not_o positive_o promise_v to_o reward_v our_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o promise_v though_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o goodness_n induce_v he_o to_o make_v yet_o his_o essential_a truth_n sâ—andâ—_n oblige_v 〈◊〉_d see_v perform_v for_o though_o some_o have_v venture_v so_o far_o as_o to_o declare_v god_n under_o no_o obligation_n to_o inflict_v the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n how_o peremptory_o soever_o threaten_v by_o he_o upon_o man_n die_v in_o their_o sin_n yet_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v be_v so_o hardy_a or_o rather_o shameless_a as_o to_o affirm_v it_o free_a for_o god_n to_o perform_v or_o not_o perform_v his_o promise_n the_o obligation_n of_o which_o be_v so_o absolute_a and_o unalterable_a i_o do_v here_o further_o affirm_v that_o upon_o the_o true_a and_o most_o â—â—sured_a principle_n of_o practical_a reason_n there_o be_v as_o strong_a and_o as_o enforce_v a_o motive_n from_o the_o immutable_a truth_n of_o god_n promise_n to_o raise_v man_n to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o heroic_a act_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n as_o if_o every_o such_o single_a act_n can_v by_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a worth_a merit_n a_o glorious_a eternity_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o real_a truth_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o excite_v endeavour_v and_o set_v obedience_n on_o work_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o work_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o reward_n and_o can_v we_o have_v a_o great_a assurance_n of_o this_o than_o that_o truth_n itself_o which_o can_v break_v its_o word_n have_v promise_v it_o for_o the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o may_v with_o reverence_n speak_v have_v pawn_v his_o word_n his_o name_n and_o his_o honour_n to_o reward_v the_o steadfast_a final_o persevere_v obedience_n of_o every_o one_o within_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n notwithstand_v its_o legal_a imperfection_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v alâ—_n the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o blush_v at_o thâ—â—â—_n worthless_a emptiness_n of_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o poorness_n and_o shortness_n of_o our_o most_o complete_a action_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o think_v as_o mean_o of_o they_o and_o of_o ourselves_o for_o they_o as_o god_n himself_o do_v yet_o still_o let_v we_o build_v both_o our_o practice_n and_o our_o comfort_n upon_o this_o one_o conclusion_n as_o upon_o a_o rock_n that_o â—_o though_o after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o be_v still_o unprofitable_a servant_n yet_o because_o we_o have_v do_v all_o god_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o gracious_a master_n to_o who_o therefore_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o christchurch_n in_o oxford_n before_o the_o university_n octob._n 29._o 1693._o luke_n xi_o 35_o take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v not_o darkness_n as_o light_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o useful_a creature_n that_o ever_o issue_v from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n so_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o little_o weaken_v by_o the_o fall_n as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n no_o doubt_n the_o light_n within_o we_o will_v appear_v as_o much_o more_o glorious_a than_o the_o light_n without_o we_o as_o the_o spiritual_a intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n exceed_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o sensible_a and_o corporeal_a as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o light_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o it_o before_o i_o proceed_v further_o and_o that_o without_o enter_v into_o those_o various_a notion_n of_o it_o which_o some_o have_v amuse_v the_o world_n with_o it_o be_v in_o short_a that_o which_o philosopher_n in_o their_o discourse_n about_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o first_o origin_n of_o knowledge_n do_v so_o much_o magnify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o recta_fw-la ratio_fw-la that_o great_a source_n and_o principle_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o both_o of_o their_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n for_o the_o better_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o must_v according_a to_o a_o common_a but_o necessary_a distinction_n and_o elsewhere_o make_v use_n of_o by_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o recâ—â—_n ratio_fw-la may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n first_o for_o those_o maxim_n or_o general_a truth_n which_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o reason_n and_o form_v thereby_o into_o certain_a proposition_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n by_o which_o man_n govern_v both_o their_o discourse_n and_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n that_o come_v before_o they_o or_o second_o it_o may_v be_v take_v for_o thaâ—_n faculty_n or_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o form_v these_o maxim_n or_o proposition_n and_o afterward_o discourse_n upon_o they_o and_o so_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v here_o for_o proposition_n themselves_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v neither_o capable_a of_o increase_n or_o decrease_v improvement_n or_o diminution_n but_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o both_o that_o 〈◊〉_d of_o become_v strong_a or_o weak_a accord_v as_o man_n shall_v use_v or_o abuse_v cultivate_v or_o neglect_v they_o upon_o which_o account_n this_o recta_fw-la ratio_fw-la can_v be_v nothing_o â—lse_o but_o that_o intellectual_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o be_v â—â—â—urally_o endow_v with_o to_o which_o faculty_n as_o there_o belong_v two_o grand_a and_o principal_a office_n to_o 〈◊〉_d one_o to_o inform_v or_o direct_v and_o the_o â—ther_n to_o command_v or_o oblige_v so_o the_o 〈◊〉_d faculty_n sustain_v a_o different_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—r_o denomination_n according_a to_o each_o of_o â—hem_n for_o as_o it_o serve_v to_o inform_v the_o soul_n â—â—y_n discover_v thing_n to_o it_o so_o it_o be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o as_o it_o oblige_v the_o soul_n to_o do_v this_o or_o forbear_v that_o which_o it_o do_v as_o it_o be_v actuate_v or_o inform_v with_o those_o forementioned_a general_a truth_n or_o maxim_n so_o it_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o two_o office_n though_o belong_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o faculty_n be_v very_o different_a for_o the_o former_a of_o they_o to_o wit_n iâ—â—_n enlighten_v or_o inform_v quality_n extend_v much_o further_a than_o itâ—â—_n obligingâ—_n virtue_n do_v even_o to_o all_o