_o event_n which_o reach_v from_o age_n to_o age_n with_o infinite_a turn_n and_o variety_n of_o wisdom_n direct_v by_o a_o steady_a and_o unerring_a counsel_n to_o some_o unknown_a but_o glorious_a conclusion_n and_o when_o the_o divine_a counsel_n be_v so_o deep_a and_o mysterious_a and_o so_o far_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n when_o we_o see_v so_o little_a a_o part_n of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o know_v not_o what_o end_n god_n aim_v at_o in_o it_o how_o impossible_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o particular_a event_n have_v we_o a_o certain_a and_o particular_a history_n of_o what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v and_o can_v we_o certain_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n of_o what_o be_v still_o to_o be_v do_v in_o every_o age_n and_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n that_o we_o can_v have_v one_o view_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o wisdom_n beauty_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n but_o when_o our_o account_n of_o what_o be_v pass_v be_v so_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a and_o our_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v much_o more_o imperfect_a than_o of_o what_o be_v past_a when_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o our_o own_o age_n of_o our_o own_o country_n of_o our_o own_o neighbourhood_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n as_o it_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o wise_a contrivance_n and_o design_n of_o a_o comedy_n by_o read_v one_o act_n or_o it_o may_v be_v but_o one_o scene_n of_o that_o act._n this_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n without_o understand_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o for_o what_o end_n every_o thing_n be_v design_v for_o every_o thing_n be_v well_o or_o ill_o contrive_v as_o it_o serve_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o pretend_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n as_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n this_o very_a reason_n st._n paul_n give_v why_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o unsearchable_a 11._o rom._n 33_o 34._o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o who_o have_v be_v his_o counsellor_n 3_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a also_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o while_o we_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a thorough_o to_o comprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o providence_n without_o take_v the_o other_o world_n into_o the_o account_n be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n or_o not_o for_o whether_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o a_o providence_n thing_n be_v as_o they_o be_v and_o if_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o we_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a consequence_n which_o be_v true_a the_o only_a reason_n why_o some_o man_n so_o zealous_o dispute_v against_o a_o providence_n be_v because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o another_o world_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o so_o zealous_o contend_v for_o a_o providence_n be_v to_o support_v ourselves_o against_o all_o cross_a event_n with_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n at_o present_a and_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o more_o bless_a and_o happy_a life_n hereafter_o so_o that_o in_o truth_n this_o dispute_n be_v not_o so_o much_o intend_v against_o providence_n as_o against_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o another_o life_n and_o therefore_o both_o these_o must_v be_v take_v into_o the_o account_n when_o they_o make_v their_o objection_n against_o providence_n or_o all_o their_o argument_n signify_v nothing_o as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o they_o to_o say_v and_o to_o prove_v too_o that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n be_v their_o great_a objection_n as_o no_o man_n can_v give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n as_o infinite_a wisdom_n itself_o can_v account_v for_o for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o difficulty_n which_o we_o can_v particular_o answer_v as_o all_o wise_a man_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o unless_o they_o can_v positive_o prove_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n itself_o can_v answer_v these_o difficulty_n the_o world_n may_v still_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o infinite_o wise_a be_v and_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v this_o for_o nothing_o less_o than_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v tell_v what_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v and_o what_o difficulty_n it_o can_v answer_v which_o show_v how_o vain_a all_o these_o argument_n against_o providence_n be_v which_o at_o last_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o the_o ignorance_n of_o human_a understanding_n that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n because_o
we_o see_v such_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o world_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v infinite_a wisdom_n can_v give_v very_o wise_a reason_n for_o but_o we_o can_v thus_o to_o come_v to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o but_o they_o must_v positive_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n as_o the_o next_o world_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a for_o if_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n must_v in_o many_o case_n be_v whole_o fetch_v from_o the_o other_o world_n if_o we_o must_v live_v in_o another_o world_n when_o we_o remove_v out_o of_o this_o than_o this_o life_n be_v but_o one_o short_a scene_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n be_v chief_o in_o order_n to_o the_o next_o and_o then_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n government_n also_o must_v relate_v to_o the_o next_o world_n and_o if_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o its_o relation_n to_o the_o next_o world_n it_o will_v give_v a_o general_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n and_o give_v we_o a_o satisfactory_a reason_n why_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o particular_a passage_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n the_o general_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o seem_a irregularity_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n will_v be_v rectify_v in_o the_o next_o and_o when_o we_o see_v this_o do_v we_o shall_v then_o see_v the_o wisdom_n of_o what_o we_o now_o call_v the_o irregular_a and_o eccentrick_a motion_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v certain_a this_o may_v be_v so_o and_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v it_o can_v be_v so_o