more_o have_v more_o large_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o easter-day_n which_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v the_o nineteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o june_n one_a 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n mark_v xvi_o 19_o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o late_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o office_n of_o our_o church_n direct_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o thought_n upon_o it_o in_o this_o intermediate_v time_n between_o that_o and_o whitsunday_n to_o do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o induce_v by_o that_o near_a relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o christ_n who_o by_o it_o take_v his_o last_o farewell_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o also_o by_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n receive_v from_o it_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o hope_n in_o discourse_v of_o it_o i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o three_o consideration_n i._o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o it_o i._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a our_o lord_n shall_v leave_v the_o earth_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n himself_o often_o declare_v and_o in_o joh._n xvi_o 7._o give_v the_o primary_n reason_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o comforter_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o confess_v by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o can_v not_o this_o be_v effect_v until_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v as_o by_o who_o they_o receive_v a_o most_o invincible_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o hope_n what_o great_a consolation_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o disciple_n afflict_v for_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n than_o to_o receive_v such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o be_v place_v in_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n as_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o eminent_a operation_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o intercession_n what_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n can_v they_o receive_v than_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o master_n concern_v a_o comforter_n be_v effect_v which_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v veil_v in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n while_o he_o converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o their_o behalf_n what_o more_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o master_n love_n after_o his_o departure_n or_o to_o enable_v they_o successful_o to_o discharge_v that_o office_n of_o convert_v a_o unbelieving_a world_n which_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o such_o gift_n shall_v be_v confer_v on_o they_o as_o be_v never_o before_o vouchsafe_v unto_o mankind_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o tongue_n the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v eloquent_o and_o bold_o and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n all_o these_o reason_n make_v it_o convenient_a and_o desirable_a to_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a which_o without_o that_o mission_n can_v never_o have_v have_v existence_n be_v found_v and_o maintain_v by_o those_o divine_a gift_n and_o influence_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o thence_o yet_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n have_v be_v bless_v with_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o often_o promise_v and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o our_o lord_n first_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o by_o his_o power_n and_o intercession_n have_v procure_v it_o the_o comforter_n as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n the_o deputy_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n can_v not_o natural_o take_v place_n but_o in_o his_o absence_n and_o the_o very_a mission_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o regal_a power_n can_v not_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n until_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o commence_v at_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o make_v it_o convenient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o our_o lord_n shall_v remove_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o we_o but_o the_o possibility_n at_o least_o the_o increase_n of_o man_n reward_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o long_o expect_v be_v know_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o lose_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v expect_v that_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v affix_v to_o certain_a rule_n consequent_a to_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n not_o indifferent_o bestow_v on_o all_o nor_o yet_o on_o any_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o peculiar_a merit_n the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o freewill_n in_o every_o man._n the_o whole_a of_o this_o consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o in_o assent_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o believe_v all_o his_o revelation_n and_o as_o a_o assent_n to_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n so_o more_o especial_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o last_o and_o most_o considerable_a revelation_n make_v by_o