thing_n knowable_a by_o the_o mind_n of_o manâ—_n but_o the_o latter_a only_o to_o such_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d be_v matter_n of_o practice_n and_o so_o fall_v undeâ—_n a_o moral_a consideration_n beside_o that_o this_o oblige_a quality_n must_v needs_o also_o preâ—suppose_v the_o enlighten_v quality_n as_o essentiâ—ally_o go_v before_o it_o for_o as_o no_o law_n 〈◊〉_d bind_v till_o it_o be_v notify_v or_o promulge_v so_o neither_o can_v this_o faculty_n of_o the_o soâ—â—_n oblige_v a_o man_n till_o it_o have_v first_o inform_v 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n according_a â—o_o the_o essential_a order_n 〈◊〉_d thing_n precede_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n anâ—_n consequently_n in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o how_o much_o soever_o some_o have_v think_v fit_a 〈◊〉_d confound_v they_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v this_o which_o the_o text_n here_o principal_o intend_v by_o the_o light_n within_o we_o nevertheless_o since_o the_o word_n conscience_n take_v in_o both_o and_o signify_v as_o well_o a_o light_n to_o inform_v as_o it_o import_v and_o carrieâ—_n with_o 〈◊〉_d also_o a_o law_n to_o oblige_v we_o i_o shall_v indifferent_o express_v this_o light_n by_o the_o name_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o term_n equivalent_a to_o it_o in_o all_o the_o follow_a particulars_n but_o still_o this_o shall_v be_v with_o respect_n 〈◊〉_d its_o inform_v rather_o than_o to_o its_o oblige_a office_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v the_o former_a of_o these_o only_a which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n 〈◊〉_d light_n and_o not_o the_o latter_a for_o though_o conscience_n be_v both_o a_o light_n and_o as_o it_o command'_v under_o god_n a_o law_n too_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o light_n it_o be_v not_o formal_o ah_o law_n â—â—or_n if_o it_o be_v than_o whatsoever_o it_o disâ—â—vered_v to_o we_o it_o will_v also_o oblige_v we_o 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o since_o it_o both_o may_v use_v do_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o indifferent_a â—â—ture_n oâ—_n many_o thing_n and_o action_n â—â—thout_v oblige_v we_o either_o to_o the_o practise_n or_o forbearance_n of_o they_o which_o one_o consideration_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o set_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o enlighten_v and_o the_o oblige_a
remain_n of_o our_o fall_a nature_n by_o turn_v the_o last_o survive_v spark_n of_o it_o this_o light_n within_o we_o into_o darkness_n for_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o man_n live_v in_o respect_n of_o conscience_n be_v born-blind_a but_o make_v himself_o so_o none_o can_v strike_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o hiâ—_n conscience_n but_o himself_o for_o nothing_o can_v put_v it_o out_o but_o that_o which_o sin_n it_o out_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o a_o man_n may_v love_v his_o sin_n so_o enormous_o much_o as_o by_o a_o very_a ill_a application_n of_o the_o apostle_n expression_n even_o to_o pluck_v out_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o to_o it_o as_o indeed_o every_o obstinate_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n do_v our_o present_a business_n therefore_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o as_o a_o completion_n of_o what_o i_o discourse_v former_o upon_o conscience_n in_o this_o place_n to_o show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o course_n this_o divine_a light_n this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v first_o to_o burn_v faint_a and_o dim_a and_o so_o by_o a_o gradual_a decay_n faint_a and_o faint_a till_o at_o length_n by_o a_o total_a extinction_n it_o quite_o sink_v to_o nothing_o and_o so_o die_v away_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v first_o in_o general_n and_o second_o in_o particular_a and_o first_o in_o general_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o observation_n first_o that_o whatsoever_o defile_v the_o conscience_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n also_o darken_v it_o as_o to_o the_o philosophy_n of_o which_o how_o and_o by_o what_o way_n this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v and_o much_o hard_a to_o explain_v our_o great_a unacquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o spiritual_a immaterial_a being_n leave_v we_o whole_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o any_o explicite_fw-la knowledge_n either_o how_o they_o work_v or_o how_o they_o be_v work_v upon_o so_o that_o in_o discourse_v of_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v force_v to_o take_v up_o with_o analogy_n and_o allusion_n instead_o of_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n nevertheless_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v certain_a be_v the_o manner_n of_o effect_v it_o never_o so_o unaccountable_a yet_o thus_o much_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o sin_n analogous_fw-la to_o blackness_n as_o innocence_n be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n express_v and_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o whiteâ—ness_n all_o gild_n blacken_v or_o do_v something_o equivalent_a to_o the_o blacken_a of_o the_o soul_n as_o where_o pitch_n cleave_v to_o anything_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o leave_v upon_o it_o both_o its_o foulness_n and_o its_o blackness_n together_o and_o then_o we_o know_v that_o blackness_n and_o darkness_n be_v inseparable_a some_o of_o the_o able_a of_o the_o peripatetic_a school_n not_o without_o countenance_n from_o aristotle_n himself_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o his_o three_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hold_v that_o beside_o the_o native_a inherent_a light_n of_o the_o intellect_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o faculty_n make_v to_o apprehend_v and_o take_v in_o its_o object_n after_o a_o spiritual_a way_n there_o be_v also_o another_o light_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o medium_fw-la beam_a in_o upon_o it_o by_o a_o continual_a efflux_n and_o emanation_n from_o the_o great_a fountain_n of_o light_n and_o irradiate_a this_o intellectual_a faculty_n together_o with_o the_o species_n or_o representation_n of_o thing_n imprint_v thereupon_o according_a to_o which_o doctrine_n it_o seem_v with_o great_a reason_n to_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o interpose_v between_o the_o mind_n and_o those_o irradiation_n from_o god_n as_o all_o sin_n more_o or_o less_o certain_o do_v must_v needs_o hinder_v the_o entrance_n and_o admission_n of_o they_o into_o the_o mind_n and_o then_o darkness_n must_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n ensue_v as_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o absence_n or_o privation_n of_o light_n for_o the_o further_a illustration_n of_o which_o