and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n for_o it_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o other_o world_n make_v it_o high_o probable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v another_o world_n believe_v also_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v great_o reward_v and_o the_o wicked_a punish_v in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o we_o christian_n be_v assure_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o by_o the_o express_a revelation_n of_o scripture_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v eternal_o reward_v in_o heaven_n and_o bad_a man_n eternal_o punish_v in_o hell-fire_n and_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o that_o any_o christian_n who_o profess_v to_o believe_v this_o shall_v puzzle_v themselves_o about_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n for_o what_o difficulty_n be_v there_o which_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o eternal_a misery_n will_v not_o answer_v the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n especial_o when_o they_o open_o defy_v god_n and_o religion_n and_o oppress_v all_o within_o their_o power_n and_o persecute_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o poverty_n and_o disgrace_n persecution_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v think_v great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n but_o can_v these_o objector_n but_o look_n into_o the_o next_o world_n and_o see_v dives_n torment_v in_o flame_n and_o hear_v he_o beg_v only_o for_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n can_v they_o see_v lazarus_n in_o abraham_n bosom_n no_o long_o beg_v a_o alm_n but_o entertain_v with_o all_o the_o delight_n of_o paradise_n can_v they_o see_v the_o punishment_n of_o tyrant_n persecutor_n and_o oppressor_n and_o the_o glorious_a crown_n of_o martyr_n will_v they_o then_o any_o long_o complain_v of_o providence_n will_v they_o think_v god_n too_o kind_a to_o bad_a man_n or_o too_o hard_a and_o severe_a to_o the_o good_a if_o the_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o next_o world_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n at_o all_o in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o some_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o good_a in_o this_o world_n for_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v so_o much_o for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o for_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v in_o it_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o who_o know_v not_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o unfit_a judge_n of_o this_o leave_v room_n for_o god_n as_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n shall_v direct_v to_o exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o bad_a man_n to_o make_v they_o the_o minister_n and_o executioner_n of_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o a_o wicked_a world_n or_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o sin_n and_o folly_n of_o good_a man_n to_o rectify_v the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o govern_v their_o passion_n to_o exercise_v and_o improve_v their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v bad_a man_n good_a and_o to_o make_v good_a man_n better_a and_o to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o government_n and_o providence_n by_o both_o so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n give_v a_o general_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o call_v any_o thing_n a_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n which_o the_o other_o world_n will_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n as_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o without_o another_o life_n we_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o know_v that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o if_o this_o life_n have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o next_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n in_o many_o case_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o next_o world_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o atheist_n dispute_v with_o a_o christian_a against_o providence_n if_o he_o will_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n he_o must_v dispute_v against_o providence_n upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o another_o life_n and_o prove_v that_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o world_n can_v vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o issue_n and_o they_o will_v find_v little_a to_o say_v which_o will_v give_v any_o trouble_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o answer_v but_o after_o all_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o the_o other_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o passage_n of_o providence_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o next_o world_n i_o say_v which_o relate_v to_o the_o next_o world_n which_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o all_o to_o good_a man_n the_o belief_n of_o another_o life_n will_v answer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n which_o concern_v this_o life_n but_o those_o difficulty_n which_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n it_o can_v answer_v but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v answer_v such_o difficulty_n viz._n because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v enough_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o they_o here_o but_o to_o stay_v till_o we_o come_v into_o the_o next_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o will_v be_v no_o difficulty_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o very_o great_a one_o and_o that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o life_n but_o the_o whole_a difficulty_n of_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o next_o life_n that_o since_o all_o man_n have_v immortal_a soul_n and_o must_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o god_n shall_v for_o so_o many_o age_n suffer_v the_o whole_a world_n except_v the_o jew_n to_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o in_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n that_o christ_n come_v so_o late_o into_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o that_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n still_o be_v pagan_n and_o mahometan_n nay_o that_o so_o little_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n retain_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n a_o great_a difficulty_n than_o any_o present_a evil_n and_o calamity_n because_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o reach_v to_o eternity_n but_o then_o the_o whole_a difficulty_n be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o we_o know_v not_o