his_o own_o son_n incarnate_a be_v require_v of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o intend_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o supernatural_a happiness_n which_o be_v by_o he_o to_o be_v convey_v unto_o the_o world_n since_o no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v be_v offer_v than_o to_o inquire_v after_o to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o revelation_n communicate_v by_o he_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o repeat_v those_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n call_v faith_n and_o those_o many_o promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a condition_n of_o the_o justification_n and_o therein_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n that_o this_o act_n therefore_o may_v be_v the_o more_o illustrious_a and_o may_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o noble_a reward_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o give_v way_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v christ_n continue_v for_o ever_o upon_o earth_n in_o that_o glorious_a majesty_n which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v he_o present_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o praise_v worthy_a no_o more_o meritorious_a than_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o ordinary_a report_n of_o sense_n who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v acquire_v merit_n by_o believe_v a_o axiom_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o who_o ever_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o true_a and_o just_a management_n of_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n to_o believe_v that_o one_o colour_n differ_v from_o another_o or_o that_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v these_o thing_n strike_v our_o sense_n and_o force_v a_o belief_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o in_o this_o case_n to_o offend_v while_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v its_o reason_n and_o the_o body_n the_o organ_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n while_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o illustrious_a
imperfection_n which_o necessary_o do_v attend_v it_o error_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v yet_o much_o more_o dangerous_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o unreasonable_a because_o not_o found_v in_o internal_a perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o in_o extraneous_a advantage_n such_o as_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o unaccountable_a favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o prefer_v some_o man_n before_o other_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o either_o a_o easy_a way_n indeed_o of_o gain_v heaven_n and_o as_o what_o flatter_v the_o ambition_n of_o man_n be_v common_o acceptable_a to_o they_o a_o please_a delusion_n but_o such_o man_n be_v to_o know_v that_o although_o themselves_o proceed_v herein_o without_o any_o other_o principle_n than_o a_o strong_a imagination_n prompt_v by_o a_o vehement_a pride_n yet_o that_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n never_o act_v without_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v sway_v by_o any_o partiality_n and_o dispense_v his_o favour_n with_o the_o most_o exact_a justice_n if_o they_o believe_v god_n will_v oversee_v fault_n in_o they_o which_o he_o will_v not_o pass_v by_o in_o other_o they_o prefer_v themselves_o to_o the_o inestimable_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v shed_v to_o purchase_v a_o particular_a covenant_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n they_o fond_o imagine_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o their_o sake_n last_o if_o any_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o god_n by_o their_o own_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o obedience_n this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o extraordinary_a dignity_n since_o it_o imply_v a_o absolute_a independency_n from_o god_n but_o as_o this_o be_v blasphemous_a so_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o be_v high_o criminal_a if_o we_o perform_v a_o exact_a and_o unsine_v obedience_n we_o shall_v still_o do_v no_o more_o than_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v what_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n in_o right_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o then_o sure_o even_o in_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o have_v oblige_v any_o person_n when_o we_o pay_v a_o just_a debt_n to_o he_o but_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o many_o sin_n more_o numerous_a than_o our_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o first_o be_v the_o sole_a act_n of_o our_o own_o will_n the_o latter_a the_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n enable_v we_o and_o work_v with_o we_o that_o the_o first_o be_v always_o perfect_a the_o latter_a even_o when_o best_a still_o imperfect_a we_o shall_v find_v abundant_a argument_n of_o humility_n but_o none_o of_o arrogance_n ii_o the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v by_o i_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o appear_v not_o only_o in_o prevent_v these_o fatal_a error_n which_o have_v be_v mark_v out_o and_o oppose_v by_o we_o but_o also_o extend_v to_o many_o action_n of_o life_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o first_o this_o will_v secure_v to_o we_o constant_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n