prerogative_n act_n and_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o we_o must_v seek_v no_o far_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o thing_n than_o the_o sovereign_n will_v of_o god_n as_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n while_o he_o keep_v within_o the_o legal_a exercise_n of_o his_o prerogative_n needs_o give_v no_o other_o account_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o will_v not_o be_v so_o civil_a to_o god_n as_o they_o be_v to_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n to_o take_v his_o sole_a will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n for_o a_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o quarrel_n about_o these_o prerogative_n act_n and_o ask_v a_o great_a many_o foolish_a question_n and_o make_v a_o great_a many_o impertinent_a objection_n even_o against_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o free_a and_o sovereign_a goodness_n now_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n the_o right_n of_o a_o sovereign_n to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o he_o beyond_o his_o own_o will_n for_o the_o act_n of_o pure_a sovereignty_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v grant_v these_o man_n that_o though_o in_o all_o such_o case_n we_o must_v ask_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o the_o mere_a will_n of_o god_n yet_o god_n never_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o some_o man_n do_v but_o have_v always_o wise_a and_o hide_a reason_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o though_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n a_o just_a satisfaction_n to_o other_o objection_n yet_o methinks_v where_o they_o ought_v to_o demand_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v abundant_o satisfy_v they_o to_o know_v that_o though_o this_o will_n of_o god_n be_v sovereign_a and_o unaccountable_a it_o be_v always_o guide_v by_o infinite_a and_o infallible_a wisdom_n that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o prerogative_n act_v of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n goodness_n indeed_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o sovereign_a act_n of_o goodness_n which_o no_o creature_n can_v challenge_v from_o god_n which_o god_n may_v not_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o have_v be_v very_o good_a and_o why_o god_n exercise_v such_o free_a and_o prerogative_n act_v of_o goodness_n must_v be_v resolve_v whole_o into_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will._n this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o that_o mysterious_a goodness_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v therefore_o every_o where_o in_o scripture_n call_v grace_n and_o free_a grace_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n tell_v we_o 38._o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o do_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o our_o redemption_n 11._o be_v call_v the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o thus_o be_v every_o part_n of_o our_o redemption_n 18._o as_o our_o new-birth_n of_o his_o own_o will_v he_o have_v beget_v we_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n 4._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 good_a pleasure_n 13._o all_o which_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o these_o be_v such_o prerogative_n act_v of_o goodness_n as_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n of_o but_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n now_o in_o such_o sovereign_a act_n of_o goodness_n as_o these_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o the_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o administration_n be_v all_o perfect_o free_a and_o voluntary_a where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v up_o himself_o by_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o god_n have_v very_o wise_a reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v but_o must_v not_o critical_o examine_v whether_o every_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o we_o can_v think_v on_o which_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o a_o great_a many_o foolish_a inquiry_n with_o which_o man_n perplex_v themselves_o and_o disparage_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o why_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n whether_o there_o be_v no_o other_o possible_a way_n to_o save_v sinner_n or_o whether_o this_o be_v absolute_o the_o best_a why_o god_n send_v christ_n so_o late_o into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o last_o day_n when_o it_o grow_v near_o its_o end_n and_o so_o many_o generation_n of_o man_n have_v perish_v in_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n before_o his_o appearance_n why_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n have_v never_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a question_n as_o these_o to_o all_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reply_v that_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v inquire_v no_o far_o than_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v god_n never_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n nor_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v for_o he_o do_v not_o owe_v such_o a_o saviour_n to_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o his_o gospel_n be_v not_o universal_o receive_v by_o mankind_n sovereign_n grace_n be_v free_a and_o unaccountable_a and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o such_o stupendous_a goodness_n be_v administer_v by_o as_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n unerring_a wisdom_n especial_o in_o such_o case_n where_o we_o have_v no_o right_a to_o inquire_v beyond_o his_o will._n when_o we_o receive_v all_o from_o god_n without_o his_o owe_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o good_a answer_n st._n paul_n give_v who_o have_v first_o give_v unto_o he_o 36._o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n thus_o the_o divine_a justice_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v punish_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n but_o then_o he_o execute_v justice_n with_o a_o free_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o manner_n of_o punish_v sinner_n as_o the_o inferior_a minister_n of_o justice_n be_v but_o when_o man_n have_v make_v themselves_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n than_o god_n may_v punish_v soon_o or_o late_a public_o or_o private_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v without_o give_v any_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o his_o own_o will._n god_n have_v more_o reason_n of_o punish_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n than_o mere_o to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o punish_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o may_v most_o advance_v his_o own_o name_n and_o glory_n and_o do_v most_o good_a in_o the_o world_n thus_o god_n tell_v pharaoh_n for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o raise_v thou_o up_o that_o be_v either_o advance_v thou_o to_o the_o throne_n or_o preserve_v thy_o life_n thus_o long_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o plague_n i_o have_v bring_v upon_o thy_o land_n for_o to_o show_v in_o thou_o my_o power_n and_o that_o my_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n 16._o that_o be_v to_o take_v such_o a_o remarkable_a vengeance_n on_o thou_o as_o may_v make_v all_o the_o earth_n confess_v my_o glory_n will_v man_n but_o allow_n god_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o sovereign_n who_o can_v spare_v and_o reprieve_v nay_o pardon_v in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o imputation_n of_o injustice_n it_o will_v answer_v all_o the_o cavil_v objection_n against_o providence_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o punishment_n of_o bad_a man_n god_n may_v then_o be_v allow_v to_o execute_v speedy_a vengeance_n upon_o some_o sinner_n and_o to_o delay_v the_o punishment_n of_o other_o and_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v prosperous_a for_o a_o great_a while_n without_o give_v any_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n god_n have_v always_o wise_a reason_n for_o these_o thing_n though_o we_o do_v not_o always_o know_v they_o but_o if_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v all_o this_o without_o any_o other_o
this_o world_n that_o they_o never_o care_v to_o think_v of_o another_o and_o that_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n have_v many_o time_n a_o quite_o contrary_a effect_n to_o make_v man_n serious_a and_o considerate_a to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n to_o correct_v and_o reform_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o good_a both_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o this_o be_v what_o god_n design_n in_o those_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n he_o bring_v on_o mankind_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o assure_v we_o and_o the_o natural_a conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o affliction_n be_v not_o evil_a nor_o any_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n if_o they_o prove_v evil_a to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n for_o god_n design_n they_o for_o good_a as_o the_o apostle_n express_o tell_v we_o 28._o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v if_o you_o endure_v chasten_v god_n deal_v with_o you_o as_o with_o son_n for_o what_o son_n be_v he_o who_o the_o father_n chasten_v not_o but_o if_o you_o be_v without_o chastisement_n whereof_o all_o be_v partaker_n then_o be_v you_o bastard_n and_o not_o son_n 21._o hebr._n 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o than_o must_v be_v our_o great_a care_n to_o rectify_v our_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o withdraw_v our_o mind_n from_o sense_n and_o not_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n good_a that_o be_v pleasant_a nor_o every_o thing_n evil_a that_o be_v afflict_v this_o distinction_n the_o heathen_a poet_n