heart_n he_o who_o intend_v and_o resolve_v it_o and_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o opportunity_n to_o commit_v adultery_n be_v a_o adulterer_n if_o god_n then_o must_v not_o permit_v sin_n he_o must_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o will_n and_o to_o choose_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a for_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n herein_o the_o immorality_n of_o the_o act_n consist_v consider_v then_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v that_o god_n must_v not_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n but_o must_v always_o over-rule_v their_o mind_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o refuse_v the_o evil_n but_o will_v any_o one_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o govern_v man_n like_o man_n be_v this_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o free_a agent_n to_o take_v away_o their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o choice_n do_v government_n signify_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v do_v this_o become_v god_n to_o make_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o to_o govern_v he_o by_o necessity_n and_o force_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o keep_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o thrust_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n too_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o choice_n there_o can_v be_v neither_o moral_a good_a nor_o evil_a and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o more_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o it_o banish_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n i_o grant_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o external_a action_n direct_v and_o influence_n their_o counsel_n suggest_v wise_a thought_n to_o they_o excite_v good_a man_n to_o great_a and_o virtuous_a action_n and_o lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n turn_v their_o heart_n change_v their_o counsel_n and_o divert_v they_o from_o ill-laid_a design_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v no_o external_a restraint_n on_o they_o and_o the_o pursue_v such_o counsel_n will_v be_v very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o such_o case_n god_n may_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o influence_n govern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o to_o make_v they_o good_a but_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v such_o good_a as_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o do_v and_o to_o chain_v up_o their_o passion_n that_o they_o may_v not_o do_v that_o hurt_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a above_o and_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o this_o 3._o which_o unbecome_v the_o wise_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n sometime_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n to_o govern_v the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v able_a to_o will_n and_o choose_v than_o they_o be_v to_o do_v what_o they_o themselves_o please_v for_o though_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n he_o have_v not_o whole_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n but_o that_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a he_o can_v lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o he_o or_o clap_v a_o counter_a bias_n upon_o his_o mind_n which_o shall_v lead_v he_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o lust_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a world_n though_o god_n have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o natural_a virtue_n and_o quality_n and_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n suffer_v they_o to_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n yet_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n to_o reverse_v its_o law_n or_o suspend_v its_o influence_n by_o a_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o do_v this_o in_o the_o moral_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a world_n when_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o but_o though_o god_n may_v thus_o sometime_o by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o chain_v up_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o free_a agent_n and_o it_o will_v no_o more_o become_v god_n always_o to_o over-rule_v man_n will_n in_o this_o manner_n than_o it_o will_v always_o to_o overpower_v nature_n and_o to_o govern_v the_o natural_a world_n not_o by_o its_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n but_o by_o constant_a miracle_n and_o if_o the_o ordinary_a and_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o reasonable_a and_o free_a agent_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n permit_v man_n to_o choose_v wicked_o that_o he_o do_v not_o always_o by_o a_o irresistible_a and_o sovereign_a power_n hinder_v the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n give_v man_n all_o those_o internal_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o lay_v all_o those_o internal_a restraint_n upon_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n though_o we_o know_v not_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o this_o we_o know_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o he_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v he_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o and_o bad_a man_n themselves_o if_o they_o will_v but_o confess_v what_o they_o feel_v must_v tell_v you_o what_o struggle_n they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n before_o they_o can_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n how_o in_o some_o case_n especial_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n natural_a modesty_n in_o other_o natural_a pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o other_o a_o natural_a greatness_n and_o generosity_n of_o mind_n give_v check_v to_o they_o how_o at_o first_o they_o blush_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o wickedness_n and_o be_v reproach_v by_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o it_o how_o they_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n or_o some_o present_a vengeance_n to_o overtake_v they_o and_o can_v never_o sin_v secure_o till_o they_o have_v laugh_v away_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o of_o another_o world_n such_o care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o make_v sin_n uneasy_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o after_o all_o they_o will_v be_v wicked_a as_o free_a agent_n may_v be_v if_o they_o will_v this_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n of_o providence_n to_o leave_v free_a agent_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n two_o as_o for_o the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o god_n permit_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v such_o as_o theft_n murder_n adultery_n perjury_n and_o the_o like_a now_o this_o require_v a_o different_a consideration_n for_o in_o human_a government_n this_o be_v think_v a_o great_a miscarriage_n to_o suffer_v any_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v which_o we_o can_v hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o no_o man_n will_v be_v think_v innocent_a much_o less_o a_o prince_n who_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n murder_v a_o virgin_n deflower_v a_o robbery_n or_o any_o other_o villainy_n commit_v without_o interpose_v to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n which_o see_v and_o observe_v and_o can_v easy_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n as_o it_o daily_o permit_v now_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v 1._o that_o god_n can_v always_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n without_o a_o perpetual_a violation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o a_o ordinary_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o when_o jeroboam_fw-la in_o great_a anger_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o prophet_n