notion_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o understanding_n the_o mind_n or_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o we_o shall_v here_o take_v for_o the_o same_o thing_n seem_v to_o bear_v much_o the_o same_o respect_n to_o god_n which_o glass_n or_o crystal_n do_v to_o the_o light_n or_o sun_n which_o appear_v indeed_o to_o the_o eye_n a_o bright_a and_o a_o shine_a thing_n nevertheless_o this_o shine_a be_v not_o so_o much_o from_o any_o essential_a light_n or_o brightness_n exist_v in_o the_o glass_n itself_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o porousness_n of_o its_o body_n render_v it_o diaphanous_a and_o thereby_o fit_a to_o receive_v and_o transmit_v those_o ray_n of_o light_n which_o fall_v upon_o it_o and_o pass_v through_o it_o represent_v it_o to_o common_a view_n as_o a_o luminous_a body_n but_o now_o let_v any_o thing_n of_o dirt_n or_o foulness_n sully_v this_o glass_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o shine_n or_o brightness_n of_o it_o be_v present_o go_v because_o so_o much_o of_o the_o light_n be_v thereby_o hinder_v from_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o make_v its_o way_n through_o it_o but_o if_o beside_o all_o this_o you_o shall_v also_o draw_v some_o black_a colour_n or_o deep_o die_v upon_o it_o either_o by_o paint_n or_o otherwise_o why_o then_o no_o brightness_n can_v be_v see_v in_o it_o at_o all_o but_o the_o light_n be_v hereby_o utter_o shut_v out_o the_o glass_n or_o crystal_n will_v shine_v or_o glister_v no_o more_o than_o a_o piece_n of_o wood_n or_o a_o clod_n of_o earth_n in_o like_a manner_n every_o act_n of_o sin_n every_o degree_n of_o guilt_n do_v in_o its_o proportion_n cast_v a_o kind_n of_o soil_n or_o foulness_n upon_o the_o intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o thereby_o intercept_v those_o bless_a irradiation_n which_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v continual_o dart_v in_o upon_o it_o nor_o be_v this_o all_o but_o there_o be_v also_o some_o certain_a sort_n and_o degree_n of_o guilt_n so_o very_o black_a and_o foul_a that_o they_o fall_v like_o a_o huge_a thick_a blot_n upon_o this_o faculty_n and_o so_o sink_v into_o it_o and_o settle_v within_o it_o utter_o exclude_v all_o those_o illumination_n which_o will_v otherwise_o flow_v into_o it_o and_o rest_n upon_o it_o from_o the_o great_a father_n of_o light_n and_o this_o not_o from_o any_o failure_n or_o defect_n in_o the_o illumination_n itself_o but_o from_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o object_n which_o be_v thus_o blacken_v can_v neither_o let_v in_o nor_o transmit_v the_o beam_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o i_o will_v not_o affirm_v this_o to_o be_v a_o perfect_a exemplification_n of_o the_o case_n before_o we_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o lively_a illustration_n of_o it_o and_o may_v be_v of_o no_o small_a use_n to_o such_o as_o shall_v thorough_o consider_v it_o but_o however_o as_o i_o show_v before_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a gild_n and_o darkness_n be_v always_o so_o unite_v that_o you_o shall_v never_o find_v darkness_n mention_v in_o scripture_n in_o a_o moral_a sense_n but_o you_o shall_v also_o find_v it_o derive_v from_o sin_n as_o its_o direct_a cause_n and_o join_v with_o it_o as_o its_o constant_a companion_n for_o by_o a_o mutual_a production_n sin_n both_o cause_n darkness_n and_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o let_v this_o therefore_o be_v our_o first_o general_n observation_n that_o whatsoever_o pollute_v or_o foul_n the_o conscience_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n also_o darken_v it_o second_o our_o other_o general_n observation_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o put_v a_o bias_n upon_o the_o judge_a faculty_n of_o conscience_n weaken_v and_o by_o consequence_n darken_v the_o light_n of_o it_o a_o clear_a and_o a_o right_a judge_a conscience_n must_v be_v always_o impartial_a and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o it_o must_v be_v perfect_o indifferent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o must_v be_v free_a and_o disencumbr_v from_o every_o thing_n which_o may_v in_o the_o least_o sway_n or_o incline_v it_o one_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o beyond_o what_o the_o sole_a and_o mere_a evidence_n of_o thing_n will_v natural_o lead_v it_o to_o in_o a_o word_n it_o must_v judge_v all_o by_o evidence_n and_o nothing_o by_o inclination_n and_o this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o admirable_a emphasis_n and_o significance_n of_o expression_n call_v the_o singleness_n of_o the_o eye_n in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o before_o the_o text._n if_o thy_o eye_n say_v he_o be_v single_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o light_n that_o be_v nothing_o extraneous_a must_v cleave_v â—o_o or_o join_v with_o the_o eye_n in_o the_o act_n of_o â—eeing_v but_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v sole_o and_o entire_o to_o itself_o and_o its_o bare_a object_n as_o naked_a as_o
his_o own_o free-word_n and_o promise_v oblige_v he_o to_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o but_o because_o of_o a_o certain_a worth_n and_o value_v inherent_a in_o the_o work_n itself_o which_o make_v it_o incongruous_a and_o consequent_o impossible_a for_o god_n not_o to_o reward_v it_o since_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n incongruous_a to_o himself_o or_o to_o any_o of_o his_o attribute_n from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o three_o condition_n require_v to_o make_v a_o action_n meritorious_a be_v here_o fail_v also_o which_o be_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o work_n be_v commensurate_a to_o the_o value_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o so_o i_o be_o come_v at_o length_n to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o condition_n or_o ingredient_n of_o merit_n and_o that_o be_v that_o he_o who_o do_v a_o work_n whereby_o he_o will_v merit_v of_o another_o do_v it_o sole_o by_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o not_o by_o the_o strength_n or_o power_n of_o he_o from_o who_o he_o be_v to_o merit_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o otherwise_o the_o work_n will_v not_o be_v entire_o a_o man_n own_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o property_n there_o can_v be_v no_o exchange_n all_o exchange_n be_v the_o alienation_n of_o one_o property_n or_o title_n for_o another_o and_o i_o have_v all_o along_o show_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o merit_n be_v found_v in_o commutation_n but_o now_o how_o great_a a_o hand_n or_o rather_o what_o a_o total_a influence_n god_n have_v in_o all_o our_o action_n that_o know_v maxim_n joint_o receive_v both_o by_o heathen_n and_o christian_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v namely_o that_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o so_o