the_o propagation_n of_o it_o afterward_o for_o several_a age_n the_o peaceable_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n seldom_o want_v their_o effect_n in_o private_a christian_n and_o even_o wrought_v so_o far_o in_o public_a society_n profess_v christianity_n that_o for_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o christian_n never_o war_v against_o other_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n nor_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o whole_o expire_v in_o these_o degenerate_a time_n witness_v that_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n which_o still_o frequent_a the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o who_o it_o be_v charitable_o be_v to_o suppose_a that_o none_o presume_v to_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n without_o a_o entire_a resolution_n of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o maintain_v peace_n with_o all_o men._n the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o angel_n doxology_n be_v goodwill_n towards_o man_n which_o express_v much_o more_o than_o reconciliation_n of_o god_n to_o 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word_n in_o the_o text_n imply_v even_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o vouchsafe_v to_o honour_n they_o by_o join_v it_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o son_n and_o therein_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o degree_n even_o above_o that_o of_o angel_n not_o only_o admit_v they_o to_o that_o pardon_n of_o past_a sin_n which_o be_v never_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o angel_n but_o also_o send_v the_o prince_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n to_o take_v human_a flesh_n upon_o he_o who_o afterward_o ascend_v with_o it_o into_o heaven_n shall_v thereby_o consecrate_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n of_o which_o his_o body_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n and_o thereby_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o glory_n and_o sure_o no_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n or_o of_o his_o delight_n in_o mankind_n can_v be_v desire_v than_o to_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o society_n of_o himself_o in_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o delight_n which_o he_o testify_v to_o take_v in_o his_o belove_a son_n the_o utmost_a reward_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o he_o advance_v his_o human_a nature_n to_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o heaven_n for_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v place_v there_o from_o all_o age_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n admit_v all_o those_o who_o shall_v imitate_v his_o life_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o glory_n the_o possession_n of_o heaven_n wherewith_o the_o human_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o invest_v be_v a_o argument_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o a_o earnest_a that_o we_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o same_o honour_n for_o christ_n our_o forerunner_n be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o we_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o leave_v without_o other_o visible_a pledge_n of_o the_o same_o hope_n more_o particular_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n wherein_o be_v lively_o represent_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n and_o our_o relation_n to_o it_o the_o bread_n declare_v his_o body_n the_o wine_n his_o blood_n the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n the_o mortality_n of_o his_o body_n the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wine_n the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n to_o purchase_v redemption_n for_o mankind_n the_o distribution_n of_o both_o to_o every_o communicant_a manifest_v that_o they_o be_v peculiar_o concern_v in_o all_o this_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o receive_v his_o figurative_a body_n be_v assure_v of_o obtain_v in_o due_a time_n the_o same_o happiness_n with_o his_o true_a body_n now_o in_o heaven_n by_o these_o figure_n of_o his_o true_a body_n we_o open_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o his_o incarnation_n that_o he_o real_o take_v human_a flesh_n upon_o he_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o not_o only_o in_o appearance_n as_o be_v the_o vain_a imagination_n of_o ancient_a heretic_n for_o that_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o represent_v which_o be_v not_o real_a we_o acknowledge_v his_o divine_a nature_n at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o that_o adoration_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o body_n which_o ought_v to_o accompany_v this_o religious_a action_n we_o profess_v our_o belief_n that_o he_o come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o that_o in_o time_n all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n be_v fullfil_v in_o that_o we_o celebrate_v the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o come_v as_o the_o intention_n and_o the_o office_n of_o this_o festival_n direct_v last_o we_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n if_o we_o do_v all_o this_o with_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o charity_n so_o shall_v we_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o holy_a angel_n to_o renew_v their_o hymn_n to_o sing_v glory_n to_o god_n who_o be_v honour_v by_o this_o devotion_n and_o thankfulness_n of_o his_o servant_n peace_n on_o earth_n wherein_o man_n be_v hereby_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o goodwill_n towards_o man_n who_o be_v hereby_o admit_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o will_v be_v hereafter_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o he_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_n finis_fw-la