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as_o to_o the_o true_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o life_n they_o enjoy_v the_o same_o earth_n and_o air_n and_o heaven_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n make_v the_o poor_a man_n meat_n and_o drink_n as_o pleasant_a and_o refresh_a as_o all_o the_o variety_n which_o cover_v a_o rich_a man_n table_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v more_o healthful_a and_o many_o time_n more_o pleasant_a too_o than_o the_o ease_n and_o softness_n of_o the_o rich_a to_o be_v sure_o much_o more_o easy_a than_o the_o care_n and_o solicitude_n the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n discontent_n and_o envy_n and_o emulation_n which_o common_o attend_v a_o exalt_v fortune_n these_o indeed_o at_o best_a be_v but_o mean_a pleasure_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o low_a pleasure_n a_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o entertain_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n think_v it_o worth_a live_n to_o enjoy_v they_o nay_o most_o man_n know_v little_a 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fond_a of_o this_o body_n nor_o of_o this_o world_n for_o they_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o body_n nor_o be_v they_o confine_v to_o this_o world_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o when_o we_o get_v loose_a from_o these_o body_n our_o intellectual_a faculty_n will_v be_v vast_o improve_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o we_o now_o do_v and_o discover_v new_a and_o bright_a glory_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o mortal_a eye_n but_o yet_o the_o pleasure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o great_a and_o ravish_a and_o therefore_o we_o either_o do_v or_o may_v enjoy_v at_o present_a such_o pleasure_n as_o make_v life_n very_o desirable_a be_v there_o no_o other_o
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they_o be_v so_o sensible_a how_o much_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n that_o one_o god_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o but_o they_o want_v as_o many_o god_n not_o only_o as_o there_o be_v nation_n but_o as_o they_o have_v want_n to_o supply_v this_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n and_o proclaim_v by_o the_o whole_a visible_a creation_n but_o yet_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o so_o prevail_a that_o their_o wise_a philosopher_n who_o have_v better_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o torrent_n and_o dare_v not_o open_o oppose_v the_o worship_n of_o those_o country_n god_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o popular_a rage_n and_o fury_n now_o when_o neither_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o of_o a_o common_a providence_n can_v secure_v the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n 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be_v make_v or_o have_v any_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a cause_n must_v confess_v that_o miracle_n have_v a_o cause_n because_o they_o see_v they_o produce_v and_o that_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o nature_n because_o they_o see_v they_o produce_v without_o any_o natural_a cause_n or_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o chance_v and_o accident_n because_o they_o be_v do_v at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n at_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n as_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o egypt_n be_v wrought_v at_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n who_o word_n have_v no_o natural_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o it_o to_o work_v wonder_n and_o therefore_o miracle_n certain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a intelligent_a cause_n who_o if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o world_n can_v have_v make_v it_o if_o he_o have_v please_v for_o whoever_o can_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n act_n without_o or_o against_o nature_n can_v create_v nature_n too_o for_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o nature_n can_v do_v be_v in_o that_o particular_a to_o make_v nature_n and_o he_o who_o can_v make_v nature_n in_o one_o instance_n can_v do_v so_o in_o all_o and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v when_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o can_v make_v the_o world_n and_o that_o superior_a power_n he_o exercise_v over_o nature_n prove_v that_o he_o both_o can_v and_o do_v govern_v the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a government_n of_o nature_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v give_v new_a power_n to_o it_o or_o suspend_v and_o reverse_v its_o law_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o supernatural_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v can_v be_v a_o atheist_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o atheist_n be_v such_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wonder_n that_o they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o reject_v all_o those_o authentic_a relation_n we_o have_v of_o miracle_n both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o no_o more_o than_o history_n and_o have_v obtain_v the_o most_o universal_a belief_n especial_o this_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a in_o those_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o deism_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n for_o can_v that_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v nature_n act_n without_o or_o above_o or_o against_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v and_o may_v it_o not_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o do_v this_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o more_o abundant_a conviction_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v