intimate_o and_o inseparable_o do_v this_o influence_n join_v itself_o with_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o creature_n that_o it_o puzzle_v the_o deep_a and_o most_o acute_a philosopher_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o action_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o first_o so_o as_o to_o rescue_v they_o from_o a_o downright_a identity_n according_o in_o philip._n 2.13_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o work_v in_o we_o not_o only_o to_o do_v but_o also_o to_o will_n according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o if_o in_o every_o good_a inclination_n as_o well_o as_o action_n god_n be_v the_o worker_n we_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o recipient_a subject_n of_o what_o be_v wrought_v and_o to_o be_v recipient_a certain_o be_v not_o meritorious_a in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n though_o we_o natural_o fix_v our_o eye_n only_o upon_o some_o visible_a agent_n yet_o still_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a invisible_a spring_n which_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n of_o and_o convey_v a_o activity_n to_o every_o power_n and_o faculty_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n though_o it_o be_v discern_v by_o neither_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o st._n austin_n say_v that_o in_o all_o that_o god_n do_v for_o we_o he_o only_o crown_v his_o own_o work_n in_o we_o the_o same_o hand_n still_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v which_o shall_v hereafter_o reward_v we_o for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o if_o according_a to_o these_o term_n and_o those_o word_n also_o of_o the_o spouse_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n cantic_a 1.4_o draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v follow_v thou_o our_o come_v to_o god_n be_v from_o nothing_o else_o but_o from_o his_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o how_o can_v we_o merit_v of_o he_o by_o our_o follow_v he_o or_o come_v to_o he_o for_o can_v any_o one_o obligeâ—_n i_o by_o a_o present_v buy_v with_o my_o own_o money_n or_o by_o give_v i_o that_o which_o i_o first_o give_v he_o and_o yet_o the_o case_n here_o be_v much_o the_o same_o for_o as_o apt_a as_o we_o be_v to_o flatter_v ourselves_o and_o to_o think_v and_o speak_v big_a upon_o this_o subject_n yet_o in_o truth_n by_o all_o that_o we_o do_v or_o can_v do_v we_o do_v but_o return_v god_n something_o of_o his_o own_o much_o like_o the_o river_n which_o come_v roll_v with_o a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o poâ—â—â—_n themselves_o into_o the_o sea_n and_o yet_o as_o high_a as_o they_o swell_v and_o as_o loud_o as_o they_o roar_v they_o only_o restore_v the_o sea_n she_o own_o water_n that_o which_o flow_v into_o she_o in_o one_o place_n have_v be_v first_o draw_v from_o she_o in_o another_o in_o a_o word_n can_v the_o earth_n repay_v the_o heaven_n for_o their_o influence_n and_o the_o cloud_n for_o that_o verdure_n and_o fertility_n which_o they_o bestow_v upon_o it_o or_o can_v dirt_n and_o dunghill_n requite_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o light_n for_o shine_v upon_o they_o no_o certain_o and_o yet_o what_o poor_a shadow_n and_o faint_a representation_n be_v these_o of_o that_o infinite_o great_a inability_n even_o of_o the_o noble_a of_o god_n creature_n to_o present_v he_o with_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o first_o behold_v to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v clear_a therefore_o that_o since_o man_n in_o all_o his_o duty_n and_o service_n never_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o to_o set_v up_o with_o but_o have_v traffic_v all_o along_o upon_o a_o borrow_v stock_n the_o four_o and_o last_o condition_n require_v to_o make_v his_o performance_n meritorious_a utter_o fail_v he_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v distinct_o go_v over_o the_o several_a condition_n of_o merit_n as_o first_o that_o the_o meritorious_a act_n be_v not_o due_a second_o that_o it_o real_o add_v to_o and_o better_a the_o condition_n of_o he_o from_o who_o it_o merit_v three_o that_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n of_o value_n between_o the_o work_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o four_o and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o sole_a strength_n of_o he_o who_o merit_n and_o not_o by_o the_o help_n and_o strength_n of_o he_o from_o who_o he_o merit_v these_o four_o i_o say_v be_v the_o essential_a ingredient_n and_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o merit_n and_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o all_o agree_v to_o the_o very_o best_a of_o man_n action_n with_o reference_n to_o almighty_a god_n nevertheless_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o these_o deplorable_a impotence_n we_o see_v what_o a_o tower_a principle_n of_o pride_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o how_o mighty_o it_o make_v they_o affect_v to_o be_v their_o own_o saviour_n and_o even_o while_o they_o live_v upon_o god_n to_o depend_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v poor_a and_o proud_a be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o man_n ever_o since_o the_o pride_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n throw_v we_o into_o this_o forlorn_a condition_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o and_o main_a particular_a propose_v from_o the_o wordâ—_n and_o express_v in_o they_o namely_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o their_o best_a service_n to_o merit_v of_o godâ—_n or_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o particular_a which_o exhibit_v to_o we_o something_o by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o the_o two_o former_a to_o wit_n that_o this_o persuasion_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n be_v the_o source_n and_o foundation_n of_o two_o of_o the_o great_a corruption_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v infest_a the_o christian_a church_n and_o those_o be_v pelagianism_n and_o popery_n and_o first_o for_o pelagianism_n it_o chief_o spring_v from_o and_o be_v resolvable_a into_o this_o one_o point_n namely_o that_o a_o man_n contribute_v something_o of_o his_o own_o which_o he_o have_v not_o from_o god_n towards_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o that_o not_o a_o bare_a something_o only_o but_o such_o a_o something_o also_o as_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o effectual_a cause_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n according_a to_o pelagius_n be_v only_o a_o power_n to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v which_o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o have_v and_o carry_v to_o hell_n with_o he_o as_o those_o who_o go_v to_o hell_n no_o doubt_n do_v but_o that_o which_o obtain_v heaven_n and_o actual_o save_v a_o man_n be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o that_o power_n and_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n which_o as_o the_o same_o pelagius_n teach_v a_o man_n have_v whole_o from_o himself_o and_o according_o may_v whole_o thank_v himself_o for_o so_o that_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 4.7_o quis_fw-la te_fw-la discrevit_fw-la who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o grand_a discrimination_n of_o saint_n and_o reprobate_a the_o pelagian_a must_v reply_v if_o he_o will_v speak_v pertinent_o and_o consistent_o with_o himself_o why_o i_o make_v myself_o to_o differ_v by_o use_v the_o power_n which_o god_n