long_o since_o observe_v and_o give_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n and_o a_o very_a wise_a and_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v why_o we_o shall_v entire_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o choose_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o nam_fw-la pro_fw-la jucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la dabunt_fw-la dii_fw-la that_o though_o god_n will_v not_o always_o give_v we_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o pleasant_a he_o will_v give_v we_o what_o be_v most_o profitable_a for_o we_o and_o if_o we_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a not_o by_o sense_n nor_o by_o external_a appearance_n but_o by_o that_o spiritual_a good_a they_o do_v or_o be_v intend_v to_o do_v we_o in_o make_v we_o good_a man_n here_o and_o happy_a hereafter_o man_n may_v if_o they_o so_o please_v as_o reasonable_o quarrel_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o prosperity_n which_o so_o many_o enjoy_v as_o with_o the_o affliction_n which_o other_o suffer_v for_o prosperity_n do_v often_o corrupt_v man_n manner_n and_o betray_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o folly_n than_o affliction_n do_v good_a man_n themselves_o can_v hardly_o bear_v a_o prosperous_a state_n nor_o resist_v the_o temptation_n and_o flattery_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n whereas_o affliction_n many_o time_n reform_v bad_a man_n and_o make_v good_a man_n better_a as_o the_o psalmist_n himself_o own_v it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v for_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o since_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o keep_v thy_o law_n and_o if_o both_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n may_v be_v either_o for_o our_o good_a or_o hurt_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o we_o can_v always_o tell_v we_o must_v leave_v this_o to_o god_n and_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o care_n and_o discipline_n who_o know_v we_o better_o than_o we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o but_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o start_v a_o new_a and_o more_o difficult_a objection_n that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o external_a and_o sensible_a event_n we_o can_v have_v no_o sensible_a proof_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v object_v the_o external_a evil_n and_o calamity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o prove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o those_o external_a and_o sensible_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o mankind_n so_o that_o religion_n gain_v nothing_o by_o this_o it_o silence_n indeed_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n but_o it_o also_o destroy_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o good_a and_o just_a providence_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n will_v give_v we_o a_o true_a notion_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o though_o we_o can_v know_v love_n or_o hatred_n mere_o by_o external_a event_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n nor_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v good_a or_o in_o send_v his_o plague_n and_o judgement_n on_o the_o world_n natural_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v the_o instrument_n and_o method_n of_o discipline_n good_a man_n be_v encourage_v and_o reward_v in_o this_o world_n by_o some_o external_a and_o natural_a blessing_n and_o bad_a man_n be_v restrain_v and_o govern_v by_o some_o natural_a evil_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o do_v good_a and_o in_o punish_v make_v these_o external_a blessing_n and_o punishment_n the_o method_n of_o discipline_n which_o can_v have_v no_o efficacy_n in_o they_o either_o to_o encourage_v good_a man_n or_o to_o reform_v the_o wicked_a but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o visible_a signification_n of_o god_n favour_n or_o displeasure_n and_o therefore_o such_o external_a blessing_n and_o punishment_n be_v evident_a proof_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v the_o method_n of_o discipline_n nor_o have_v any_o moral_a efficacy_n upon_o mankind_n but_o yet_o when_o these_o act_n of_o goodness_n or_o justice_n be_v make_v the_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o not_o intend_v as_o the_o proper_a reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n they_o be_v not_o always_o confine_v to_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o certain_a and_o visible_a mark_n of_o god_n love_n or_o hatred_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a to_o the_o good_a it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o a_o incitement_n to_o a_o more_o perfect_a virtue_n to_o the_o evil_a a_o expression_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o a_o invitation_n to_o repentance_n but_o when_o he_o be_v good_a both_o to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a the_o mere_a external_a event_n can_v make_v no_o difference_n the_o external_a good_a may_v be_v the_o same_o and_o god_n be_v good_a to_o both_o and_o intend_v good_a to_o both_o but_o yet_o have_v not_o equal_a favour_n to_o both_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o god_n to_o punish_v and_o to_o correct_v sin_n and_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n many_o time_n feel_v the_o same_o severity_n to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v the_o folly_n and_o to_o quicken_v and_o inflame_v the_o devotion_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o over-awe_n and_o terrify_v bad_a man_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n this_o be_v to_o be_v just_a and_o to_o be_v good_a to_o both_o as_o great_a goodness_n and_o justice_n as_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o make_v good_a man_n better_a though_o the_o external_a event_n of_o providence_n in_o such_o case_n make_v little_a distinction_n between_o they_o we_o see_v in_o all_o these_o instance_n manifest_a proof_n both_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n though_o prosperity_n be_v not_o always_o a_o blessing_n nor_o affliction_n always_o evil_a they_o be_v always_o indeed_o in_o themselves_o natural_a good_n and_o evil_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o a_o natural_a goodness_n and_o justice_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o moral_a end_n to_o that_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o our_o life_n what_o be_v natural_o good_a may_v prove_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v natural_o evil_a may_v do_v we_o the_o great_a good_a and_o then_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n must_v not_o be_v measure_v mere_o by_o the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_n of_o external_a event_n but_o by_o such_o a_o mixture_n and_o temperament_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o be_v best_a fit_v to_o govern_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o 3_o there_o be_v another_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o what_o goodness_n be_v require_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n now_o the_o universal_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n
they_o in_o their_o own_o land_n or_o carry_v they_o captive_a into_o strange_a country_n this_o destroy_v all_o their_o right_n and_o property_n at_o once_o and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o philistine_n or_o moabite_n or_o aramite_n have_v any_o right_a to_o invade_v canaan_n and_o to_o bring_v israel_n under_o their_o yoke_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n have_v no_o better_a right_n than_o they_o when_o he_o destroy_v the_o temple_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o carry_v the_o jew_n captive_a to_o babylon_n but_o god_n be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a in_o this_o though_o he_o do_v not_o defend_v they_o in_o their_o just_a right_n because_o they_o have_v deserve_v such_o punishment_n and_o thus_o throughout_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n the_o protection_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o good_a and_o righteous_a man_n to_o those_o who_o love_n god_n who_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o worship_n and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o 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for_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v he_o correct_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n 7._o heb._n 7_o 8_o 9_o very_o good_a man_n may_v fall_v into_o such_o great_a sin_n as_o may_v deserve_v a_o severe_a correction_n not_o only_o to_o give_v they_o a_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o more_o watchful_a for_o the_o future_a but_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n repentance_n itself_o though_o it_o will_v obtain_v their_o pardon_n will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o temporal_a punishment_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o david_n when_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n upon_o his_o repentance_n god_n declare_v his_o pardon_n by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n but_o will_v not_o remit_v his_o punishment_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n as_o of_o 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miscarriage_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n and_o when_o he_o have_v finish_v what_o he_o have_v to_o do_v by_o they_o reserve_v they_o for_o a_o more_o public_a and_o glorious_a execution_n to_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o his_o just_a vengeance_n and_o stand_v example_n to_o the_o world_n which_o we_o know_v be_v the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n of_o antiochus_n and_o some_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o wherein_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o the_o end_n of_o god_n government_n in_o this_o world_n and_o from_o the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o