sink_v into_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n when_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v necessary_a to_o 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we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n but_o atheism_n be_v not_o the_o disease_n of_o that_o age_n which_o have_v run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o though_o miracle_n do_v prove_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v principal_o intend_v to_o prove_v the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o no_o other_o god_n can_v do_v such_o as_o make_v the_o egyptian_a magician_n confess_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v be_v take_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n than_o such_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a power_n superior_a to_o 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usurp_a power_n as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v resist_v but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o submit_v when_o we_o can_v resist_v and_o when_o by_o such_o submission_n new_a kingdom_n be_v erect_v and_o we_o be_v become_v the_o subject_n of_o new_a power_n than_o providence_n have_v change_v our_o relation_n and_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o submit_v four_o there_o be_v another_o inquiry_n also_o of_o great_a moment_n how_o our_o submission_n to_o providence_n under_o all_o our_o suffering_n and_o change_n of_o fortune_n require_v we_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o man_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o instrument_n of_o such_o misfortune_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v such_o thing_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o man_n who_o do_v they_o why_o shall_v we_o punish_v they_o why_o shall_v we_o revenge_v ourselves_o of_o they_o when_o they_o only_o execute_v the_o divine_a counsel_n and_o do_v what_o god_n see_v fit_a that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v do_v not_o joseph_n thus_o excuse_v his_o brethren_n for_o sell_v he_o into_o egypt_n that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o send_v he_o thither_o and_o do_v not_o david_n for_o this_o reason_n forbear_v his_o revenge_n on_o shimei_n let_v he_o curse_v for_o god_n have_v say_v unto_o he_o curse_n david_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v short_a and_o plain_a that_o god_n overrule_a man_n wickedness_n to_o serve_v wise_a and_o good_a end_n do_v not_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n nor_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o wickedness_n the_o sin_n be_v their_o own_o though_o it_o be_v wise_o order_v by_o god_n for_o our_o trial_n or_o correction_n but_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o god_n make_v no_o change_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n action_n nor_o in_o their_o desert_n god_n himself_o will_v punish_v their_o wickedness_n though_o he_o serve_v wise_a end_n by_o it_o and_o have_v 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we_o nothing_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o man_n for_o but_o their_o own_o wickedness_n that_o we_o suffer_v though_o we_o suffer_v by_o their_o wickedness_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o do_n as_o god_n who_o order_v these_o suffering_n for_o we_o and_o without_o who_o order_n and_o appointment_n no_o man_n can_v hurt_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o man_n for_o our_o suffering_n but_o reverence_n god_n whatever_o their_o personal_a hatred_n or_o malice_n or_o revenge_n be_v how_o much_o soever_o they_o intend_v or_o desire_v to_o do_v we_o hurt_v we_o may_v secure_o despise_v they_o as_o out_o of_o their_o reach_n for_o we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o if_o our_o suffering_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o man_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v angry_a with_o man_n for_o what_o we_o suffer_v why_o shall_v we_o revenge_v our_o suffering_n on_o they_o when_o we_o suffer_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v angry_a at_o their_o wickedness_n and_o at_o their_o ill_a will_n to_o we_o but_o humble_o submit_v to_o our_o suffering_n as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o this_o will_v calm_v and_o temper_v our_o passion_n because_o it_o leave_v so_o little_a of_o self_n in_o our_o anger_n and_o resentment_n let_v man_n be_v as_o angry_a with_o wickedness_n as_o they_o please_v and_o punish_v it_o as_o it_o deserve_v this_o be_v a_o virtuous_a anger_n and_o never_o transport_v man_n to_o excess_n it_o be_v self-love_n which_o inflame_v our_o anger_n and_o sharpen_v our_o revenge_n not_o that_o such_o wickedness_n be_v commit_v but_o that_o we_o be_v the_o sufferer_n by_o it_o for_o man_n be_v never_o so_o angry_a in_o another_o man_n cause_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o though_o the_o wickedness_n the_o affront_n the_o injury_n be_v the_o same_o but_o personal_a injury_n and_o affront_v be_v most_o provoke_v that_o be_v we_o love_v ourselves_o more_o than_o we_o hate_v wickedness_n when_o our_o anger_n be_v excessive_a but_o now_o if_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o we_o with_o they_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o suffer_v if_o all_o this_o be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n here_o be_v little_a room_n for_o personal_a resentment_n for_o that_o we_o suffer_v by_o their_o wickedness_n be_v god_n do_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o they_o for_o but_o that_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o than_o though_o our_o own_o suffering_n will_v give_v we_o a_o great_a sense_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o make_v we_o more_o personal_o concern_v to_o punish_v it_o yet_o our_o passion_n will_v be_v more_o gentle_a and_o easy_a the_o more_o we_o attribute_v our_o suffering_n to_o god_n and_o the_o less_o to_o men._n second_o another_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n be_v a_o entire_a trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n the_o state_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v all_o dependence_n and_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v be_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o dependent_a state_n and_o can_v in_o reason_n have_v no_o other_o object_n but_o that_o be_v on_o who_o we_o depend_v the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v all_o other_o dependency_n be_v vain_a because_o none_o else_o can_v help_v we_o but_o god_n have_v all_o event_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o can_v help_v we_o if_o he_o please_v and_o he_o will_v help_v we_o if_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o the_o scripture_n abound_v with_o exhortation_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n with_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o do_v