convert_v be_v not_o yet_o so_o perfect_o and_o entire_o christian_n but_o that_o they_o still_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n as_o suppose_v it_o still_o in_o force_n other_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v more_o confirm_v and_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o thereby_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v abolish_v and_o take_v away_o observe_v not_o that_o difference_n of_o day_n and_o meat_n which_o be_v prescribe_v in_o that_o law_n but_o look_v upon_o one_o day_n as_o another_o and_o indifferent_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o meat_n be_v persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o all_o such_o distinction_n and_o make_v the_o use_n of_o all_o lawful_a nevertheless_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o convert_v not_o understanding_n that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n to_o abrogate_v any_o thing_n once_o establish_v by_o moses_n have_v their_o conscience_n still_o in_o bondage_n to_o a_o religious_a observation_n of_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v enjoin_v in_o his_o law_n and_o thereupon_o though_o they_o own_v christ_n yet_o if_o any_o meat_n prohibit_v by_o moses_n be_v set_v before_o they_o they_o hold_v themselves_o bind_v rather_o to_o fast_o or_o to_o eat_v only_a herb_n than_o by_o eat_v such_o meat_n to_o break_v the_o law_n as_o they_o think_v and_o thereby_o to_o defile_v themselves_o this_o be_v their_o case_n but_o in_o this_o 8_o the_o chapter_n of_o 1_o cor._n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o person_n new_o convert_v from_o idolatry_n and_o that_o touch_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n concern_v which_o offering_n we_o must_v know_v that_o beside_o what_o be_v eat_v of_o they_o in_o the_o idol_n temple_n which_o eat_v be_v a_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o idol_n as_o our_o eat_v the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o communion_n with_o christ_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a portion_n of_o those_o sacrifice_n which_o fall_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o which_o they_o have_v no_o use_n of_o sell_v to_o those_o who_o afterward_o expose_v it_o to_o â—ale_v promiscuous_o among_o other_o meat_n upon_o the_o shambles_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v according_o buy_v up_o and_o spend_v in_o private_a family_n without_o any_o distinction_n whether_o it_o have_v or_o have_v not_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n now_o as_o for_o the_o former_a way_n of_o eat_a meat_n thus_o offer_v namely_o in_o the_o idol_n temple_n this_o the_o apostle_n utter_o disallow_v as_o absolute_o unlawful_a but_o the_o latter_a only_o under_o some_o circumstance_n for_o he_o allow_v that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o buy_v among_o other_o meat_n in_o the_o market_n and_o be_v so_o buy_v may_v be_v eat_v in_o any_o private_a house_n without_o the_o least_o sin_n only_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o whereas_o there_o be_v some_o who_o well_o understand_v that_o meat_n can_v have_v no_o defile_v quality_n imprint_v upon_o it_o by_o its_o consecration_n to_o a_o idol_n and_o other_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v not_o so_o much_o knowledge_n suppose_v that_o the_o consecration_n of_o it_o to_o the_o idol_n leave_v upon_o it_o such_o a_o pollute_a quality_n and_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o idol_n as_o defile_v the_o eater_n the_o former_a sort_n may_v free_o and_o innocent_o eat_v such_o meat_n in_o private_a family_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o before_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n who_o through_o weakness_n have_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o such_o meat_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v induce_v to_o use_v the_o same_o liberty_n though_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v quite_o another_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n esteem_v the_o eat_v they_o little_a better_o than_o idolatry_n now_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n abridge_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o convert_v in_o condescension_n to_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n proceed_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o man_n action_n depend_v not_o sole_o either_o upon_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o subject_a matter_n nor_o yet_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o doer_n of_o they_o consider_v in_o itself_o but_o as_o consider_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o to_o who_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n they_o stand_v bind_v so_o to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o by_o none_o of_o their_o action_n to_o give_v they_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n here_o treat_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o historical_a account_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o word_n be_v thus_o premise_v i_o shall_v cast_v the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o a_o weak_a conscience_n be_v 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o wound_n or_o sin_n against_o it_o 3._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o conclusion_n or_o assertion_n natural_o result_v from_o the_o forego_n particular_n and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o what_o a_o weak_a conscience_n be_v i_o say_v at_o first_o that_o such_o a_o conscience_n be_v improper_o call_v tender_a which_o in_o the_o sense_n it_o common_o bear_v be_v a_o expression_n of_o our_o own_o frame_n and_o no_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n tenderness_n apply_v to_o conscience_n proper_o import_v quickness_n and_o exactness_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o faculty_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_a watch_n to_o give_v we_o warning_n of_o whatsoever_o concern_v we_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o the_o eye_n be_v natural_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o delicate_a part_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o call_v weak_a so_o long_o as_o its_o sight_n be_v quick_a and_o