all_o temptation_n that_o excuse_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o constant_a continuation_n of_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o receive_v not_o now_o indeed_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v once_o endue_v nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o those_o contribute_v not_o direct_o to_o the_o secure_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o may_v be_v equal_o obtain_v without_o they_o and_o lose_v with_o they_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a all_o that_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o be_v yet_o continue_v to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n still_o diffuse_v his_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n excite_v they_o by_o inward_a motion_n confirm_v they_o by_o his_o assistance_n perfect_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n which_o lest_o we_o shall_v doubt_v that_o he_o still_o plentiful_o bestow_v on_o we_o for_o want_v of_o some_o external_a assurance_n he_o have_v institute_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n more_o 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he_o that_o herein_o reconcile_v himself_o to_o christ_n his_o head_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o unfeigned_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o miss_v his_o desire_a end_n the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n because_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v it_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n the_o son_n have_v seal_v it_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confirm_v it_o as_o at_o first_o by_o his_o descent_n upon_o this_o day_n so_o now_o also_o by_o the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o diffuse_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n to_o these_o three_o person_n but_o one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n power_n and_o glory_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o second_o sermon_n on_o trinity-sunday_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o cor._n ii_o 11._o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n in_o honour_n of_o which_o this_o day_n have_v for_o some_o age_n be_v institute_v and_o celebrate_v in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o alone_a among_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o carry_v a_o undeniable_a difficulty_n along_o with_o it_o and_o have_v be_v always_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o oppose_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ._n other_o doctrine_n such_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o such_o like_a may_v appear_v incredible_a but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v possible_a and_o when_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n be_v add_v to_o they_o must_v by_o all_o man_n right_o judge_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v credible_a but_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n be_v even_o contradictory_n and_o therefore_o impossible_a that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o primary_n notion_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o allow_v principle_n of_o reason_n even_o many_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o acknowledge_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v act_v by_o a_o divine_a mission_n yet_o stumble_v at_o this_o stone_n of_o offence_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v it_o have_v take_v up_o unwarrantable_a opinion_n plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o arrian_n of_o old_a and_o socinian_o in_o late_a day_n that_o we_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v with_o the_o same_o difficulty_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o delusion_n and_o even_o overcome_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o these_o man_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v as_o far_o as_o we_o may_v with_o safety_n and_o modesty_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a business_n of_o this_o day_n for_o although_o '_o it_o become_v we_o not_o too_o narrow_o to_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n and_o rash_o determine_v matter_n the_o cognizance_n of_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o yet_o since_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o reveal_v this_o mystery_n to_o mankind_n and_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n it_o now_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o secret_a of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n debar_v we_o not_o from_o a_o scrupulous_a search_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o place_v no_o merit_n in_o a_o blind_a belief_n of_o her_o proposition_n it_o be_v accept_v indeed_o by_o god_n as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o merit_n i_o mean_v merit_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n to_o believe_v his_o promise_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a life_n after_o death_n as_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o abraham_n for_o righteousness_n that_o trust_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n of_o give_v he_o a_o better_a inheritance_n in_o another_o land_n he_o forsake_v his_o own_o country_n and_o his_o father_n house_n although_o neither_o we_o nor_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o assurance_n of_o those_o promise_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o possession_n of_o those_o glorious_a promise_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n neither_o require_v nor_o accept_v a_o irrational_a belief_n in_o man_n but_o as_o he_o at_o first_o endue_v he_o with_o reasonable_a faculty_n so_o he_o expect_v he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v by_o