amid_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o life_n whatsoever_o be_v wont_a to_o render_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n uneasy_a may_v be_v reduce_v either_o to_o the_o want_n of_o some_o desire_a good_a or_o the_o presence_n of_o some_o vexarious_a evil._n and_o herein_o man_n put_v no_o bound_n to_o their_o desire_n or_o resentment_n they_o passionate_o desire_v the_o acquisition_n of_o some_o good_a or_o removal_n of_o some_o evil_n which_o be_v sometime_o impossible_a in_o nature_n and_o ofttimes_o deny_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n hereupon_o they_o grow_v discontent_v many_o time_n repine_v against_o god_n and_o think_v themselves_o injure_v and_o all_o upon_o a_o mistake_a supposal_n of_o their_o deserve_n whatsoever_o they_o shall_v desire_v whereas_o if_o they_o will_v contract_v their_o ambitious_a desire_n and_o think_v sober_o as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o man_n be_v no_o such_o excellent_a creature_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v change_v or_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o please_v his_o fancy_n that_o if_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n attend_v his_o body_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o if_o adverse_a fortune_n do_v afflict_v he_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o steady_a continuation_n of_o the_o same_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o universe_n whereof_o himself_o be_v but_o a_o inconsiderable_a member_n if_o the_o grant_n of_o his_o desire_n be_v deny_v to_o he_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n his_o merit_n be_v too_o small_a to_o require_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o wish_n if_o all_o these_o together_o trouble_v he_o he_o have_v no_o injury_n do_v unto_o he_o he_o can_v accuse_v heaven_n of_o injustice_n all_o these_o inconvenience_n be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o then_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o continue_v his_o existence_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o absurd_a to_o desire_v to_o change_v the_o property_n of_o it_o if_o he_o murmur_v against_o god_n because_o his_o nature_n be_v not_o more_o excellent_a he_o show_v himself_o yet_o more_o unreasonable_a since_o all_o proceed_v from_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o our_o creator_n to_o who_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v thankful_a that_o we_o be_v raise_v above_o the_o order_n of_o beast_n than_o repine_v because_o we_o be_v set_v beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o angel_n second_o this_o will_v teach_v we_o humility_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o sobriety_n of_o thought_n or_o just_a esteem_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o that_o first_o with_o our_o fellow_n christian_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a precept_n direct_v it_o against_o those_o who_o upon_o supposal_n of_o their_o extraordinary_a merit_n above_o other_o man_n boast_v of_o a_o particular_a favour_n with_o god_n despise_v their_o brethren_n as_o carnal_a and_o perhaps_o reprobate_a make_v ostentation_n of_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n or_o pretend_v to_o those_o which_o real_o they_o do_v not_o possess_v and_o in_o confidence_n of_o either_o invade_v those_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o commit_v to_o they_o violate_v the_o rule_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o presume_v to_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o such_o spiritual_a pride_n have_v in_o all_o age_n continue_v to_o infest_v the_o church_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o molest_v it_o but_o since_o i_o have_v hitherto_o wave_v the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o particular_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o will_v return_v to_o the_o more_o general_a use_v of_o his_o exhortation_n and_o observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o 3._o this_o will_v teach_v we_o humility_n towards_o god_n and_o give_v we_o a_o just_a idea_n of_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o form_v any_o rational_a act_n of_o adoration_n to_o he_o without_o obtain_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n which_o can_v attract_v his_o love_n that_o our_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n can_v confer_v no_o benefit_n upon_o he_o that_o neither_o our_o celebrate_v he_o on_o earth_n nor_o our_o society_n in_o heaven_n will_v add_v to_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o present_a happiness_n it_o will_v demonstrate_v the_o inconceivable_a greatness_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n towards_o we_o in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o in_o proclaim_v pardon_n to_o our_o sin_n in_o offer_v term_n of_o salvation_n to_o we_o when_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v in_o we_o which_o can_v deserve_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n it_o will_v add_v to_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o such_o inconsiderable_a creature_n and_o thereby_o not_o only_o bestow_v upon_o we_o one_o full_a pardon_n of_o all_o precedent_a sin_n but_o renew_v his_o pardon_n as_o often_o as_o man_n shall_v sincere_o renew_v their_o repentance_n in_o give_v assurance_n to_o we_o of_o all_o this_o by_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o own_o precious_a body_n and_o blood_n which_o for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o continue_v and_o often_o celebrate_v in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o whosoever_o approach_v with_o humility_n faith_n and_o repentance_n will_v assure_o receive_v remission_n of_o his_o sin_n past_a and_o grace_n to_o avoid_v they_o for_o the_o future_a but_o without_o these_o preparative_n disposition_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v vain_a to_o expect_v the_o benefit_n upon_o a_o