strong_a conscience_n the_o more_o sensible_a it_o be_v to_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v which_o be_v its_o office_n and_o to_o spy_v out_o every_o little_a thing_n which_o may_v annoy_v or_o defile_v the_o soul_n so_o much_o the_o more_o tender_a it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v but_o not_o therefore_o so_o much_o the_o more_o weak_a which_o sufficient_o show_v weakness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n two_o different_a thing_n and_o the_o same_o appear_v yet_o further_o from_o those_o contrary_n to_o which_o they_o stand_v respective_o oppose_v a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v oppose_v to_o a_o hard_a or_o sear_v conscience_n such_o a_o one_o as_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n have_v lose_v the_o distinguish_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a honest_a and_o dishonest_a but_o a_o weak_a conscience_n be_v oppose_v to_o a_o strong_a which_o very_a strength_n we_o show_v consist_v in_o the_o tenderness_n or_o quickness_n of_o its_o discern_a or_o perceptive_a power_n whereupon_o we_o read_v of_o strong_a man_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n which_o denomination_n take_v their_o rise_n from_o the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o such_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v such_o must_v be_v the_o christian._n and_o here_o let_v none_o think_v my_o insist_v upon_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o term_n either_o nice_a or_o needless_a for_o it_o be_v no_o small_a artifice_n of_o fraud_n to_o prepossess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o represent_v a_o bad_a thing_n under_o a_o good_a name_n and_o call_v weakness_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o defect_n by_o the_o name_n of_o tenderness_n which_o be_v a_o perfection_n word_n govern_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n who_o seldom_o go_v 〈◊〉_d deep_a as_o to_o look_v into_o thing_n and_o impostor_n well_o know_v how_o likely_a their_o cause_n be_v to_o succeed_v if_o their_o term_n can_v but_o once_o be_v admit_v as_o for_o the_o place_n now_o before_o we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v oppose_v to_o faith_n so_o that_o in_o rom._n 14._o such_o a_o one_o be_v say_v to_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o v_o 2._o one_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n where_o observe_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v be_v oppose_v to_o he_o who_o be_v weak_a now_o by_o faith_n here_o be_v not_o mean_v that_o act_n or_o quality_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v but_o signify_v the_o same_o with_o knowledge_n as_o 1_o cor._n 8.10_o if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o who_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o who_o be_v weak_a be_v embolden_v to_o do_v so_o too_o and_o in_o v_o 7._o howbeit_o there_o
we_o can_v fetch_v in_o no_o information_n or_o relief_n to_o our_o understanding_n from_o our_o sense_n no_o picture_n or_o draught_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o report_n of_o the_o eye_n but_o we_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o fancy_n to_o the_o flight_n and_o venture_n of_o a_o bold_a imagination_n and_o here_o to_o illustrate_v the_o case_n a_o little_a let_v we_o imagine_v a_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a able_a upon_o bare_a hear-say_n to_o conceive_v in_o his_o mind_n all_o the_o variety_n and_o curiosity_n of_o colour_n to_o draw_v a_o exact_a scheme_n of_o constantinople_n or_o a_o map_n of_o france_n to_o describe_v the_o town_n point_v out_o the_o river_n and_o distinguish_v the_o situation_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a great_a and_o extraordinary_a place_n and_o when_o such_o a_o one_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o and_o not_o before_o then_o perhaps_o may_v we_o also_o apprehend_v what_o a_o spirit_n a_o angel_n or_o a_o immaterial_a be_v be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o understanding_n which_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o this_o one_o consideration_n that_o in_o all_o the_o description_n which_o we_o make_v of_o god_n angel_n and_o spirit_n we_o still_o describe_v they_o by_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o see_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v we_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v invisible_a but_o then_o to_o do_v this_o argument_n right_o again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n as_o it_o will_v be_v extreme_o sottish_a and_o irrational_a for_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o conclude_v and_o affirm_v positive_o that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o colour_n picture_n or_o landscape_n because_o he_o find_v that_o he_o can_v form_v to_o himself_o any_o true_a notion_n idea_n or_o mental_a perception_n of_o they_o so_o will_v it_o be_v equal_o or_o rather_o superlative_o more_o unreasonable_a for_o we_o to_o deny_v the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o christianity_n because_o we_o can_v frame_v in_o our_o mind_n any_o clear_a explicit_fw-la and_o exact_a representation_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o of_o the_o ratiocination_n of_o some_o man_n about_o it_o how_o absurd_a and_o inconsequent_a soever_o we_o see_v it_o be_v let_v this_o therefore_o be_v another_o and_o a_o second_o cause_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o treat_v of_o and_o be_v conversant_a about_o such_o thing_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v mysterious_a three_o a_o three_o property_n of_o matter_n belong_v to_o christianity_n and_o which_o also_o render_v they_o mysterious_a be_v their_o strangeness_n and_o vnreducibleness_n to_o the_o common_a method_n and_o observation_n of_o nature_n i_o for_o my_o part_n can_v look_v upon_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o other_o can_v as_o a_o more_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o christ_n satisfaction_n for_o sin_n by_o which_o alone_o the_o lose_a son_n of_o adam_n be_v reconcile_v to_o their_o offend_a god_n and_o so_o put_v into_o new_a capacity_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o surprise_v strange_a and_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o common_a reason_n than_o this_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o general_a course_n and_o way_n of_o man_n act_v for_o that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o offend_a person_n shall_v project_v and_o provide_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o he_o who_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n concern_v himself_o to_o solicit_v a_o reconciliation_n with_o those_o who_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o but_o may_v with_o equal_a justice_n and_o honour_n have_v destroy_v they_o be_v a_o thing_n quite_o beside_o the_o common_a course_n of_o the_o world_n