which_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n i_o shall_v observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o discourse_n that_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n by_o external_a and_o visible_a success_n much_o less_o make_v the_o oppression_n of_o a_o just_a cause_n any_o argument_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n for_o justice_n do_v not_o oblige_v god_n always_o to_o favour_v a_o just_a cause_n when_o those_o who_o have_v a_o just_a cause_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v god_n may_v just_o punish_v bad_a man_n by_o unjust_a oppressor_n for_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v dispose_v of_o his_o creature_n as_o his_o own_o absolute_a authority_n and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n shall_v direct_v chap._n vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a be_v as_o holiness_n be_v oppose_v to_o all_o impurity_n and_o wickedness_n and_o such_o as_o god_n nature_n be_v such_o his_o government_n must_v be_v and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n 145._o psalm_n 17._o assure_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n which_o signify_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o but_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o more_o at_o large_a 5._o psal._n 4_o 5_o 6_o for_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n thou_o hate_v all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n thou_o shall_v destroy_v they_o that_o speak_v lease_v the_o lord_n will_v abhor_v the_o bloody_a and_o deceitful_a man_n and_o yet_o there_o want_v not_o objection_n and_o such_o as_o some_o man_n think_v inexplicable_a difficulty_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o set_v this_o in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v inquire_v 1._o what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n require_v of_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o what_o it_o do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o and_o 3._o what_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n as_o his_o essential_a holiness_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v govern_v it_o if_o what_o man_n ignorant_o object_n against_o providence_n be_v no_o just_a impeachment_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o if_o nothing_o be_v just_o chargeable_a on_o providence_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o suppose_v i_o need_v then_o add_v no_o more_o to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n 1._o now_o as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o case_n seem_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o governor_n in_o the_o government_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n can_v require_v no_o more_o of_o he_o
reform_v sinner_n by_o the_o various_a method_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n and_o this_o change_v both_o the_o very_a notion_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o justice_n in_o this_o world_n for_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o of_o either_o than_o what_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n will_v allow_v the_o not_o consider_v this_o distinction_n between_o absolute_a goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o discipline_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o objection_n which_o have_v be_v make_v both_o against_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a and_o unconfined_a goodness_n can_v make_v it_o nor_o be_v all_o sinner_n so_o miserable_a as_o strict_a and_o absolute_a justice_n can_v make_v they_o but_o this_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n as_o no_o man_n ever_o pretend_v they_o be_v and_o yet_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a justice_n and_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a goodness_n wherever_o they_o be_v exercise_v must_v make_v hell_n and_o heaven_n but_o this_o life_n be_v a_o middle-state_n between_o both_o and_o as_o man_n behave_v themselves_o here_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n either_o in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n and_o therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o goodness_n or_o justice_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n proportion_v to_o the_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o trial_n in_o this_o life_n goodness_n indeed_o have_v the_o predominant_a government_n and_o justice_n be_v only_o the_o minister_n of_o goodness_n in_o this_o world_n as_o it_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n when_o correction_n as_o well_o as_o favour_n be_v intend_v for_o good_a to_o put_v man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n to_o recover_v that_o immortality_n he_o have_v lose_v be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a goodness_n and_o whatever_o severe_a method_n be_v use_v to_o reform_v sinner_n be_v as_o great_a a_o expression_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v to_o force_v and_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o be_v happy_a as_o it_o be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o hand_n or_o a_o leg_n to_o preserve_v life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o allow_v this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n for_o another_o world_n and_o wise_o consider_v not_o what_o pure_a simple_a and_o absolute_a goodness_n but_o what_o the_o goodness_n of_o discipline_n require_v it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o easy_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 1._o as_o first_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n for_o that_o be_v no_o state_n of_o discipline_n good_a man_n themselves_o be_v they_o as_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n as_o they_o can_v wish_v will_v not_o be_v very_o fond_a of_o another_o world_n nor_o learn_v those_o mortify_n and_o self-denying_a virtue_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o bad_a man_n will_v grow_v more_o in_o love_n with_o this_o world_n and_o sin_n on_o without_o check_n and_o control_v the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n wean_v good_a man_n from_o this_o world_n and_o lay_v great_a restraint_n upon_o bad_a man_n which_o justify_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o those_o many_o misery_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v 2._o but_o yet_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v that_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o tolerable_a a_o place_n as_o to_o make_v life_n desirable_a his_o own_o glory_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o for_o no_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o good_a god_n be_v there_o no_o visible_a and_o sensible_a testimony_n of_o a_o kind_n and_o good_a providence_n but_o though_o god_n curse_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o deface_v the_o character_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o still_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 1._o rom._n 20._o and_o in_o the_o most_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n god_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o a_o witness_n give_v they_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v their_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n what_o dreadful_a apprehension_n will_v this_o give_v mankind_n of_o god_n be_v this_o world_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o scene_n of_o trouble_n and_o misery_n what_o encouragement_n will_v this_o be_v to_o sinner_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v what_o hope_n can_v they_o reasonable_o conceive_v of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n have_v they_o no_o experience_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n what_o place_n will_v there_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o moral_a or_o christian_a virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n of_o self-denial_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o this_o world_n a_o very_a tolerable_o happy_a place_n though_o a_o changeable_a scene_n a_o state_n of_o discipline_n must_v neither_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n nor_o misery_n but_o a_o interchangeable_a scene_n of_o very_o agreeable_a pleasure_n and_o tolerable_a evil_n sufficient_a to_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o vice_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o i_o take_v the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n to_o be_v so_o happy_a that_o few_o man_n be_v so_o miserable_a as_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o so_o intermix_v with_o trouble_n as_o to_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o wicked_a and_o this_o be_v what_o become_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o do_v for_o we_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 3._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o require_v that_o in_o such_o a_o mix_a and_o changeable_a scene_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o remarkable_a difference_n make_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a for_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n be_v to_o encourage_v virtue_n and_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a difference_n make_v as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a if_o man_n will_v wise_o consider_v thing_n to_o encourage_v good_a man_n and_o to_o restrain_v the_o wicked_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a and_o all_o bad_a man_n miserable_a as_o to_o their_o external_a fortune_n for_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o allow_v this_o all_o good_a man_n can_v bear_v a_o prosperous_a fortune_n and_o some_o bad_a man_n may_v grow_v better_o by_o it_o or_o may_v be_v fit_a instrument_n of_o providence_n and_o such_o a_o visible_a distinction_n between_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n belong_v to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n not_o to_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v this_o be_v not_o do_v and_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o