upon_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o kneel_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o priest_n at_o other_o time_n and_o to_o the_o people_n at_o all_o time_n in_o pray_v that_o be_v upon_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o custom_n of_o nation_n and_o country_n concern_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o significative_a posture_n of_o humility_n subjection_n and_o duty_n in_o any_o action_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v go_v through_o the_o second_o and_o three_o head_n of_o my_o text_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o consider_v the_o last_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n willing_a shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o discourse_n the_o seventeen_o sermon_n preach_v 1690_o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v have_v before_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o duty_n the_o place_n and_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o word_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o prayer_n express_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o they_o how_o necessary_a and_o useful_a the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o condition_n be_v do_v partly_o appear_v from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n for_o if_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a duty_n of_o man_n the_o chief_a act_n of_o adoration_n which_o he_o pay_v to_o god_n requisite_a for_o the_o supply_n of_o his_o want_n and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o all_o necessary_a benefit_n and_o grace_n to_o he_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o previous_a qualification_n without_o which_o his_o prayer_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o all_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o become_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o a_o curse_n to_o he_o if_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o place_n and_o posture_n of_o prayer_n not_o universal_o design_v by_o god_n be_v in_o all_o case_n so_o useful_a and_o in_o some_o necessary_a to_o we_o much_o more_o will_v those_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a condition_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o which_o ought_v to_o accompany_v it_o in_o whatsoever_o place_n or_o posture_n it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v at_o no_o time_n accept_v by_o god_n the_o more_o general_a and_o necessary_a of_o these_o condition_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o latter_a word_n of_o the_o text_n subjoin_v to_o his_o exhortation_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v these_o three_o i._o that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o holy_a hand_n ii_o without_o wrath_n and_o iii_o without_o doubt_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o these_o three_o condition_n in_o their_o order_n first_o it_o be_v require_v that_o prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o with_o holy_a hand_n that_o be_v with_o pure_a and_o clean_a hand_n defile_v with_o no_o rapine_n or_o uncleanness_n innocent_a from_o all_o rebellion_n towards_o god_n and_o injustice_n towards_o men._n a_o condition_n not_o first_o introduce_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o of_o universal_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n allow_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n among_o they_o prayer_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o same_o use_n which_o it_o obtain_v among_o we_o that_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n or_o procure_v his_o favour_n upon_o either_o of_o these_o occasion_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v wont_a to_o add_v sacrifice_n to_o their_o prayer_n whensoever_o they_o intend_v to_o pay_v a_o more_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n or_o more_o signal_o to_o engage_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o their_o behalf_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n even_o the_o gentile_n place_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o whole_a act_n of_o worship_n rather_o in_o the_o prayer_n than_o in_o the_o sacrifice_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o many_o nice_a and_o superstitious_a rule_n and_o caution_n use_v by_o they_o in_o recite_v the_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n at_o the_o time_n of_o sacrifice_n so_o full_o be_v they_o convince_v that_o prayer_n alone_o be_v that_o whereby_o man_n can_v true_o worship_v god_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n no_o less_o persuade_v that_o without_o purity_n their_o prayer_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a hence_o proceed_v that_o ancient_a and_o constant_a institution_n of_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o sacrifice_v by_o wash_n lustration_n and_o other_o sign_n of_o purity_n a_o institution_n receive_v also_o among_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n who_o as_o we_o read_v exod._n xl._o 32._o command_v that_o the_o priest_n shall_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v themselves_o whensoever_o