no_o other_o thing_n so_o much_o diminish_v as_o by_o affix_v to_o he_o revelation_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o include_v contradiction_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o such_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v as_o plain_o as_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v permit_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n and_o in_o the_o context_n of_o it_o which_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v and_o therein_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o accompany_v i_o by_o look_v upon_o the_o place_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o first_o eight_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n declare_v the_o nature_n and_o simplicity_n of_o his_o preach_a and_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v not_o recommend_v by_o pompous_a and_o affect_a ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n that_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o sillogism_n and_o nice_a speculation_n as_o do_v that_o of_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n who_o be_v esteem_v the_o only_o know_v man_n of_o the_o age_n that_o the_o matter_n declare_v by_o he_o be_v not_o such_o as_o may_v be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n or_o when_o find_v out_o be_v such_o as_o will_v be_v applaud_v by_o the_o world_n as_o 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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
before_o mention_v that_o be_v unless_o we_o rise_v from_o sin_n to_o die_v again_o last_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o incomparable_a humility_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n manifest_v in_o his_o suffering_n render_v it_o not_o possible_a not_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n he_o die_v not_o for_o his_o own_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o and_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o his_o own_o gild_n draw_v not_o that_o punishment_n upon_o he_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o relieve_v the_o cause_n of_o oppress_a innocence_n and_o not_o suffer_v his_o persecutor_n any_o long_o to_o triumph_v in_o their_o wickedness_n further_o by_o his_o exact_a obedience_n by_o his_o inimitable_a patience_n in_o suffer_v the_o pain_n and_o his_o admirable_a humility_n in_o undergo_a the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n he_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v raise_v up_o that_o as_o he_o have_v humble_v himself_o in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v to_o a_o no_o less_o illustrious_a glory_n and_o therefore_o the_o suffering_n and_o humility_n of_o christ_n be_v frequent_o assign_v as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o his_o exaltation_n it_o be_v long_o before_o prophesy_v of_o he_o psal._n cx_o 7._o he_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o brook_n in_o the_o way_n therefore_o shall_v he_o lift_v up_o his_o head_n and_o after_o his_o passion_n and_o ascension_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o by_o st._n paul_n philip._n ii_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o deash_n of_o the_o cross._n wherefore_o god_n also_o have_v high_o exalt_v he_o the_o first_o step_n of_o his_o exaltation_n be_v his_o resurrection_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o relate_v to_o both_o those_o part_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n which_o have_v undergo_v that_o meritorious_a humiliation_n not_o only_o his_o soul_n have_v suffer_v agony_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n have_v resign_v itself_o entire_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o submit_v quiet_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o bitter_a sentence_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o he_o as_o the_o representative_a of_o sinful_a man_n have_v endure_v the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o insult_v of_o his_o enemy_n a_o violent_a separation_n from_o the_o body_n with_o invincible_a patience_n and_o charity_n but_o also_o his_o body_n have_v partake_v in_o his_o agony_n have_v sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n have_v endure_v scourge_n and_o buffet_n crucifixion_n and_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o spear_n both_o soul_n and_o body_n therefore_o be_v to_o share_v in_o the_o reward_n of_o all_o these_o suffering_n which_o begin_v to_o be_v bestow_v on_o he_o in_o his_o resurrection_n his_o body_n be_v to_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o grave_a and_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o no_o other_o sense_n capable_a of_o resurrection_n be_v to_o be_v reunite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o both_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o join_v since_o by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n he_o be_v become_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o new_a and_o eternal_a covenant_n thus_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o text_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v make_v but_o one_o inference_n proper_a to_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o day_n if_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o upon_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v found_v our_o hope_n be_v raise_v that_o by_o which_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v complete_v the_o author_n of_o it_o crown_v and_o advance_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o look_v for_o the_o same_o resurrection_n it_o become_v we_o to_o celebrate_v this_o festival_n dedicate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o with_o a_o suitable_a religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o account_v it_o a_o arbitrary_a institution_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o