trust_v in_o he_o with_o example_n of_o god_n care_n and_o protection_n of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o make_v he_o their_o only_a hope_n and_o trust_v but_o yet_o the_o duty_n itself_o need_v some_o explication_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o what_o be_v the_o various_a act_n of_o it_o or_o wherein_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o consist_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o the_o divine_a providence_n what_o it_o be_v to_o hope_v and_o trust_v and_o depend_v on_o god_n or_o man_n we_o all_o know_v and_o feel_v but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o it_o be_v we_o must_v trust_v god_n for_o and_o how_o far_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o he_o for_o must_v we_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o do_v if_o suppose_v we_o have_v a_o child_n or_o a_o friend_n dangerous_o sick_a must_v we_o firm_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v spare_v their_o life_n and_o restore_v their_o health_n if_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o do_v it_o must_v a_o merchant_n confident_o expect_v a_o safe_a and_o advantageous_a voyage_n if_o he_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o it_o have_v god_n any_o where_o promise_v to_o give_v we_o whatever_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o or_o do_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o providence_n infer_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o yet_o what_o do_v trust_n in_o god_n signify_v if_o we_o must_v not_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o want_v and_o desire_v and_o trust_v he_o for_o what_o do_v all_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n signify_v if_o they_o give_v we_o no_o security_n that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v our_o desire_n of_o god_n nay_o indeed_o how_o can_v any_o man_n hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o he_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o he_o shall_v obtain_v what_o he_o hope_v for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o make_v most_o man_n so_o distrustful_a of_o providence_n that_o though_o they_o talk_v
and_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n can_v fear_v no_o evil_a be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o solicitous_a care_n be_v content_v in_o every_o condition_n as_o allot_v he_o by_o god_n nay_o be_v patient_a under_o suffering_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o correction_n or_o discipline_n of_o a_o kind_a father_n he_o consider_v how_o much_o good_a he_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o how_o far_o it_o exceed_v all_o the_o evil_n he_o suffer_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n still_o as_o job_n do_v for_o shall_v we_o receive_v good_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a especial_o when_o the_o good_a we_o receive_v prove_v the_o very_a evil_n we_o suffer_v to_o be_v good_a because_o they_o be_v inflict_v by_o a_o good_a god_n all_o these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o can_v be_v have_v without_o it_o they_o belong_v to_o that_o submission_n to_o god_n and_o trust_v in_o his_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o explain_v but_o it_o be_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o awaken_v that_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o god_n which_o exercise_v all_o these_o virtue_n and_o give_v we_o the_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o they_o thus_o when_o god_n lose_v his_o praise_n we_o lose_v the_o ease_n and_o security_n of_o our_o life_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o the_o world_n also_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o god_n government_n which_o as_o much_o disappoint_v the_o wise_a design_n of_o providence_n not_o to_o own_o our_o benefactor_n be_v to_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o dependence_n which_o make_v all_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lose_v on_o sinner_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v affect_v any_o man_n can_v lead_v he_o to_o repentance_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n nor_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n if_o it_o be_v not_o own_v this_o spoil_v the_o very_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o we_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o use_v to_o our_o own_o happiness_n without_o own_v and_o praise_v the_o giver_n of_o they_o he_o who_o remember_v that_o he_o receive_v all_o from_o god_n and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o bounty_n in_o give_v will_v use_v the_o good_a thing_n he_o receive_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gift_n god_n do_v not_o give_v man_n riches_n mere_o to_o look_v on_o or_o to_o imprison_v or_o to_o spend_v on_o their_o lust_n nor_o advance_v they_o to_o honour_n to_o make_v they_o proud_a and_o insolent_a nor_o give_v they_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o this_o world_n to_o make_v they_o forget_v the_o next_o he_o who_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o blessing_n can_v do_v this_o for_o this_o be_v the_o high_a ingratitude_n to_o affront_v and_o provoke_v god_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o what_o he_o give_v and_o he_o who_o do_v thus_o lose_v the_o blessing_n though_o he_o have_v the_o gift_n a_o covetous_a man_n be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o his_o riches_n because_o he_o can_v use_v they_o and_o a_o voluptuous_a man_n be_v much_o the_o worse_o because_o he_o use_v they_o to_o his_o own_o hurt_n when_o high_a place_n and_o dignity_n make_v man_n proud_a and_o insolent_a it_o forfeit_v the_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o he_o who_o forget_v and_o by_o forget_v lose_v the_o next_o world_n have_v a_o very_a hard_a purchase_n of_o this_o nay_o such_o man_n do_v not_o only_o disappoint_v god_n goodness_n to_o themselves_o but_o frustrate_v the_o gracious_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o other_o for_o those_o who_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n but_o be_v very_o unthankful_a to_o god_n for_o what_o they_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v any_o good_a that_o they_o general_o do_v great_a mischief_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o themselves_o those_o who_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o receive_v all_o from_o god_n and_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o god_n steward_n which_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n but_o a_o great_a trust_n too_o and_o require_v faithfulness_n in_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n who_o have_v so_o liberal_o provide_v for_o they_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o imitate_v his_o goodness_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n and_o undertake_v the_o