it_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o providence_n but_o though_o providence_n many_o time_n seem_v to_o make_v little_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o to_o external_a event_n yet_o god_n very_o often_o take_v care_n to_o expound_v his_o providence_n which_o make_v a_o very_a visible_a difference_n between_o they_o natural_a conscience_n be_v one_o of_o god_n interpreter_n of_o providence_n which_o terrify_v bad_a man_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n when_o they_o suffer_v and_o threaten_v they_o with_o a_o more_o terrible_a vengeance_n but_o support_v good_a man_n under_o their_o suffering_n with_o better_a hope_n that_o bad_a man_n suffer_v like_a malefactor_n with_o rage_n and_o fear_v and_o despair_n good_a man_n with_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o a_o reward_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o scripture_n be_v make_v to_o good_a man_n and_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o it_o denounce_v against_o bad_a man_n and_o this_o expound_v providence_n for_o this_o assure_v good_a man_n that_o all_o the_o good_a they_o receive_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n care_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o evil_n they_o suffer_v be_v either_o his_o fatherly_a correction_n or_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o virtue_n but_o that_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n patience_n or_o to_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o
good_a of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v the_o happiness_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n be_v the_o good_a of_o nature_n the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a and_o the_o more_o effectual_a it_o be_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n the_o great_a good_n it_o be_v though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a evil_n and_o whatever_o will_v hinder_v or_o destroy_v our_o happiness_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a good_n in_o all_o such_o case_n thing_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o end_n or_o to_o their_o natural_a or_o moral_a consequence_n when_o we_o be_v in_o health_n that_o be_v good_a food_n which_o be_v pleasant_a and_o wholesome_a and_o will_v preserve_v health_n but_o the_o same_o diet_n may_v be_v very_o hurtful_a and_o fatal_a when_o we_o be_v sick_a indulgence_n or_o severity_n to_o child_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o 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affliction_n always_o for_o our_o hurt_n god_n may_v make_v some_o man_n prosperous_a in_o his_o anger_n and_o chastise_v other_o in_o great_a love_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o wiseman_n 9_o eccl._n 1_o 2._o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o they_o for_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n which_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n for_o god_n do_v love_n good_a man_n and_o hate_v the_o wicked_a and_o his_o providence_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o though_o this_o difference_n be_v not_o always_o visible_a in_o external_a event_n for_o when_o the_o same_o event_n happen_v to_o both_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a it_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o favour_n to_o good_a man_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o the_o wicked_a for_o external_a prosperity_n and_o adversity_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n may_v either_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o may_v be_v good_a for_o one_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v evil_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v a_o difference_n when_o the_o external_a event_n make_v none_o the_o wiseman_n confess_v this_o be_v a_o evil_n among_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o there_o be_v one_o event_n unto_o all_o bad_a man_n who_o look_v no_o far_o than_o external_a event_n make_v a_o very_a bad_a use_n of_o it_o and_o conclude_v that_o god_n make_v no_o difference_n when_o they_o see_v none_o make_v and_o thus_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o evil_n and_o madness_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n while_o they_o live_v and_o after_o that_o they_o go_v to_o the_o dead_a 3._o v._n but_o those_o who_o consider_v wise_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o external_a event_n from_o such_o a_o promiscuous_a distribution_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n either_o to_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n since_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o state_n be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o which_o they_o serve_v it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n to_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o correct_v and_o punish_v and_o to_o cure_v our_o discontent_n at_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o what_o be_v good_a in_o such_o a_o state_n man_n have_v sin_v and_o man_n must_v die_v but_o god_n have_v in_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o mankind_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n who_o by_o death_n have_v destroy_v he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n this_o remove_v the_o scene_n of_o happiness_n from_o this_o world_n to_o the_o next_o and_o make_v this_o present_a life_n only_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n for_o eternity_n if_o we_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o imitate_v his_o example_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o raise_v we_o again_o when_o our_o dead_a body_n be_v putrify_v in_o the_o grave_a into_o immortal_a life_n but_o have_v threaten_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o eternal_a death_n against_o incorrigible_a sinner_n so_o that_o the_o great_a good_a that_o god_n or_o man_n can_v do_v for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v by_o all_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o and_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o those_o eternal_a misery_n which_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o sinner_n though_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o foolish_a sinner_n who_o never_o consider_v this_o yet_o all_o mankind_n agree_v that_o that_o be_v best_a for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n which_o will_v make_v we_o eternal_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a great_a evil_n which_o will_v betray_v we_o to_o eternal_a misery_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o infidel_n who_o believe_v neither_o a_o heaven_n nor_o a_o hell_n but_o yet_o these_o very_a infidel_n be_v not_o so_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n as_o to_o deny_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n that_o to_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n whatever_o it_o be_v upon_o other_o account_n which_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o keep_v we_o out_o of_o hell_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n there_o can_v be_v so_o great_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n but_o what_o may_v be_v good_a for_o we_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v a_o expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o for_o if_o pain_n and_o sickness_n poverty_n and_o disgrace_n wean_v we_o from_o this_o world_n subdue_v our_o lust_n make_v we_o good_a man_n and_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a reward_n though_o they_o be_v great_a affliction_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o good_a as_o the_o way_n though_o a_o rough_a and_o difficult_a way_n to_o happiness_n that_o prosperity_n do_v oftentimes_o corrupt_a man_n life_n and_o manner_n make_v they_o proud_a and_o sensual_a regardless_o of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o so_o fond_a of_o
etc._n destroy_v the_o ease_n and_o security_n of_o life_n and_o the_o freedom_n and_o pleasure_n of_o conversation_n without_o which_o all_o the_o other_o pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v very_o tasteless_a and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o bewail_v the_o folly_n and_o distraction_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v fond_a of_o life_n and_o impatient_o thirst_v after_o happiness_n but_o will_v not_o suffer_v either_o themselves_o or_o other_o to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a who_o bite_v and_o devour_v each_o other_o and_o by_o their_o ungoverned_a passion_n raise_v such_o hurricane_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ease_n or_o rest_v or_o happiness_n to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o a_o grave_a or_o in_o a_o charnel-house_n where_o the_o wicked_a cease_v from_o trouble_v and_o where_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n where_o the_o prisoner_n rest_v together_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o oppressor_n the_o small_a and_o great_a be_v there_o and_o the_o servant_n be_v free_a from_o his_o master_n 3._o job_n 17_o 18_o 19_o do_v man_n consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a it_o will_v convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n worth_a purchase_n with_o eternal_a discontent_n envy_n emulation_n jealousy_n fear_n with_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n and_o injury_n we_o can_v and_o with_o suffer_v all_o the_o injury_n which_o other_o can_v do_v nay_o indeed_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o that_o man_n own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o reason_n the_o matter_n do_v not_o convince_v they_o of_o this_o to_o live_v be_v not_o mere_o to_o be_v but_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o to_o be_v happy_a do_v not_o signify_v mere_o to_o have_v but_o to_o enjoy_v and_o to_o enjoy_v require_v a_o easy_a serene_a undisturbed_a mind_n which_o can_v relish_v what_o it_o have_v and_o extract_v its_o true_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o security_n of_o