and_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o that_o a_o father_n shall_v deliver_v up_o a_o innocent_a and_o infinite_o belove_a son_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o just_o 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fallacy_n and_o inconsequence_n conclude_v ab_fw-la imparibus_fw-la tamquà m_fw-la paribus_fw-la and_o more_o than_o sufficient_o confute_v and_o blow_v off_o by_o that_o one_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o thought_n be_v not_o as_o our_o thought_n nor_o his_o way_n as_o our_o way_n isa._n 55.8_o to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o neither_o be_v his_o nature_n as_o our_o nature_n nor_o his_o divine_a person_n as_o our_o person_n and_o if_o so_o where_o be_v the_o socinian_n logic_n in_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o hardly_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o argue_v concern_v the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o the_o church_n but_o this_o but_o there_o be_v also_o two_o other_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o do_v as_o much_o transcend_v the_o common_a notice_n and_o observation_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o former_a one_o of_o which_o be_v the_o conversion_n and_o change_n of_o a_o man_n sinful_a nature_n common_o call_v the_o work_n of_o regenâ—â—â—â—â—â—on_n or_o the_o new-birth_n concern_v which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o wonder_n and_o deserve_o too_o by_o what_o strange_a power_n and_o efficacy_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o ever_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o conquer_v and_o shake_v off_o those_o inveterate_a appetite_n and_o desire_n which_o be_v both_o so_o violent_a in_o their_o act_n and_o so_o early_o in_o their_o original_a as_o be_v bear_v with_o he_o and_o to_o have_v other_o new_a one_o and_o those_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a plant_v in_o their_o room_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n in_o john_n 3._o discourse_v of_o these_o thing_n to_o nicodemus_n a_o great_a rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o he_o be_v present_o amaze_v and_o non-plus_a at_o it_o as_o at_o a_o great_a paradox_n and_o impossibility_n and_o forth_o with_o begin_v to_o question_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o indeed_o he_o say_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n live_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v concern_v most_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n but_o above_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v to_o lie_v marvellous_o cross_v to_o 〈◊〉_d â—ommon_a experience_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o ever_o be_v yet_o see_v by_o they_o after_o a_o total_a consumption_n into_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o rise_v again_o and_o to_o resume_v the_o same_o numerical_a body_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o among_o all_o the_o rare_a occurrence_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o wonder_n and_o anomaly_n of_o nature_n be_v never_o yet_o meet_v with_o in_o any_o one_o single_a instance_n and_o consequent_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v apt_a to_o startle_v and_o to_o be_v full_a of_o thought_n and_o scruple_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o thing_n to_o their_o understanding_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o he_o can_v make_v this_o out_o by_o bare_a reason_n as_o possible_o some_o opiniator_n may_v let_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n in_o the_o next_o place_n try_v the_o strength_n of_o his_o doughty_a reason_n about_o transubstantiation_n or_o turn_v knight_n errant_a in_o divinity_n encounter_v giant_n and_o windmill_n and_o adventure_v to_o explain_v thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v explain_v this_o therefore_o be_v a_o three_o cause_n of_o the_o unavoidable_a mysteriousness_n of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n namely_o that_o most_o of_o they_o fall_v neither_o within_o the_o common_a course_n of_o man_n act_n nor_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o observation_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v deliver_v to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o mystery_n namely_o the_o nature_n
death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n so_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o resign_v back_o these_o frail_a body_n these_o vessel_n of_o mortality_n to_o the_o dust_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v take_v we_o may_v yet_o say_v of_o our_o soul_n as_o christ_n do_v of_o the_o damosel_n who_o he_o raise_v up_o that_o she_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o only_o sleep_v for_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o shall_v as_o certain_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o triumph_n over_o the_o dishonour_n of_o its_o rottenness_n and_o putrefaction_n as_o we_o rise_v in_o the_o morning_n out_o of_o our_o bed_n with_o body_n refresh_v and_o advance_v into_o high_a and_o noble_a perfection_n for_o the_o head_n be_v once_o rise_v we_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o member_n can_v stay_v long_o behind_o and_o christ_n be_v already_o rise_v and_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v mansion_n for_o all_o those_o who_o belong_v to_o he_o under_o that_o high_a relation_n that_o where_o he_o be_v they_o to_o their_o eternal_a comfort_n may_v be_v also_o rejoice_v and_o sing_v praise_n and_o hallelujah_n to_o he_o who_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o to_o who_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o glory_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n to_o eternal_a age_n amen_n the_o christian_a pentecost_n or_o the_o solemn_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o several_a miraculous_a gift_n confer_v by_o he_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n set_a forth_o in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o westminster-abbey_n 1692._o 1_o cor._n xii_o 4_o now_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v new_o change_v his_o crown_n of_o thorn_n for_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a take_v possession_n of_o his_o royal_a estate_n and_o sovereignty_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o prince_n be_v here_o treat_v with_o this_o low_a world_n now_o at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o he_o by_o his_o ambassador_n and_o for_o the_o great_a splendour_n of_o the_o embassy_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o message_n by_o a_o ambassador_n no_o way_n inferior_a to_o himself_o even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o third_z person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n in_o glory_n equal_a in_o majesty_n coeternal_a and_o therefore_o most_o peculiar_o fit_v not_o only_o as_o