church_n that_o this_o day_n be_v account_v sacred_a beyond_o all_o other_o of_o the_o year_n our_o lord_n have_v make_v it_o so_o by_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o complete_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n on_o it_o no_o reveal_v religion_n be_v yet_o ever_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o celebrate_v some_o certain_a and_o solemn_a festival_n at_o fix_a time_n of_o the_o year_n and_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o public_a solemnisation_n of_o those_o festival_n upon_o which_o the_o most_o illustrious_a act_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v perform_v be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o fact_n to_o deny_v all_o belief_n in_o he_o and_o relation_n to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n he_o be_v himself_o then_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o celebrate_v a_o solemn_a festival_n when_o he_o speak_v those_o word_n and_o sure_o unless_o there_o be_v solemn_a time_n and_o place_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n it_o will_v never_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v so_o worship_v nor_o be_v he_o worship_v in_o truth_n when_o man_n pay_v no_o external_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v true_o obtain_v to_o they_o himself_o have_v consecrate_v this_o day_n by_o his_o rise_n from_o the_o grave_a on_o it_o the_o apostle_n have_v dedicate_v it_o to_o this_o sacred_a use_n by_o their_o own_o and_o by_o divine_a authority_n the_o jew_n have_v before_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o in_o recognition_n of_o their_o adore_v that_o god_n who_o have_v create_v the_o world_n in_o six_o day_n and_o rest_v on_o the_o seven_o and_o that_o seven_o day_n which_o they_o celebrate_v rather_o than_o any_o other_o of_o the_o week_n be_v sanctify_v in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n wrought_v upon_o that_o day_n as_o it_o be_v deut._n v._n 15._o remember_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o servant_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n bring_v thou_o out_o thence_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o stretch_a out_o arm_n therefore_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n command_v thou_o to_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n as_o the_o jew_n therefore_o date_v their_o seven_o day_n for_o ever_o from_o that_o day_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o the_o apostle_n begin_v and_o the_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n continue_v to_o date_n their_o seven_o day_n from_o the_o day_n upon_o which_o their_o redemption_n be_v complete_v a_o redemption_n so_o far_o great_a than_o that_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n that_o well_o may_v the_o day_n institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n give_v way_n to_o the_o day_n celebrate_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o redemption_n this_o change_n therefore_o be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o even_o before_o his_o ascension_n and_o so_o no_o doubt_n by_o his_o personal_a direction_n and_o approbation_n for_o all_o the_o religious_a assembly_n we_o find_v of_o they_o both_z before_z and_o after_o his_o ascension_n be_v upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n that_o so_o as_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v their_o belief_n in_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n by_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o and_o manifest_v their_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n by_o solemnize_n for_o ever_o that_o seven_o day_n in_o which_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o so_o we_o christian_n shall_v declare_v that_o we_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n by_o celebrate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o and_o also_o manifest_a that_o we_o worship_v he_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n by_o sanctify_v for_o ever_o that_o seven_o day_n upon_o which_o the_o great_a and_o last_o act_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v perform_v which_o be_v therefore_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o lord_n day_n rev._n i._n 10._o far_o as_o the_o particular_a day_n of_o the_o weekly_a festival_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v determine_v by_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n wrought_v upon_o the_o seven_o day_n so_o the_o far_o great_a of_o their_o annual_a solemnity_n be_v institute_v in_o commemoration_n of_o that_o deliverance_n effect_v in_o the_o first_o month_n of_o the_o year_n this_o god_n do_v institute_v by_o a_o special_a command_n which_o be_v at_o large_a repeat_v to_o you_o in_o the_o first_o lesson_n of_o this_o day_n and_o exact_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o with_o so_o great_a rigour_n that_o he_o declare_v that_o soul_n which_o do_v not_o keep_v this_o annual_a feast_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o israel_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v require_v such_o eminent_a external_a testimony_n