they_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n consonant_o to_o which_o institution_n david_n say_v psal._n xxvi_o 6._o i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n and_o so_o will_v i_o compass_v thy_o altar_n o_o lord_n it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o external_a purity_n practise_v under_o the_o law_n do_v typify_v the_o internal_a purity_n to_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o gospel_n that_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v to_o evince_v it_o to_o you_o i_o will_v only_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o this_o purification_n of_o the_o body_n be_v chief_o require_v in_o order_n to_o prayer_n which_o will_v instruct_v you_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o internal_a purity_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o to_o reflect_v with_o what_o care_n and_o constancy_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n purify_v themselves_o before_o their_o sacrifice_n that_o so_o christian_n may_v be_v ashamed_a if_o with_o the_o same_o diligence_n they_o cleanse_v not_o their_o soul_n in_o prepare_v they_o for_o prayer_n the_o same_o argument_n persuade_v in_o both_o case_n namely_o the_o sense_n of_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o either_o do_v profess_v yet_o although_o we_o never_o find_v that_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n presume_v to_o sacrifice_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n it_o be_v but_o ordinary_a to_o observe_v that_o christian_n pray_v with_o impure_a mind_n it_o may_v be_v pretend_v indeed_o that_o external_a purity_n be_v a_o easy_a imposition_n but_o internal_a holiness_n a_o difficult_a duty_n a_o difference_n indeed_o not_o inconsiderable_a but_o infinite_o outweigh_v by_o the_o great_a certainty_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o more_o glorious_a reward_n by_o the_o constant_a pleasure_n of_o mind_n attend_v internal_a purity_n all_o which_o be_v want_v to_o the_o outward_a ceremony_n of_o purification_n and_o last_o by_o that_o conviction_n which_o every_o one_o may_v have_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o reason_n of_o external_a holiness_n be_v either_o obscure_a as_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o none_o at_o all_o as_o among_o the_o gentile_n some_o of_o these_o reason_n i_o will_v now_o insist_v on_o and_o first_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o which_o can_v be_v without_o innocence_n and_o purity_n every_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n by_o which_o man_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o his_o obedience_n pretend_v to_o be_v independent_a from_o he_o and_o proclaim_v enmity_n to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v easy_a then_o to_o conceive_v that_o while_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v detain_v in_o any_o vice_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n his_o prayer_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a and_o offer_v up_o in_o vain_a if_o we_o look_v in_o the_o ordinary_a action_n of_o life_n we_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v absurd_a to_o beg_v any_o favour_n of_o he_o who_o we_o profess_v to_o hate_v who_o we_o declare_v our_o enemy_n who_o we_o revile_v affront_n and_o despise_v all_o this_o we_o do_v to_o god_n by_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n and_o himself_o profess_v hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o sinful_a men._n but_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n shall_v obtain_v any_o benefit_n from_o god_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v dear_a and_o well-pleasing_a to_o he_o as_o among_o human_a benefactor_n a_o kindness_n be_v always_o suppose_a to_o precede_v the_o benefit_n but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o a_o rational_a man_n to_o believe_v that_o sinner_n can_v be_v dear_a to_o god_n or_o receive_v his_o favour_n or_o if_o man_n can_v flatter_v himself_o into_o such_o a_o belief_n yet_o the_o express_a denunciation_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o entertain_v it_o who_o far_o from_o allow_v any_o kindness_n or_o favour_n to_o they_o proclaim_v that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n unto_o the_o wicked_a eminent_a and_o innumerable_a promise_n of_o favour_n be_v indeed_o annex_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o by_o
his_o justice_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o defraud_v oppress_v and_o injure_v to_o own_o his_o goodness_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o deny_v compassion_n to_o his_o creature_n make_v in_o his_o own_o image_n to_o intercede_v with_o he_o for_o new_a benefit_n and_o employ_v those_o already_o grant_v in_o oppose_v his_o authority_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o have_v receive_v life_n and_o be_v from_o he_o and_o not_o to_o yield_v he_o any_o service_n for_o it_o to_o confess_v his_o unlimited_a knowledge_n and_o presence_n and_o therewith_o retain_v secret_a resolution_n of_o sin_v all_o these_o be_v as_o heinous_a provocation_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o form_v all_o yet_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o pray_v with_o impure_a heart_n and_o mind_n and_o all_o yet_o receive_v this_o far_a aggravation_n that_o they_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o prayer_n such_o be_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n but_o to_o those_o who_o profess_v belief_n in_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a