CHAP.J. upo11theEpiflleof J A 14! s. VERS.I3· IOJ Partlybecaufe, when commqn light and refrraims are violated, he feemeth to be bound rather to wit.___hdrawwhat is already given; and when men put finger in tbe eye'of Nature, God may put it out that they that wi/J not, may not fee : and if the h{dg be contin~ally brok.!n, 'cis but jufiice to pluck._it up; an~ then if the Vineyard be eaten down, who can be blamed ? I fa•· 5. 5. Partly becaufe the fubfequent diforders do arife from mans ·own coun{el and free chPJCC; therefore upon this traditionof ~od's, 'cis faid, They wAlkid in their own counfels; that is, accordmg to the free motion and inclination of their own fpirirs. 5. There is aconr;elfion and giving leave to wicked infirumencs, to fiir them up to evil, as carnal company, evil acquaintance, falfe prophets, 1 King. 22. 2a. I -will go forth, andbe~ !Jing j}irit in themouthof Ahabs Prophets; AndGodfaid,goforth: In that fcheam and draught of providence, the evil fpirit is brought in> ask– ing leave for wicked infiruments : So, 'job 12. I 6. ' cis faid, The decei'?ltr and deceivea •re hh: He is foveraign Lord over all the in!l:rumentsofdeceit, fo that they are refirained within bounds and limits, that they can do nothing further then he will give leave. 6. There is apre/enting of occajions, and difpofing of them to fuch providences as become a fnare ; but this can refleB: no dilho– Dor upon God, becaure the providences and objeels are good in themfelves, and in their own nature motives to dut1, rather then temptations to fin : Wick._edmen abnfe the befl things, the WorJ irritateth their Corruption; Singetteth firengtb by the Command– rmnt, Ifoi. 6. 9· Go mak._e the heart ofthis peop(efat ; that is, dull and heavy, as the*.Afs, which of all creatures hath the fattefr heart, * pluta;·ch. is the dnllefi : The Prophet is bidden to make their hnertsfat ; the preaching ofthe W.ord, which lhould injlrua andquick!n, maketh themthe moregrofs andheav1 : So alfo, they abufe merci,e 1 and mi{eries, Pfal. 6g•. 22. Let their t~tble becomeafnare, And their -w~lfare • trap : Afinner, like a fpider,fuck,.eth poy{on out of every thmg; or, like the Sea, turneth the fweet i~tflucnces of the Heav ens, the frelh fupply of the rivers, into{.lit Water; fo their table. their Welfare, all6ecometh acurfo and a fo11re to them : In this fenee ~cis faid, Jer. 6. 2z. I w.i/J lay ftHmbling block.! before .this people; that is,fuch_occafions and providences as are a means to ruine ~em : .In·allwhich,.Godmoft righteouLly promoteth th~ glory of .Jus J l:lfilce~ ·
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