life_n the_o easiness_n and_o freedom_n of_o conversation_n when_o we_o fear_v no_o spy_n upon_o our_o word_n and_o action_n no_o malicious_a eye_n no_o slander_v tongue_n when_o our_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o exchange_n of_o good_a office_n in_o the_o endearment_n and_o caress_n of_o friendship_n or_o at_o least_o in_o mutual_a civility_n and_o respect_n this_o be_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a a_o very_a little_a of_o what_o be_v external_a will_v make_v such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o happy_a which_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v when_o to_o get_v or_o keep_v it_o divide_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n ferment_n their_o passion_n destroy_v friendship_n and_o all_o mutual_a trust_n and_o confidence_n canton_n and_o crumble_v human_a society_n into_o party_n and_o faction_n and_o animate_v they_o with_o a_o bitter_a zeal_n and_o rage_n to_o reproach_n and_o vilify_v supplant_v and_o undermine_v each_o other_o if_o this_o be_v to_o be_v happy_a or_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v time_n to_o seek_v for_o happiness_n out_o of_o it_o 2_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o despise_v or_o abhor_v life_n much_o less_o to_o force_v his_o passage_n out_o of_o this_o world_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o persuade_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n to_o live_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n they_o meet_v with_o the_o love_n of_o life_n be_v natural_a and_o strong_a and_o reconcile_v man_n to_o great_a misery_n before_o they_o desire_v that_o death_n shall_v ease_v they_o self-murder_n be_v so_o unnatural_a a_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v nowadays_o think_v reason_n enough_o to_o prove_v any_o man_n distract_v we_o have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n what_o a_o disturb_a imagination_n will_v do_v if_o that_o must_v pass_v for_o natural_a distraction_n but_o we_o seldom_o or_o never_o hear_v that_o mere_a external_a suffering_n how_o severe_a soever_o tempt_v man_n to_o kill_v themselves_o the_o stoic_n themselves_o who_o principle_n it_o be_v to_o break_v their_o prison_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o uneasy_a very_o rare_o put_v it_o into_o practice_n nature_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o their_o philosophy_n and_o though_o their_o philosophy_n allow_v they_o to_o die_v when_o they_o please_v nature_n teach_v they_o to_o live_v as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v and_o we_o see_v that_o they_o seldom_o think_v themselves_o miserable_a enough_o to_o die_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n then_o of_o frightning_n man_n out_o of_o this_o world_n by_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n of_o it_o that_o i_o need_v not_o concern_v myself_o with_o such_o fear_n but_o yet_o without_o contradict_v solomon_n to_o vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o support_v and_o encourage_v good_a man_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a for_o a_o good_a man_n to_o live_v on_o and_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n may_v live_v very_o happy_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n which_o he_o may_v and_o sometime_o must_v encounter_v in_o this_o world_n for_o difficulty_n be_v a_o glorious_a scene_n of_o virtue_n and_o such_o a_o virtue_n as_o can_v conquer_v difficulty_n have_v its_o reward_n its_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n even_o in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o good_a man_n shall_v live_v in_o very_o bad_a time_n not_o only_o to_o reprieve_v a_o wicked_a world_n that_o god_n may_v not_o utter_o destroy_v it_o as_o he_o once_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n but_o also_o to_o season_v human_a conversation_n to_o give_v check_n to_o wickedness_n and_o to_o revive_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n by_o some_o great_a and_o bright_a example_n and_o to_o redress_v those_o violence_n and_o injury_n which_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n at_o least_o to_o struggle_v and_o contend_v with_o a_o corrupt_a age_n which_o will_v put_v some_o stop_n to_o the_o grow_a evil_n and_o scatter_v such_o seed_n of_o virtue_n as_o will_v spring_v up_o in_o time_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n care_n of_o the_o world_n that_o antidote_n grow_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o poison_n that_o the_o most_o degenerate_a age_n have_v some_o excellent_a man_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n for_o such_o a_o time_n to_o stem_v the_o torrent_n and_o to_o give_v some_o ease_n to_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n and_o will_v it_o become_v such_o man_n when_o the_o world_n so_o much_o need_v they_o to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o if_o they_o can_v to_o choose_v the_o quiet_a and_o silent_a retirement_n of_o wood_n and_o desert_n or_o of_o the_o grave_a to_o avoid_v the_o trouble_n of_o serve_v god_n or_o do_v good_a to_o man_n great_a mind_n can_v do_v this_o virtue_n be_v make_v for_o difficulty_n and_o grow_v strong_a and_o bright_a for_o such_o trial_n it_o lay_v a_o mighty_a obligation_n on_o mankind_n to_o serve_v the_o public_a good_a with_o labour_n and_o danger_n to_o purchase_v the_o ease_n and_o liberty_n and_o security_n of_o their_o country_n at_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n and_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o oppose_v a_o harden_a and_o laborious_a and_o unwearied_a virtue_n against_o zeal_n and_o faction_n and_o not_o like_o issachar_n to_o crouch_v between_o two_o burden_n and_o cry_v rest_n be_v good_a and_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n to_o a_o virtuous_a mind_n to_o feel_v its_o own_o strength_n to_o contend_v with_o difficulty_n as_o far_o as_o virtue_n and_o prudence_n direct_v with_o a_o unbroken_a mind_n it_o be_v always_o pleasant_a to_o do_v good_a but_o yet_o it_o have_v the_o sweet_a relish_n the_o dear_a we_o pay_v for_o it_o this_o be_v a_o pleasure_n above_o all_o the_o ease_n and_o luxury_n of_o the_o world_n it_o not_o only_o sweeten_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n but_o turn_v they_o into_o triumph_n to_o endeavour_v to_o bear_v up_o a_o sink_a world_n though_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v crush_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o will_v make_v the_o very_a ruin_n he_o sink_v under_o a_o illustrious_a monument_n of_o his_o virtue_n to_o do_v all_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o do_v without_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o ease_n to_o save_v a_o sink_v church_n and_o state_n will_v make_v he_o fall_v with_o pleasure_n and_o perpetuate_v his_o memory_n with_o honour_n for_o in_o spite_n of_o envy_n and_o detraction_n virtue_n will_v always_o be_v honourable_a in_o the_o grave_a but_o i_o can_v enlarge_v on_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o result_n of_o all_o i_o have_v say_v in_o two_o or_o three_o observation_n 1._o that_o
though_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o often_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n do_v not_o prove_v life_n to_o be_v a_o contemptible_a state_n or_o worse_o than_o not_o be_v yet_o they_o do_v prove_v life_n to_o be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a state_n that_o the_o mere_a sensible_a pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o life_n together_o with_o these_o great_a allay_v be_v but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n wise_a man_n see_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o expect_v it_o for_o how_o can_v this_o world_n make_v we_o happy_a which_o though_o it_o have_v its_o pleasure_n have_v its_o trouble_n and_o care_n and_o disappointment_n too_o be_v a_o insecure_a and_o mutable_a state_n expose_v to_o chance_n and_o accident_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v always_o chequer_a with_o prosperous_a and_o adverse_a event_n have_v always_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o many_o time_n the_o evil_n be_v the_o prevail_a ingredient_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o natural_a love_n of_o life_n and_o the_o many_o sweet_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o reconcile_v very_o miserable_a people_n to_o live_v yet_o a_o wise_a man_n see_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o state_n much_o less_o to_o dream_v of_o perfect_a and_o last_a happiness_n in_o it_o 2_o the_o many_o trouble_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n to_o be_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a brag_n of_o the_o stoic_n that_o virtue_n alone_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a that_o their_o wiseman_n can_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o phalaris_n bull_n for_o virtue_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o clothes_n can_v cure_v bodily_a pain_n and_o sickness_n nor_o satisfy_v the_o appetite_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n and_o while_o a_o wise_a man_n live_v in_o a_o mortal_a body_n he_o must_v feel_v the_o want_n and_o pain_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o pain_n be_v not_o happiness_n but_o yet_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o when_o we_o must_v encounter_v with_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o life_n nothing_o can_v give_v we_o any_o degree_n of_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o such_o trouble_n as_o will_v sour_a all_o our_o other_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o bear_v up_o our_o spirit_n which_o sink_v under_o their_o own_o weight_n under_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n be_v torment_v with_o fear_n with_o disappointment_n with_o envy_n with_o rage_n and_o when_o they_o can_v bear_v themselves_o can_v bear_v nothing_o else_o nor_o relish_v their_o wont_a pleasure_n but_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v that_o virtue_n have_v its_o proper_a pleasure_n in_o