patronage_n of_o those_o who_o want_v their_o help_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n deserve_v it_o but_o a_o unthankful_a man_n have_v no_o more_o regard_n to_o his_o fellow_n creature_n than_o he_o have_v to_o god_n a_o covetous_a man_n who_o will_v not_o supply_v his_o own_o want_n to_o be_v sure_o will_v not_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o other_o and_o if_o a_o voluptuous_a man_n do_v any_o kindness_n the_o receiver_n pay_v dear_a for_o it_o for_o he_o make_v they_o the_o partner_n or_o instrument_n of_o his_o lust_n a_o rich_a sinner_n help_v to_o debauch_v a_o whole_a neighbourhood_n and_o a_o powerful_a sinner_n to_o oppress_v they_o and_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n tell_v we_o what_o mischief_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n do_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a and_o unthankful_a man_n this_o i_o think_v may_v satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v not_o only_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n as_o become_v creature_n but_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o own_o happiness_n to_o our_o wise_a improvement_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o god_n to_o recall_v his_o gift_n to_o take_v away_o what_o he_o have_v give_v to_o unthankful_a man_n and_o to_o give_v they_o no_o more_o not_o only_o because_o they_o disow_v their_o benefactor_n but_o because_o they_o abuse_v all_o that_o he_o give_v they_o to_o their_o own_o and_o to_o other_o man_n hurt_n all_o that_o he_o give_v be_v lose_v on_o they_o he_o lose_v the_o praise_n and_o they_o themselves_o and_o every_o body_n else_o the_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v this_o discourse_n of_o providence_n whereby_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v a_o providence_n that_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v ignorant_a mistake_v and_o that_o nothing_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o ease_n and_o comfort_n and_o good_a government_n of_o our_o life_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n the_o end_n errata_fw-la page_n 11._o line_n 3._o r._n and_o that_o p._n 13._o l._n 27._o del_o make_v p._n 38._o l._n 17._o for_o or_o r._n and_o uniform_a p._n 97._o l._n 34._o r._n counsel_n p._n 189._o l._n 14._o f._n on_o r._n of_o p._n 208._o l._n 4._o f._n shall_v r._n shall_v p._n 227._o l._n 3._o f._n end_n r._n mean_n p._n 272._o l._n 9_o r._n victory_n p._n 273._o l._n 3._o f._n that_o r._n the._n l._n 17._o f._n or_o r._n and._n p._n 280._o l._n 30._o r._n undeniable_a p._n 287._o l._n 25._o r._n virtue_n p._n 291._o l._n 16._o r._n that_o p._n 327._o l._n 31._o r._n messiah_n l._n 33._o r._n whatever_o p._n 332._o l._n 26._o f._n a_o r._n on_o p._n 344._o l._n 19_o r._n foot_n p._n 338_o l._n 34._o r._n reasonable_a p._n 340._o l._n 20._o r._n nemesis_n p._n 353._o l._n 2._o r._n how_o severe_a soever_o l._n 22._o deal_n most_o book_n publish_v by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n sherlock_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n a_o answer_n to_o a_o discourse_n entitle_v papist_n protest_v against_o protestant_a popery_n second_o edition_n quarto_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o amicable_a accommodation_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o representer_n and_o the_o answerer_n quarto_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_n dr._n calamy_n quarto_n a_o vindication_n of_o some_o protestant_a principle_n of_o church-unity_n and_o catholic_n communion_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n quarto_n a_o preservative_n against_o poperty_n in_o two_o part_n with_o the_o vindication_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o cavil_n of_o lewis_n salran_n jesuit_n quarto_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n first_o part_n quarto_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord-mayor_n november_n four_o 1688._o quarto_fw-la a_o vindication_n
the_o will_n be_v move_v how_o it_o be_v determine_v or_o determine_v itself_o whether_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o nature_n it_o always_o necessary_o choose_v what_o it_o choose_v or_o may_v have_v not_o choose_v or_o have_v choose_v any_o thing_n else_o now_o whatever_o other_o man_n may_v do_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v concern_v i_o other_o make_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o necessity_n and_o fate_n who_o by_o eternal_a and_o irreversible_a decree_n as_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o he_o as_o his_o own_o be_v have_v determine_v whatever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o know_v this_o without_o a_o immediate_a vision_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o the_o naked_a essence_n of_o god_n his_o attribute_n and_o moral_a perfection_n give_v we_o no_o notice_n of_o such_o fatal_a decree_n his_o wisdom_n holiness_n justice_n goodness_n 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the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n 25._o prov._n 2._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o therefore_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n forbid_v too_o curious_a a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o sophronius_n give_v a_o wise_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o we_o be_v all_o bear_v of_o mortal_a parent_n and_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o a_o infinite_a immortal_a be_v must_v be_v above_o we_o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o zophar_n give_v vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a though_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n 11._o job_n 12._o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n too_o great_a for_o our_o birth_n if_o our_o natural_a capacity_n bear_v proportion_n to_o it_o for_o god_n must_v be_v a_o very_a little_a be_v himself_o can_v he_o be_v comprehend_v by_o such_o mean_a creature_n but_o that_o which_o i_o at_o present_a intend_v be_v only_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v that_o the_o divine_a counse_n that_o the_o event_n and_o reason_n of_o providence_n shall_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o and_o i_o hope_v that_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v conceal_v they_o if_o he_o can_v so_o wise_o govern_v the_o world_n without_o it_o i_o will_v desire_v those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o quarrel_v at_o providence_n and_o to_o take_v it_o so_o very_a ill_n that_o god_n do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v it_o present_o understand_v to_o sit_v down_o and_o agree_v among_o themselves_o how_o they_o will_v have_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v with_o but_o let_v they_o consider_v well_o of_o it_o beforehand_o that_o upon_o 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providence_n as_o constant_a and_o regular_a and_o unchangeable_a