reason_n no_o less_o weighty_a than_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o our_o prayer_n consist_v in_o our_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v grant_v mere_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o through_o his_o merit_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o christian_a prayer_n and_o if_o ourselves_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o yet_o the_o scripture_n will_v abundant_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o that_o in_o he_o and_o through_o he_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n to_o we_o no_o christian_a therefore_o have_v any_o other_o title_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n than_o his_o relation_n to_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o relation_n can_v consist_v without_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v all_o direct_v to_o promote_v purity_n justice_n and_o holiness_n the_o want_n of_o these_o condition_n break_v off_o the_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o man_n who_o then_o in_o vain_a supplicate_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n when_o by_o disobedience_n he_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n he_o may_v plead_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v all-sufficient_a but_o himself_o have_v no_o share_n in_o they_o he_o may_v fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n seat_n but_o will_v find_v no_o high_a priest_n to_o intercede_v for_o he_o who_o by_o his_o sin_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o even_o crucify_a he_o afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n ii_o the_o second_o condition_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o without_o wrath_n that_o be_v without_o malice_n or_o hatred_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o anger_v grow_v inveterate_a the_o passion_n of_o anger_n be_v indeed_o no_o less_o unlawful_a to_o those_o that_o apply_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n because_o it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a that_o while_o the_o heat_n of_o that_o passion_n continue_v any_o one_o shall_v be_v dispose_v to_o pray_v while_o that_o commotion_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o attend_v anger_n last_v the_o mind_n can_v attend_v to_o nothing_o else_o and_o can_v direct_v its_o thought_n and_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n so_o that_o during_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o only_o impious_a but_o unnatural_a to_o undertake_v it_o in_o prayer_n the_o soul_n ought_v to_o engage_v its_o whole_a strength_n and_o intention_n and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n which_o it_o can_v do_v when_o the_o affection_n of_o it_o be_v divide_v between_o prayer_n and_o anger_n it_o ought_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o compose_v itself_o in_o a_o sedate_n and_o quiet_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o can_v do_v while_o disorder_v by_o any_o passion_n which_o reason_n will_v also_o make_v prayer_n unbefitting_a and_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n impossible_a not_o only_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o anger_n but_o also_o in_o such_o a_o hatred_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o violence_n of_o it_o continual_o employ_v the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n especial_o where_o the_o person_n hate_v be_v present_a to_o it_o and_o allow_v to_o it_o no_o interval_n of_o calm_a and_o quiet_a until_o it_o be_v either_o satisfy_v with_o revenge_n or_o expire_v with_o long_a time_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o hatred_n be_v a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a anger_n which_o for_o the_o former_a reason_n exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o prayer_n during_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o but_o such_o a_o degree_n be_v monstrous_a the_o most_o ordinary_a case_n of_o hatred_n allow_v frequent_a interval_n of_o serenity_n to_o the_o mind_n fret_v not_o the_o thought_n continual_o and_o have_v this_o immediate_a effect_n only_o that_o whensoever_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o do_v return_v or_o the_o cause_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v first_o found_v be_v recall_v to_o mind_n either_o resolution_n or_o desire_n of_o revenge_n be_v conceive_v and_o a_o purpose_n form_v of_o not_o forgive_a even_o this_o moderate_a and_o most_o ordinary_a case_n of_o hatred_n render_v the_o soul_n unfit_a for_o prayer_n and_o always_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o it_o for_o in_o prayer_n if_o direct_v and_o conceive_v aright_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o resign_v up_o his_o affection_n and_o faculty_n entire_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o god_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o but_o he_o who_o nourish_v hatred_n in_o his_o mind_n on_o the_o contrary_a neither_o resign_v up_o himself_o nor_o confess_v the_o dominion_n of_o god_n for_o that_o very_a affection_n he_o retain_v in_o opposition_n to_o his_o will_n and_o by_o seek_v or_o desire_v revenge_n he_o make_v himself_o a_o judge_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o other_o man_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o suppose_a injury_n and_o thereby_o invade_v the_o office_n and_o usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o if_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o have_v the_o only_a right_a to_o