the_o great_a difficulty_n inspire_v we_o with_o prudent_a counsel_n to_o disentangle_v ourselves_o animate_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o bravery_n to_o resist_v the_o evil_a or_o to_o bear_v it_o sweeten_v our_o labour_n with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o great_a and_o generous_a action_n for_o the_o public_a good_a keep_v our_o own_o passion_n under_o government_n and_o triumph_n over_o a_o adverse_a fortune_n by_o raise_v the_o mind_n above_o it_o by_o such_o help_n as_o these_o a_o good_a man_n may_v enjoy_v some_o competent_a measure_n of_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o worst_a condition_n but_o when_o such_o trouble_v surprise_v a_o mind_n unarm_v and_o unfortified_a with_o virtue_n unable_a to_o resist_v and_o unable_a to_o bear_v we_o may_v then_o with_o great_a truth_n and_o reason_n apply_v this_o text_n to_o he_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a who_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n who_o be_v yet_o alive_a be_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n always_o easy_a and_o prosperous_a there_o will_v be_v little_a need_n of_o passive_a virtue_n though_o virtue_n in_o general_n be_v always_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a but_o all_o man_n must_v be_v sensible_a how_o necessary_a passive_a and_o suffer_a virtue_n be_v for_o a_o inconstant_a troublesome_a and_o suffer_a state_n which_o be_v always_o in_o some_o degree_n the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o will_v convince_v those_o who_o will_v consider_v it_o how_o necessary_a the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a 3_o though_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o life_n be_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v hasten_v his_o escape_n out_o of_o this_o world_n before_o his_o time_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o make_v he_o content_v to_o leave_v this_o world_n whenever_o god_n call_v he_o out_o of_o it_o for_o though_o virtue_n will_v sweeten_v labour_n and_o difficulty_n yet_o no_o man_n will_v choose_v always_o to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o war._n ease_n and_o rest_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o refresh_a after_o labour_n though_o a_o prince_n be_v glorious_a in_o the_o field_n cover_v with_o dust_n and_o sweat_n and_o sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o enemy_n yet_o the_o triumph_n of_o a_o secure_a and_o quiet_a throne_n be_v great_a and_o more_o desirable_a and_o this_o make_v the_o grave_a too_o in_o some_o degree_n acceptable_a after_o the_o toil_n and_o labour_n of_o virtue_n that_o there_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n especial_o since_o this_o rest_n be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n for_o all_o the_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o ease_n and_o rest_n of_o know_v and_o feeling_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o nothing_o which_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o a_o stone_n and_o of_o thing_n without_o life_n not_o the_o rest_n of_o a_o man._n but_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n follow_v they_o they_o rest_v in_o a_o peaceful_a and_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o endless_a happiness_n they_o rest_v from_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o virtue_n and_o enjoy_v its_o reward_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v what_o exact_o become_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n such_o a_o mix_a state_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o may_v wean_v we_o from_o the_o tempt_a vanity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a happiness_n to_o be_v find_v here_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o raise_v our_o heart_n above_o this_o world_n and_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o which_o be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o perfect_a ease_n and_o rest_n and_o since_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o future_a happiness_n nothing_o can_v be_v better_o for_o we_o than_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o shall_v make_v virtue_n necessary_a to_o our_o present_a happiness_n and_o since_o we_o must_v leave_v this_o world_n and_o death_n be_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n whatever_o reconcile_v we_o to_o death_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a may_v be_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o security_n of_o human_a life_n second_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o those_o many_o evil_n and_o calamity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o human_a life_n be_v owe_v to_o man_n own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o make_v those_o evil_n a_o objection_n against_o providence_n which_o man_n wilful_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o thus_o the_o wiseman_n long_o since_o state_v this_o question_n the_o foolishness_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o the_o lord_n 19_o prov._n 3_o man_n make_v themselves_o miserable_a and_o then_o reproach_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o their_o misery_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o that_o mankind_n undo_v themselves_o and_o that_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a subject_n for_o a_o satyr_n against_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n but_o need_v no_o proof_n if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o many_o misery_n of_o human_a life_n and_o resolve_v they_o into_o their_o immediate_a and_o natural_a cause_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o most_o man_n take_v great_a care_n to_o leave_v very_o little_a for_o god_n to_o do_v in_o the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v but_o two_o visible_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o
this_o kind_a father_n to_o keep_v such_o a_o watchful_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o to_o take_v such_o prudent_a and_o effectual_a care_n as_o not_o to_o suffer_v they_o utter_o to_o undo_v themselves_o to_o make_v their_o condition_n hopeless_a and_o desperate_a but_o only_o to_o let_v they_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o their_o own_o folly_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o more_o sober_a thought_n not_o to_o perish_v under_o it_o till_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n leave_v of_o reclaim_v they_o what_o can_v a_o kind_a father_n do_v more_o for_o prodigal_n unless_o you_o will_v have_v he_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o luxury_n and_o lewdness_n which_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n can_v do_v he_o bring_v none_o of_o these_o misery_n upon_o they_o and_o it_o be_v kindness_n to_o let_v they_o smart_v under_o they_o to_o prevent_v their_o undo_n as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v he_o turn_v the_o misery_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o only_o into_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n he_o suffer_v they_o to_o injure_v one_o another_o to_o make_v they_o all_o sensible_a of_o their_o folly_n and_o those_o who_o be_v past_a recovery_n he_o make_v example_n of_o great_a severity_n to_o reform_v the_o rest_n if_o this_o will_v be_v think_v a_o kind_n merciful_a and_o wise_a conduct_n in_o earthly_a parent_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o you_o have_v a_o answer_n to_o most_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o human_a life_n 3_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o as_o most_o of_o these_o evil_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n sin_n so_o it_o be_v we_o ourselves_o who_o give_v the_o sting_n to_o they_o all_o as_o many_o external_a calamity_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o this_o world_n require_v there_o shall_v be_v in_o it_o god_n have_v make_v abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o support_n of_o good_a man_n under_o they_o it_o be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n to_o avoid_v many_o of_o the_o suffering_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o sink_v under_o they_o natural_a courage_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n the_o power_n of_o reason_n and_o a_o wise_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o good_a providence_n which_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o order_n all_o thing_n for_o our_o good_a and_o the_o certain_a hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n will_v support_v good_a man_n under_o their_o suffering_n and_o make_v they_o light_n and_o easy_a and_o if_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o bear_v our_o suffering_n and_o to_o enjoy_v ourselves_o under_o they_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n though_o we_o may_v suffer_v we_o be_v not_o miserable_a and_o suffering_n without_o misery_n be_v no_o formidable_a objection_n against_o providence_n this_o be_v like_o the_o bush_n that_o be_v on_o fire_n but_o be_v not_o burn_v a_o signal_n token_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o favour_n and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n what_o be_v mere_o external_a may_v afflict_v a_o good_a man_n but_o can_v make_v he_o miserable_a for_o no_o man_n be_v miserable_a who_o mind_n be_v easy_a and_o cheerful_a full_a of_o great_a hope_n and_o support_v with_o divine_a joy_n but_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o passion_n make_v we_o miserable_a and_o make_v we_o sink_v under_o external_a suffering_n a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o this_o world_n pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n anger_n hatred_n revenge_n make_v every_o condition_n uneasy_a and_o any_o great_a suffering_n intolerable_a it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v poverty_n and_o disgrace_n the_o loss_n of_o estate_n and_o honour_n the_o frown_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o clamour_n of_o the_o people_n such_o unsufferable_a evil_n which_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v