prayer_n which_o make_v this_o whole_a observation_n concern_v the_o veneration_n due_a to_o church_n not_o improper_a in_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o place_n of_o prayer_n iii_o i_o pass_v now_o to_o the_o three_o branch_n 〈◊〉_d the_o text_n that_o be_v the_o posture_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o prayer_n which_o be_v express_v in_o those_o word_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n nor_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n a_o matter_n so_o indifferent_a as_o deserve_v not_o our_o enquiry_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o error_n of_o some_o that_o all_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v indifferent_a but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v no_o profess_a enemy_n to_o order_n and_o decency_n it_o appear_v far_o otherwise_o for_o since_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n since_o the_o existence_n of_o both_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o continue_v by_o he_o since_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o soul_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o next_o it_o follow_v that_o both_o aught_o to_o make_v return_v of_o praise_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n this_o the_o soul_n the_o sole_a fountain_n of_o reason_n do_v by_o love_v honour_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o he_o the_o body_n indeed_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o noble_a operation_n yet_o be_v it_o enable_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n by_o gesture_n imply_v adoration_n submission_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o to_o worship_n god_n only_o with_o the_o body_n be_v to_o make_v no_o return_n of_o gratitude_n for_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o to_o worship_v he_o only_o with_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n to_o he_o both_o thereâ—â—â—_n be_v alike_o necessary_a the_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d the_o soul_n be_v indeed_o more_o acceptable_a because_o the_o faculty_n of_o it_o be_v far_o more_o noble_a but_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n be_v no_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o public_a worship_n where_o the_o chief_a design_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o only_a visible_a testimony_n of_o the_o internal_a honour_n pay_v by_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o word_n of_o public_a praise_n and_o adoration_n be_v express_v by_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n but_o also_o in_o that_o the_o very_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o subjection_n pay_v to_o god_n since_o such_o gesture_n use_v in_o sacred_a place_n and_o to_o a_o invisible_a be_v be_v notorious_o know_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o honour_n of_o god_n bodily_a worship_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o such_o as_o may_v express_v the_o great_a submission_n and_o deep_a humility_n the_o most_o intense_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o significative_a humiliation_n of_o the_o body_n that_o posture_n therefore_o which_o express_v the_o most_o humble_a submission_n aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prayer_n the_o principal_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n only_o the_o particular_a posture_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n because_o the_o expression_n of_o civility_n honour_n and_o subjection_n vary_v in_o several_a age_n and_o country_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v any_o one_o gesture_n since_o what_o be_v very_o expressive_a of_o worship_n in_o one_o nation_n may_v be_v contrary_a in_o another_o the_o external_a mode_n of_o worship_n therefore_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o such_o modes_n vary_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o but_o in_o any_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o that_o it_o be_v esteem_v absolute_o necessary_a essential_a and_o command_v by_o god_n which_o according_a to_o the_o receive_a custom_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v most_o expressive_a of_o humility_n submission_n and_o subjection_n if_o kneel_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a posture_n of_o respect_n which_o obtain_v in_o any_o nation_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o case_n to_o pretend_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n stand_v be_v not_o only_o indecent_a but_o unlawful_a a_o detain_v from_o god_n the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o and_o offer_v to_o he_o a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o worship_n when_o a_o more_o exalt_a degree_n be_v possible_a if_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n prostration_n be_v the_o most_o significative_a posture_n of_o humility_n that_o then_o become_v necessary_a in_o divine_a worship_n if_o neither_o prostration_n nor_o kneel_v be_v in_o use_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prayer_n but_o the_o same_o infallible_a rule_n be_v always_o to_o obtain_v that_o whatsoever_o posture_n by_o custom_n institution_n or_o prescription_n be_v most_o significative_a of_o honour_n and_o subjection_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o adore_v god_n and_o in_o prayer_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o adoration_n to_o apply_v this_o rule_n to_o our_o own_o practice_n it_o be_v notorious_a and_o undeniable_a that_o in_o the_o nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v kneel_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a posture_n that_o whereof_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n be_v we_o to_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o prince_n or_o to_o beg_v his_o pardon_n this_o posture_n therefore_o become_v our_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o prayer_n wherein_o we_o adore_v god_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n in_o this_o nation_n therefore_o or_o in_o any_o other_o where_o kneel_v be_v the_o most_o submissive_a gesture_n to_o practice_v stand_v in_o public_a prayer_n be_v in_o truth_n to_o deny_v that_o the_o supreme_a honour_n be_v due_a to_o god_n to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v that_o homage_n to_o he_o which_o man_n be_v content_a to_o pay_v to_o earthly_a prince_n as_o if_o either_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o it_o or_o themselves_o be_v too_o great_a and_o noble_a to_o condescend_v to_o it_o in_o many_o eastern_a