exercise_v such_o a_o judgement_n this_o confession_n therefore_o of_o subjection_n and_o self-resignation_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o prayer_n can_v consist_v with_o hatred_n and_o indeed_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o prayer_n join_v with_o hatred_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o lord_n i_o resign_v up_o myself_o to_o thy_o disposal_n but_o will_v not_o commit_v my_o cause_n to_o thy_o decision_n i_o devote_v my_o affection_n and_o faculty_n to_o thy_o service_n but_o will_v not_o quit_v my_o hatred_n for_o thy_o command_n i_o acknowledge_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o reserve_v to_o myself_o a_o right_a to_o judge_v and_o punish_v by_o revenge_n my_o enemy_n who_o yet_o be_v my_o equal_a and_o thy_o subject_n so_o absurd_a incongruous_a and_o repugnant_a be_v the_o thought_n and_o petition_n of_o a_o malicious_a soul_n compare_v together_o as_o do_v not_o only_o just_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o petition_n but_o also_o deserve_v a_o eminent_a punishment_n for_o dare_v thus_o to_o collude_v with_o god_n but_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o hatred_n with_o prayer_n be_v yet_o behind_o namely_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n who_o may_v just_o affix_v whatsoever_o condition_n himself_o please_v to_o his_o own_o favour_n and_o to_o the_o assurance_n of_o success_n in_o prayer_n he_o have_v above_o all_o other_o qualification_n pre-required_n freedom_n from_o envy_n hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n this_o he_o have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v before_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o especial_o that_o solemn_a one_o of_o prayer_n be_v pay_v to_o himself_o as_o in_o matth._n v._n 23._o if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n he_o have_v make_v this_o the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o pardon_n to_o mankind_n forgive_v that_o you_o may_v be_v forgive_v for_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o not_o neither_o will_v your_o father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n matth._n vi_o 14._o he_o have_v insert_v this_o condition_n into_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o have_v give_v both_o as_o a_o form_n and_o as_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o christian_n forgive_v we_o our_o
efficacy_n of_o it_o with_o a_o unjust_a judge_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v introduce_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a and_o benign_a man_n that_o so_o his_o justice_n if_o compare_v with_o the_o divine_a clemency_n may_v demonstrate_v the_o force_n of_o prayer_n for_o if_o a_o good_a man_n receive_v those_o kind_o who_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o will_v god_n the_o greatness_n of_o who_o bounty_n exceed_v our_o comprehension_n it_o have_v be_v enough_o as_o i_o before_o say_v to_o have_v propose_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a judge_n but_o to_o represent_v a_o cruel_a impious_a inhuman_a judge_n unmerciful_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o easy_a to_o supplicant_n instruct_v we_o that_o even_o a_o wicked_a nature_n may_v be_v by_o prayer_n incline_v to_o lenity_n and_o mercy_n this_o therefore_o our_o lord_n choose_v to_o do_v more_o lively_a to_o express_v the_o force_n foe_fw-mi prayer_n when_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o carry_v we_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o severe_a judge_n cruel_a by_o nature_n but_o mollify_v by_o prayer_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n the_o father_n most_o good_a kind_a gentle_a merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o forgive_a sin_n bear_v with_o insuperable_a patience_n the_o daily_a affront_v of_o man_n the_o honour_n pay_v to_o his_o adversary_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o contumely_n therein_o offer_v to_o his_o own_o son_n what_o success_n may_v we_o not_o then_o hope_v to_o our_o prayer_n make_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v present_v with_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o necessary_a preparation_n the_o unjust_a judge_n although_o he_o fear_v not_o god_n nor_o regard_v man_n yet_o do_v justice_n to_o the_o widow_n for_o her_o importunity_n what_o fear_n can_v not_o do_v prayer_n obtain_v neither_o threat_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n can_v incline_v the_o man_n to_o justice_n yet_o the_o cry_n and_o supplication_n of_o a_o poor_a widow_n soften_v his_o nature_n and_o make_v he_o tractable_a if_o she_o can_v obtain_v so_o much_o from_o a_o rough_a ill-natured_a man_n how_o much_o great_a kindness_n goodness_n and_o love_n may_v we_o not_o expect_v from_o god_n who_o always_o desire_v to_o show_v mercy_n but_o never_o to_o exercise_v severity_n who_o very_a threat_n and_o punishment_n be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a and_o direct_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o disobedience_n let_v we_o once_o more_o review_v the_o effect_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o unjust_a judge_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v the_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o men._n if_o he_o who_o never_o willing_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n do_v any_o good_a change_v on_o the_o sudden_a by_o the_o petition_n of_o a_o poor_a supplicant_n and_o be_v move_v to_o compassion_n much_o more_o will_v the_o importunate_a prayer_n of_o man_n be_v prevalent_a with_o