as_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n as_o the_o return_v of_o day_n and_o night_n of_o winter_n and_o summer_n and_o when_o they_o see_v all_o thing_n happen_v thus_o even_o and_o regular_o will_v they_o then_o promise_v to_o believe_v a_o providence_n i_o mighty_o suspect_v that_o they_o will_v be_v far_o from_o believe_v a_o providence_n then_o than_o they_o be_v now_o we_o see_v that_o the_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o uniform_a production_n of_o nature_n which_o so_o seldom_o vary_v that_o it_o be_v think_v portentous_a and_o ominous_a if_o they_o do_v can_v convince_v they_o that_o god_n govern_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n as_o far_o as_o all_o their_o virtue_n and_o power_n move_v and_o act_v uniform_o by_o constant_a and_o unerring_a law_n and_o if_o the_o regular_a uniformity_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o think_v by_o these_o man_n a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n i_o doubt_v a_o constant_a and_o uniform_a round_n of_o all_o event_n will_v be_v think_v much_o less_o so_o those_o who_o now_o resolve_v all_o the_o uncertain_a change_n and_o revolution_n that_o happen_v into_o necessity_n and_o fate_n will_v have_v more_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o do_v providence_n always_o show_v the_o same_o face_n and_o appearance_n as_o the_o heaven_n do_v but_o can_v they_o tell_v what_o kind_n of_o uniformity_n and_o stability_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v will_v please_v they_o will_v they_o have_v all_o man_n fortune_n equal_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o distinction_n between_o rich_a and_o poor_a high_a and_o low_a prince_n and_o subject_n the_o honourable_a and_o the_o vile_a i_o believe_v few_o of_o they_o will_v like_v such_o a_o level_a providence_n which_o as_o the_o state_n of_o
mankind_n now_o be_v will_v destroy_v the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o most_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n and_o yet_o without_o this_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o uniform_a towards_o man_n as_o it_o be_v towards_o beast_n and_o those_o who_o fare_v worse_o than_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o will_v still_o complain_v if_o then_o providence_n must_v not_o deal_v alike_o by_o all_o man_n do_v they_o mean_v by_o the_o uniformity_n and_o stability_n of_o providence_n that_o man_n fortune_n whatever_o they_o be_v shall_v always_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o rich_a and_o prosperous_a shall_v always_o be_v rich_a and_o prosperous_a and_o the_o poor_a always_o poor_a and_o beggar_n and_o slave_n unless_o these_o objector_n be_v all_o rich_a and_o happy_a i_o doubt_v they_o will_v never_o agree_v to_o this_o for_o the_o poor_a and_o miserable_a must_v needs_o think_v it_o hard_a usage_n to_o be_v always_o 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so_o that_o when_o man_n complain_v of_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o instability_n of_o fortune_n as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o complain_v of_o they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o be_v it_o put_v to_o their_o own_o choice_n what_o to_o have_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o know_v how_o to_o mend_v the_o matter_n the_o wise_a government_n of_o free_a agent_n who_o so_o often_o change_v themselves_o require_v very_o frequent_a sudden_a surprise_v turn_v of_o providence_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o invisible_a to_o we_o as_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o their_o most_o secret_a intrigue_n and_o counsel_n till_o we_o can_v make_v man_n all_o move_v alike_o as_o regular_o and_o uniform_o as_o the_o heavenly_a body_n do_v it_o be_v a_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a complaint_n that_o providence_n do_v not_o act_v regular_o and_o that_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o another_o great_a complaint_n against_o providence_n be_v that_o good_a man_n be_v not_o always_o reward_v nor_o bad_a man_n punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n that_o many_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o some_o good_a man_n great_a sufferer_n that_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n 9_o eccl._n 2._o this_o make_v the_o event_n of_o providence_n very_o sudden_a mysterious_a and_o unaccountable_a that_o no_o man_n know_v what_o course_n to_o take_v to_o make_v his_o life_n easy_a and_o prosperous_a for_o whether_o he_o be_v good_a or_o wicked_a he_o may_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a as_o it_o happen_v as_o for_o the_o objection_n itself_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o more_o hereafter_o but_o at_o present_a i_o will_v only_o ask_v these_o objector_n whether_o to_o remove_v these_o difficulty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o providence_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o event_n they_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_a desire_n that_o god_n will_v reduce_v this_o matter_n to_o a_o certainty_n by_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n and_o reward_v all_o good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n if_o they_o do_v i_o must_v tell_v they_o as_o christ_n tell_v the_o two_o brethren_n who_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v sit_v one_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n you_o ask_v you_o know_v not_o what_o they_o ask_v the_o most_o dangerous_a thing_n that_o can_v possible_o befall_v mankind_n and_o what_o they_o ask_v will_v be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n a_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n than_o what_o they_o complain_v of_o shall_v every_o sinner_n be_v punish_v in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o his_o desert_n what_o man_n be_v there_o so_o just_a and_o innocent_a as_o to_o escape_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n if_o thou_o lord_n shall_v mark_v iniquity_n o_o lord_n who_o shall_v stand_v 130._o psal._n 3_o be_v every_o sinner_n punish_v as_o he_o deserve_v i_o doubt_v there_o will_v be_v no_o good_a man_n leave_v to_o be_v reward_v for_o where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o do_v good_a and_o sin_v not_o what_o room_n do_v this_o leave_n for_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n for_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n for_o god_n pardoning-grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o what_o a_o terrible_a providence_n be_v this_o how_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o kind_n and_o gracious_a government_n of_o his_o creature_n i_o grant_v god_n may_v exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n he_o may_v forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o true_a penitent_n and_o yet_o punish_v 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