country_n prostration_n have_v be_v in_o use_n and_o there_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o other_o stand_v with_o either_o spread_n forth_o the_o hand_n or_o gentle_o incline_v the_o body_n and_o lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o breast_n in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n be_v to_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o posture_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o inquire_v which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o significative_a posture_n be_v whole_o vain_a since_o no_o posture_n signify_v any_o respect_n in_o that_o country_n where_o it_o be_v not_o use_v and_o what_o in_o one_o place_n include_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o reverence_n in_o another_o may_v signify_v none_o at_o all_o among_o the_o jew_n kneel_v with_o hand_n lift_v up_o or_o spread_v abroad_o be_v the_o most_o reverential_a gesture_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o innumerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n psal._n cxli_o 2._o dan._n vi_o 10._o luk._n xxii_o 41._o act_n ix_o 40._o xxi_o 5_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o also_o among_o the_o grecian_n st._n paul_n therefore_o write_v to_o both_o of_o they_o join_v in_o one_o church_n in_o corinth_n express_v in_o this_o place_n the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o of_o hand_n because_o that_o custom_n do_v prevail_v among_o they_o not_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o same_o posture_n in_o prayer_n who_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o particular_a nation_n among_o who_o the_o most_o submiss_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o civil_a posture_n be_v kneel_v with_o clasp_a hand_n and_o that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v be_v always_o the_o most_o receive_a gesture_n in_o the_o western_a world_n but_o most_o certain_o be_v in_o use_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o western_a church_n vid._n tertul._n &_o cypr._n it_o have_v be_v indeed_o receive_v in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o country_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v that_o in_o sacrifice_n the_o priest_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o shall_v do_v it_o stand_v in_o compliance_n with_o this_o universal_a custom_n our_o church_n have_v most_o certain_o direct_v that_o the_o prayer_n present_v to_o god_n from_o the_o altar_n where_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v celebrate_v shall_v be_v offer_v up_o by_o the_o priest_n in_o a_o stand_a posture_n which_o i_o will_v not_o omit_v to_o observe_v to_o you_o lest_o that_o practice_n shall_v be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o kneel_v in_o time_n of_o prayer_n since_o it_o be_v found_v
add_v that_o he_o shall_v return_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o see_v he_o go_v that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n as_o our_o lord_n describe_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n matth._n xiii_o 26._o it_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o inquire_v into_o what_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v translate_v yet_o not_o unfit_a to_o observe_v that_o our_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ascend_v into_o those_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o most_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v in_o scripture_n express_v thus_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o ephes._n iu._n 10._o he_o that_o descend_v be_v the_o same_o also_o that_o ascend_v far_o above_o all_o heaven_n and_o hebr._n vii_o 10._o that_o he_o be_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o heb._n ix_o 12._o pass_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n even_o into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o same_o state_n of_o glory_n with_o god_n the_o father_n his_o body_n be_v translate_v to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v full_o express_v by_o his_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v the_o place_n whether_o in_o the_o three_o in_o the_o four_o or_o above_o the_o heaven_n be_v rash_a and_o unwarrantable_a but_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o immediate_a residence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n whatsoever_o region_n be_v most_o holy_a whatsoever_o place_n be_v of_o great_a dignity_n in_o those_o celestial_a orb_n thither_o christ_n ascend_v and_o there_o now_o reign_v in_o glory_n iii_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v many_o and_o great_a the_o first_o and_o most_o eminent_a benefit_n derive_v from_o it_o be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o a_o benefit_n which_o be_v indeed_o more_o sensible_a in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n when_o it_o communicate_v to_o many_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n or_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n but_o be_v at_o this_o day_n no_o less_o advantageous_a since_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o church_n be_v still_o maintain_v the_o faithful_a be_v enable_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o the_o unfaithful_a be_v convert_v thus_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o last_a benefit_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n procure_v to_o they_o those_o grace_n which_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v be_v obtain_v the_o ascension_n of_o elijah_n make_v one_o elisha_n leave_v a_o double_a portion_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o one_o disciple_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o no_o other_o but_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o universal_a benefit_n produce_v bless_a effect_n which_o shall_v extend_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o