he_o who_o nature_n include_v a_o infinity_n of_o goodness_n and_o who_o dispense_v the_o emanation_n of_o that_o goodness_n in_o vast_a and_o constant_a benefit_n even_o without_o entreaty_n for_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n riches_n life_n and_o health_n be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o bad_a and_o that_o only_a for_o his_o immense_a kindness_n to_o mankind_n but_o if_o he_o so_o favour_n cherish_v and_o maintain_v those_o who_o ask_v he_o not_o and_o be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o much_o as_o sensible_a that_o the_o benefit_n proceed_v from_o he_o what_o will_v he_o not_o bestow_v on_o those_o who_o spend_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o last_o reason_n of_o doubt_v in_o prayer_n be_v the_o conscience_n of_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o supplicant_n which_o conscience_n be_v either_o found_v in_o the_o natural_a unworthiness_n of_o man_n or_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o want_n of_o these_o qualification_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a the_o former_a fall_n in_o with_o that_o doubt_n which_o i_o last_o speak_v of_o and_o the_o latter_a be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n to_o remove_v and_o to_o persuade_v the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o that_o removal_n have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o day_n discourse_v i_o shall_v therefore_o add_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o head_n upon_o the_o whole_a it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a the_o place_n of_o it_o to_o be_v regard_v the_o posture_n not_o to_o be_v neglect_v the_o condition_n indispensable_a and_o the_o success_n certain_a the_o eighteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o may_n 4._o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n act_n x._o 40_o 41._o he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v so_o illustrious_a a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o teach_v so_o undeniable_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o person_n so_o firm_a a_o assurance_n of_o those_o hope_n which_o we_o conceive_v of_o our_o own_o resurrection_n deserve_v at_o this_o season_n more_o than_o a_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o that_o which_o chief_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a continue_v his_o expectation_n of_o enjoy_v hereafter_o a_o better_a state_n and_o after_o a_o serious_a meditation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o his_o saviour_n here_o on_o earth_n wrought_v for_o his_o sake_n complete_v his_o joy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n therefore_o all_o the_o time_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o joy_n during_o that_o whole_a season_n in_o the_o public_a office_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n do_v no_o less_o extend_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o these_o time_n than_o to_o those_o of_o more_o ancient_a age_n so_o our_o gratitude_n and_o rejoice_v in_o memory_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o less_o intense_a it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o those_o ancient_a christian_n live_v near_o to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n have_v more_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n relate_v than_o we_o now_o have_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n always_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v now_o be_v so_o much_o affect_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o uncertain_a interest_n as_o they_o be_v then_o when_o the_o experience_n of_o frequent_a miracle_n render_v it_o most_o certain_a or_o that_o however_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o five_o hundred_o disciple_n who_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v no_o less_o just_a cause_n of_o joy_n than_o admiration_n yet_o that_o other_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n can_v not_o but_o be_v less_o concern_v at_o the_o relation_n by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o and_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v fruitful_a in_o invent_v argument_n oppose_v the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n some_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o doubt_v of_o and_o other_o even_o to_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o after_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o appear_v not_o in_o public_a converse_v not_o in_o solemn_a place_n and_o among_o the_o multitude_n as_o before_o but_o only_o show_v himself_o to_o some_o few_o disciple_n of_o his_o own_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o take_v off_o this_o objection_n and_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o conduct_n of_o christ_n relate_v in_o the_o text_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o and_o show_v open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o will_v divide_v my_o design_a discourse_n into_o these_o three_o part_n i._o that_o to_o have_v show_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o whole_a unbelieve_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v unbecoming_a the_o majesty_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n ii_o that_o it_o will_v have_v fail_v of_o create_v a_o universal_a conviction_n iii_o that_o god_n have_v notwithstanding_o offer_v to_o mankind_n sufficient_a argument_n of_o reasonable_a conviction_n first_o then_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o honour_n