a_o deputy_n but_o as_o a_o kind_n of_o altar_n idem_n to_o supply_v his_o place_n and_o presence_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o indeed_o have_v he_o not_o be_v equal_a to_o he_o in_o the_o godhead_n he_o can_v no_o more_o have_v supply_v his_o place_n than_o he_o can_v have_v fill_v it_o which_o we_o know_v in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o world_n be_v thing_n extreme_o different_a as_o by_o sad_a and_o scandalous_a experience_n be_v too_o often_o find_v now_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o his_o glorious_a negotiation_n be_v to_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o seal_v the_o new_a charter_n of_o the_o world_n blessedness_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o draw_v up_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a work_n first_o to_o publish_v than_o it_o be_v afterward_o to_o confirm_v it_o for_o christianity_n be_v a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o truth_n and_o miracle_n can_v not_o receive_v its_o growth_n from_o any_o power_n less_o than_o that_o which_o first_o give_v it_o its_o birth_n and_o be_v withal_o a_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o corrupt_v nature_n and_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o man_n most_o eager_o love_v to_o wit_n their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o their_o carnal_a lust_n it_o must_v needs_o have_v quick_o decay_v and_o wither_a and_o die_v away_o if_o not_o water_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n of_o omnipotence_n by_o which_o it_o be_v first_o plant_v nothing_o can_v keep_v it_o up_o but_o such_o a_o stand_a mighty_a power_n as_o shall_v be_v able_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o countermand_v and_o control_v nature_n such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o instruct_v and_o astonish_v and_o baffle_v the_o dispute_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o obvious_a overpower_a conviction_n of_o sense_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v mission_n that_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n who_o have_v give_v christ_n his_o conception_n may_v now_o give_v christianity_n its_o confirmation_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o that_o wonderful_a and_o various_a effusion_n of_o his_o miraculous_a gift_n upon_o the_o first_o messenger_n and_o propagator_n of_o this_o divine_a religion_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o say_v john_n 4.48_o unless_o you_o see_v sign_n and_o wonder_v you_o will_v not_o believe_v so_o that_o sight_n be_v to_o introduce_v belief_n and_o according_o the_o first_o conquest_n and_o conviction_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o eye_n and_o from_o thence_o pass_v victorious_a to_o the_o heart_n this_o therefore_o be_v their_o rhetoric_n this_o their_o method_n of_o persuasion_n their_o word_n be_v work_n divinity_n and_o physic_n go_v together_o they_o cure_a the_o body_n and_o thereby_o convince_v the_o soul_n they_o convey_v and_o enforce_v all_o their_o exhortation_n not_o by_o the_o art_n of_o eloquence_n but_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n these_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o miracle_n the_o interpreter_n now_o in_o treat_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o what_o those_o gift_n be_v which_o be_v confer_v by_o the_o spirit_n both_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o professor_n of_o christianity_n second_o what_o be_v import_v and_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o their_o diversity_n and_o three_o and_o last_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o emanation_n from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n first_o and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o these_o gift_n be_v call_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v to_o say_v act_n of_o grace_n or_o favour_n and_o signify_v here_o certain_a quality_n and_o perfection_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n free_o bestow_v upon_o man_n for_o the_o better_a enable_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o settle_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o we_o will_v consider_v they_o under_o that_o know_a dichotomy_n or_o division_n by_o which_o they_o stand_v divide_v into_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o first_o for_o the_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n these_o he_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o as_o he_o who_o both_o make_v the_o watch_n and_o wind_n up_o the_o wheel_n of_o it_o may_v not_o improper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o its_o motion_n so_o god_n who_o first_o create_v and_o since_o sustain_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v just_o be_v call_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o perfection_n and_o improvement_n which_o the_o say_v faculty_n shall_v attain_v unto_o by_o their_o respective_a operation_n for_o that_o which_o give_v the_o form_n give_v also_o the_o consequent_n of_o that_o form_n and_o the_o principle_n with_o all_o its_o appendant_a action_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o donor_n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v determine_v god_n title_n to_o our_o action_n bare_o in_o his_o give_v we_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o act_v durandus_fw-la indeed_o a_o eminent_a schoolman_n hold_v so_o and_o so_o must_v pelagius_n and_o his_o follower_n hold_v too_o if_o they_o will_v be_v true_a to_o and_o abide_v by_o their_o own_o principle_n but_o undoubted_o god_n do_v not_o only_o give_v the_o power_n but_o also_o vouchsafe_v a_o active_a influence_n and_o concurrence_n to_o the_o production_n of_o every_o particular_a action_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v either_o a_o natural_a or_o a_o moral_a goodness_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o acquire_v gift_n or_o habit_n such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o philosophy_n oratory_n or_o divinity_n we_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d co-worker_n with_o god_n and_o god_n ordinary_o give_v they_o to_o none_o but_o to_o such_o as_o labour_v hard_o for_o they_o they_o be_v so_o his_o gift_n that_o they_o be_v also_o our_o own_o acquisition_n his_o assistance_n and_o our_o own_o study_n be_v the_o joint_n and_o adequate_a cause_n of_o these_o perfection_n and_o to_o imagine_v the_o contrary_a be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v to_o be_v a_o scholar_n bare_o by_o his_o master_n teach_v without_o his_o own_o learning_n in_o all_o these_o case_n god_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v his_o part_n but_o not_o to_o do_v both_o his_o own_o and_o we_o too_o second_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v gift_n be_v extraordinary_a which_o be_v so_o absolute_o and_o entire_o from_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n