to_o all_o age_n a_o second_o benefit_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o from_o thence_o receive_v firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n he_o have_v proclaim_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o own_o disciple_n in_o the_o vi_o of_o st._n john_n that_o he_o will_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o where_o he_o be_v before_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n go_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o ascend_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unexpected_a to_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o resolution_n herein_o and_o when_o they_o faw_fw-we effect_v what_o he_o have_v before_o foretell_v they_o they_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n thus_o although_o the_o prophetical_a office_n of_o our_o lord_n expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n all_o his_o subsequent_a action_n offer_v convince_a argument_n to_o mankind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o teach_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o either_o can_v be_v imagine_v than_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o when_o to_o this_o be_v add_v his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o more_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_n thus_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n but_o their_o hope_n be_v much_o more_o exalt_v by_o this_o glorious_a triumph_n they_o see_v he_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o ample_a power_n which_o they_o so_o long_o wish_v to_o be_v assume_v by_o he_o which_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o reward_v his_o follower_n and_o effect_v those_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o in_o john_n fourteen_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o there_o be_v many_o mansion_n in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o that_o he_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o they_o intend_v to_o receive_v they_o afterward_o to_o himself_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o may_v be_v also_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o see_v to_o be_v effect_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n that_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v accomplish_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a motive_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n or_o promise_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o performance_n of_o those_o which_o go_v before_o the_o same_o foreknowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o foresee_v the_o exaltation_n of_o himself_o can_v as_o easy_o foresee_v the_o like_a reward_n to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o same_o power_n which_o advance_v he_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n can_v exalt_v whosoever_o he_o please_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o his_o power_n can_v not_o be_v question_v and_o his_o will_n therein_o he_o have_v often_o declare_v assure_v they_o joh._n xii_o 32._o when_o i_o be_o lift_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v draw_v all_o man_n unto_o i_o herein_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o mankind_n receive_v increase_v and_o strength_n they_o have_v all_o impatient_o wish_v for_o immortality_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v that_o their_o soul_n shall_v still_o exist_v but_o their_o body_n be_v equal_o part_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v for_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o both_o yet_o that_o either_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o happy_a they_o be_v assure_v only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ._n he_o affirm_v it_o he_o promise_v it_o he_o confirm_v it_o by_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o such_o a_o gross_a corporeal_a be_v shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o society_n of_o angel_n that_o man_n who_o be_v exclude_v from_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o to_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n all_o this_o do_v seem_v incredible_a till_o they_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v visible_o receive_v into_o heaven_n and_o place_v in_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o this_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o like_a immortality_n of_o their_o own_o body_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o while_o they_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o relation_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o humane_a nature_n their_o forerunner_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o they_o the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o society_n they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o time_n be_v grant_v to_o they_o since_o what_o he_o foretell_v of_o his_o own_o ascension_n they_o see_v effect_v since_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o follow_v their_o captain_n their_o head_n and_o their_o forerunner_n and_o with_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o place_n of_o their_o desire_a happiness_n far_o as_o christ_n be_v our_o king_n and_o our_o priest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o either_o of_o those_o his_o office_n receive_v increase_v by_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n as_o king_n he_o be_v thereby_o invest_v in_o the_o actual_a dominion_n of_o his_o church_n enable_v to_o bestow_v upon_o she_o all_o those_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o her_o wellbeing_a as_o our_o priest_n his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o our_o behalf_n be_v make_v much_o more_o prevalent_a by_o his_o personal_a presence_n with_o he_o under_o the_o law_n the_o efficacy_n of_o