only_o bear_v but_o modest_o despise_v it_o be_v this_o that_o terrify_v we_o with_o the_o least_o approach_n of_o danger_n and_o distract_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o care_n and_o solicitude_n and_o with_o all_o the_o imaginary_a evil_n and_o frightful_a appearance_n which_o a_o scare_v fancy_n can_v raise_v in_o the_o dark_a especial_o when_o guilt_n make_v man_n afraid_a and_o look_v upon_o every_o misfortune_n disappointment_n affliction_n as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o a_o terrible_a presage_n of_o the_o endless_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o life_n external_n evil_n and_o calamity_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n and_o they_o be_v good_a as_o far_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o they_o be_v permit_v and_o order_v by_o god_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v good_a to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n who_o will_v not_o be_v make_v better_a by_o they_o whatever_o man_n suffer_v if_o their_o suffering_n do_v not_o make_v they_o miserable_a this_o be_v no_o just_a reproach_n to_o providence_n for_o god_n may_v be_v very_o good_a to_o his_o creature_n whatever_o they_o suffer_v while_o they_o can_v suffer_v and_o be_v happy_a not_o perfect_o and_o complete_o happy_a which_o admit_v of_o no_o suffering_n but_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o self-enjoyment_n as_o reconcile_v external_a suffering_n with_o inward_a peace_n contentment_n patience_n hope_v which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o suffer_a state_n and_o a_o much_o great_a happiness_n than_o the_o most_o prosperous_a fortune_n without_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o thus_o happy_a under_o all_o our_o suffering_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n thus_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o external_a suffering_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o make_v man_n miserable_a but_o the_o inward_a guilt_n and_o disorder_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n text._n 18._o prov._n 14._o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v and_o if_o all_o that_o god_n inflict_v on_o we_o may_v be_v bear_v our_o misery_n be_v owe_v to_o ourselves_o but_o i_o have_v so_o particular_o discourse_v this_o upon_o another_o occasion_n that_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v no_o far_o on_o it_o 2_o another_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v god_n partial_a and_o unequal_a care_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o i_o confess_v partiality_n be_v a_o very_a great_a objection_n both_o against_o justice_n and_o a_o universal_a goodness_n and_o such_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n must_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v very_o different_a rank_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n rich_a and_o 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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 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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 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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 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and_o not_o only_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o make_v christianity_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n consist_v in_o give_v we_o wise_a instruction_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o furnish_v we_o with_o many_o when_o thing_n be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n as_o to_o be_v past_o human_a relief_n it_o make_v it_o visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v god_n do_v where_o there_o be_v force_n against_o force_n and_o counsel_n against_o counsel_n though_o providence_n determine_v the_o event_n human_a power_n and_o counsel_n very_o often_o monopolise_v the_o glory_n and_o leave_v god_n out_o but_o when_o god_n do_v that_o which_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o they_o can_v think_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v do_v this_o awaken_v a_o sense_n of_o a_o invisible_a power_n and_o make_v the_o divine_a glory_n and_o providence_n know_v to_o the_o world_n when_o god_n expose_v his_o 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providence_n so_o order_v human_a affair_n as_o to_o teach_v we_o most_o of_o the_o wise_a rule_n of_o human_a life_n both_o for_o our_o religious_a and_o civil_a conversation_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n six_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v often_o see_v in_o the_o wise_a mixture_n and_o temperament_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n when_o he_o correct_v but_o not_o destroy_v humble_v but_o do_v not_o cast_v down_o when_o he_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o give_v we_o just_a reason_n to_o fear_v but_o without_o despair_n when_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v he_o lifts_z up_o and_o cast_v down_o keep_v we_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o try_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o both_o threaten_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o the_o interchangeable_a scene_n of_o prosperous_a and_o adverse_a event_n thus_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v with_o good_a man_n the_o step_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v order_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o delight_v in_o his_o way_n though_o he_o fall_v he_o shall_v not_o utter_o be_v cast_v down_o for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v he_o with_o his_o hand_n 37._o psal._n 23_o 24._o thus_o 94._o psal_n 14_o 15._o for_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o cast_v off_o his_o people_n neither_o will_v he_o forsake_v his_o inheritance_n but_o judgement_n shall_v return_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n shall_v follow_v it_o and_o he_o prove_v this_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n unless_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v my_o help_n my_o soul_n have_v almost_o dwell_v in_o silence_n when_o i_o say_v my_o foot_n slip_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n hold_v i_o up_o 17_o 18_o verse_n a_o example_n of_o this_o you_o have_v 27._o isaiah_n have_v he_o smite_v they_o that_o be_v israel_n as_o he_o smite_v those_o that_o smite_v he_o he_o smite_v israel_n but_o not_o as_o he_o smite_v 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be_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o worship_n but_o a_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o deserve_v the_o praise_n and_o adoration_n of_o all_o a_o god_n who_o neither_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o govern_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o he_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o we_o with_o he_o but_o a_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v be_v the_o supreme_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o reverence_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v and_o of_o all_o those_o religious_a and_o devout_a affection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o our_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o name_v it_o but_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a 1._o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v and_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n and_o the_o general_a neglect_n of_o this_o make_v we_o defective_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n now_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n you_o must_v confess_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v only_o apply_v the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o providence_n to_o particular_a event_n without_o which_o particular_a application_n the_o general_a belief_n of_o a_o
employment_n or_o profession_n be_v shall_v serve_v king_n this_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o promise_n and_o yet_o such_o kind_n of_o promise_n as_o these_o signify_v a_o great_a deal_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n and_o virtue_n not_o that_o every_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o diligent_a man_n shall_v be_v rich_a and_o honourable_a but_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v find_v the_o reward_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n proportion_v to_o his_o capacity_n and_o state_n of_o life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v god_n way_n of_o promote_a man_n when_o he_o advance_v they_o in_o favour_n and_o goodwill_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n wherein_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o blessing_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n but_o then_o there_o be_v some_o promise_n which_o be_v equal_o make_v to_o all_o good_a man_n and_o they_o be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n 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and_o trust_n in_o god_n as_o to_o some_o particular_a event_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o event_n of_o war_n which_o be_v common_o undertake_v by_o god_n express_a command_n manage_v by_o his_o direction_n with_o a_o certain_a promise_n of_o success_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o war_n of_o moses_n and_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o in_o after-age_n god_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n either_o by_o his_o oracle_n of_o urim_n and_o thummim_n or_o by_o his_o prophet_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n among_o we_o now_o and_o therefore_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n we_o can_v have_v nor_o do_v god_n expect_v it_o from_o we_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o depend_v on_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o event_n but_o must_v trust_v to_o that_o assurance_n we_o have_v of_o god_n care_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o must_v consider_v what_o trust_n and_o dependence_n that_o be_v which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n now_o to_o trust_v providence_n be_v not_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n that_o he_o will_v do_v that_o particular_a thing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o desire_v but_o to_o trust_v ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concernment_n with_o god_n to_o do_v for_o we_o in_o every_o particular_a case_n which_o we_o recommend_v to_o his_o care_n what_o he_o see_v best_a and_o fit_a for_o we_o in_o such_o case_n the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o i_o think_v every_o one_o will_v confess_v that_o such_o a_o general_a trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n be_v a_o much_o more_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o do_v much_o more_o honour_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o mere_o to_o trust_v his_o promise_n which_o secure_v we_o of_o the_o event_n to_o rely_v on_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o
or_o sorrow_n anger_n or_o repentance_n pity_n and_o compassion_n because_o those_o sensible_a commotion_n which_o accompany_v these_o passion_n in_o man_n be_v not_o incident_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o good_a rule_n both_o of_o believe_v and_o speak_v we_o may_v very_o honourable_o say_v that_o of_o god_n which_o god_n say_v of_o himself_o and_o believe_v that_o all_o these_o affection_n be_v in_o god_n in_o such_o a_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a manner_n as_o become_v a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a mind_n some_o man_n think_v that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v love_n and_o joy_n and_o delight_n hatred_n sorrow_n and_o compassion_n to_o god_n be_v no_o better_a reason_n to_o ascribe_v such_o affection_n to_o he_o than_o it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v bodily_a eye_n and_o ear_n and_o foot_n and_o hand_n because_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n they_o also_o to_o god_n but_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o for_o the_o scripture_n have_v take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o inform_v we_o that_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a and_o unbodied_a spirit_n without_o shape_n or_o figure_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o be_v only_o allusive_a and_o metaphorical_a expression_n which_o represent_v the_o power_n by_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o action_n see_v by_o eye_n and_o hear_v by_o ear_n but_o these_o affection_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n be_v not_o instrument_n but_o power_n and_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o a_o mind_n as_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n a_o pure_a mind_n must_v have_v pure_a and_o intellectual_a affection_n which_o move_v with_o great_a strength_n and_o certainty_n though_o without_o the_o disturbance_n of_o humane_a passion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v a_o mind_n without_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n or_o to_o conceive_v wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n without_o a_o intellectual_a approbation_n and_o abhorrence_n for_o perfect_a wisdom_n must_v approve_v and_o disapprove_v and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o approve_v or_o disapprove_v constitute_v the_o several_a passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o these_o must_v be_v as_o perfect_a in_o god_n as_o wisdom_n be_v though_o as_o void_a of_o sensible_a passion_n as_o a_o pure_a spirit_n be_v now_o if_o god_n have_v such_o affection_n as_o these_o which_o may_v be_v move_v in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n than_o prayer_n may_v move_v he_o and_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o show_v mercy_n and_o kindness_n thus_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o and_o without_o such_o a_o representation_n as_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n nor_o foundation_n for_o prayer_n not_o to_o show_v you_o this_o in_o particular_a how_o god_n have_v be_v move_v by_o the_o intercession_n of_o good_a man_n to_o change_v his_o counsel_n and_o to_o spare_v those_o who_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o destroy_v of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a example_n in_o the_o intercession_n of_o moses_n for_o israel_n when_o they_o have_v make_v the_o golden_a calf_n and_o worship_v it_o 32_o exod._n 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n of_o which_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o he_o say_v he_o will_v destroy_v they_o have_v not_o moses_n his_o choose_a stand_v before_o he_o in_o the_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n lest_o he_o shall_v destroy_v they_o 106._o psal._n 23._o i_o say_v not_o to_o insist_v on_o such_o example_n now_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n and_o parable_n whereby_o he_o encourage_v our_o faith_n in_o prayer_n be_v resolve_v into_o this_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v move_v by_o our_o prayer_n in_o some_o analogy_n and_o proportion_n as_o man_n be_v that_o whatever_o effect_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o wise_a and_o kind_a and_o good_a man_n that_o we_o may_v more_o certain_o expect_v from_o god_n our_o saviour_n promise_n 7._o matth._n 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v this_o be_v as_o full_a a_o promise_n as_o can_v be_v make_v and_o yet_o for_o their_o great_a security_n he_o prove_v to_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o it_o needs_o must_v be_v so_o we_o know_v and_o feel_v what_o the_o natural_a kindness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o earthly_a parent_n be_v for_o their_o child_n how_o ready_a they_o be_v to_o answer_v all_o their_o reasonable_a request_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o their_o necessary_a want_n and_o thus_o he_o assure_v we_o it_o be_v with_o god_n and_o much_o more_o because_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o earthly_a parent_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o you_o who_o if_o his_o son_n ask_v bread_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v fish_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o serpent_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o thus_o our_o saviour_n represent_v the_o power_n of_o importunity_n by_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o man_n who_o come_v to_o his_o friend_n to_o borrow_v some_o bread_n of_o he_o when_o he_o be_v a_o bed_n which_o be_v so_o unseasonable_a a_o time_n as_o make_v it_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a but_o though_o mere_a friendship_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o do_v it_o importunity_n do_v 11._o luke_n 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n and_o the_o unjust_a judge_n who_o though_o he_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o justice_n yet_o be_v conquer_v by_o her_o importunity_n to_o avenge_v she_o of_o her_o enemy_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o 18._o luke_n 2._o etc._n etc._n if_o importunity_n will_v prevail_v where_o neither_o friendship_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n will_v prevail_v how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o prevail_v with_o a_o good_a and_o merciful_a and_o righteous_a god_n indeed_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n proceed_v upon_o that_o likeness_n and_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o human_a passion_n and_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o we_o may_v certain_o expect_v that_o from_o god_n which_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o like_a case_n what_o either_o friendship_n or_o a_o love_n of_o virtue_n or_o natural_a affection_n or_o interest_n and_o relation_n and_o private_a concernment_n will_v do_v that_o god_n will_v do_v for_o we_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n and_o lose_a groat_n and_o prodigal_a son_n which_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n be_v not_o god_n in_o some_o analogy_n move_v as_o man_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a our_o saviour_n intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v it_o so_o when_o he_o make_v it_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o prayer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o we_o see_v the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n so_o as_o to_o prevail_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o we_o will_v in_o the_o like_a case_n ask_v of_o man_n with_o the_o same_o importunity_n ardour_n vehemence_n sorrow_n and_o contrition_n trust_v and_o dependence_n for_o what_o will_v prevail_v with_o man_n will_v much_o more_o prevail_v with_o god_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v very_o wise_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v make_v prayer_n the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o receive_v as_o that_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n may_v be_v universal_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o mankind_n that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o a_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o and_o be_v sensible_a that_o all_o we_o receive_v be_v his_o gift_n to_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o man_n ungoverned_a lust_n and_o appetite_n that_o they_o may_v never_o expect_v success_n without_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o may_v never_o dare_v attempt_v any_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o pray_v these_o be_v wise_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v not_o give_v unless_o we_o ask_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n it_o be_v our_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o we_o have_v no_o title_n to_o his_o protection_n without_o it_o let_v we_o then_o in_o all_o condition_n make_v our_o humble_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n and_o recommend_v ourselves_o and_o