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article_n of_o christianity_n i_o will_v now_o return_v and_o speak_v to_o you_o as_o christian_n firm_o persuade_v of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v tempt_v we_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v take_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o our_o ability_n to_o resist_v he_o he_o can_v proceed_v indeed_o no_o far_o than_o to_o suggest_v the_o first_o cogitation_n of_o any_o object_n and_o if_o man_n also_o stop_v here_o he_o will_v never_o forfeit_v his_o innocence_n the_o devil_n will_v never_o obtain_v his_o desire_a end_n he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o indeed_o yet_o this_o he_o improve_v to_o great_a advantage_n and_o with_o that_o success_n which_o we_o all_o lament_v he_o know_v the_o constitution_n of_o all_o man_n and_o
of_o god_n nor_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n ministerial_a office_n here_o on_o earth_n will_v permit_v he_o to_o expose_v himself_o after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o unbelieving_a world_n as_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o wisdom_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v act_v any_o thing_n without_o just_a cause_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a direction_n alone_o of_o create_a being_n that_n he_o exert_v not_o his_o power_n without_o just_a occasion_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o receive_v as_o a_o axiom_n in_o philosophy_n that_o nature_n work_v nothing_o in_o vain_a but_o also_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_n concern_v in_o sound_v method_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n he_o proceed_v by_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n exact_o fit_v to_o produce_v the_o effect_n intend_v fit_v i_o mean_v to_o produce_v that_o effect_n if_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v herein_o 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not_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n restrain_v these_o sinful_a action_n or_o violent_o over-rule_v the_o inordinate_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man._n when_o the_o serpent_n tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n god_n if_o he_o have_v please_v may_v as_o well_o have_v interpose_v before_o their_o consent_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o serpent_n in_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n as_o he_o do_v afterward_o denounce_v their_o punishment_n and_o have_v he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v dare_v to_o transgress_v yet_o will_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o have_v require_v that_o god_n shall_v have_v interpose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n he_o have_v give_v they_o sufficient_a strength_n of_o will_n to_o maintain_v their_o innocence_n and_o have_v do_v that_o just_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n thus_o also_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n god_n have_v grant_v to_o man_n in_o virtue_n of_o particular_a promise_n and_o covenant_n such_o a_o measure_n of_o assist_a grace_n as_o may_v repair_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o will_v enervate_v by_o that_o fall_n and_o full_o enable_v he_o to_o discharge_v the_o several_a duty_n require_v of_o he_o but_o if_o neither_o with_o this_o the_o will_n of_o man_n direct_v if_o self_n aright_o god_n do_v not_o double_a treble_a or_o multiply_v his_o grace_n or_o put_v a_o force_n upon_o the_o will._n that_o be_v not_o to_o deal_v with_o man_n as_o with_o a_o rational_a be_v and_o to_o over-rule_v or_o force_v the_o will_n will_v be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o the_o will._n and_o as_o god_n direct_v his_o most_o wise_a method_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n so_o also_o he_o act_v in_o relation_n to_o his_o understanding_n he_o have_v propose_v sufficient_a motive_n of_o conviction_n to_o every_o point_n which_o he_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o man_n if_o he_o gain_v not_o assent_n he_o proceed_v no_o far_o heap_v not_o one_o demonstration_n upon_o another_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o resurrection_n our_o lord_n in_o his_o triennial_n preach_v before_o his_o crucifixion_n have_v offer_v to_o the_o jew_n abundant_a reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o mission_n by_o almost_o daily_a miracle_n by_o prove_v that_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n do_v clear_o belong_v to_o his_o person_n by_o visible_a declaration_n from_o heaven_n by_o his_o own_o incomparable_a persuasion_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o john_n baptist_n and_o his_o apostle_n after_o so_o many_o and_o evident_a argument_n produce_v in_o vain_a and_o render_v ineffectual_a by_o the_o perverseness_n and_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n can_v we_o think_v it_o just_a to_o require_v that_o god_n shall_v change_v his_o method_n and_o propose_v other_o yet_o more_o forcible_a argument_n or_o must_v we_o not_o confess_v that_o god_n have_v do_v enough_o and_o that_o to_o go_v yet_o far_o be_v to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o depress_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n he_o have_v before_o the_o deluge_n when_o no_o such_o extraordinary_a method_n of_o conviction_n be_v employ_v just_o resolve_v my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man._n and_o after_o so_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n so_o many_o revelation_n confer_v on_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n to_o have_v still_o strive_v with_o their_o unbelief_n by_o the_o public_a manifestation_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n will_v have_v be_v unnecessary_a and_o unreasonable_a thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o deny_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n the_o personal_a conversation_n of_o christ_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a his_o justice_n also_o may_v well_o be_v think_v to_o have_v incline_v he_o to_o the_o same_o that_o people_n in_o reject_v the_o messiah_n in_o 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proceed_v according_a to_o their_o present_a judgement_n and_o act_v upon_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n for_o first_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o many_o of_o they_o oppose_v he_o even_o while_o inward_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o argument_n of_o it_o as_o those_o do_v to_o who_o he_o upbraid_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o conscience_n simple_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o warrant_v of_o humane_a action_n but_o conscience_n direct_v by_o right_a reason_n god_n have_v give_v to_o man_n a_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o will_v full_a power_n of_o judge_v right_o in_o all_o matter_n absolute_o necessary_a as_o well_o as_o of_o follow_v the_o report_n of_o this_o judgement_n when_o make_v he_o require_v a_o like_a right_a use_n of_o both_o these_o faculty_n and_o punish_v equal_o
thy_o mind_n can_v affright_v thou_o from_o perform_v what_o be_v displease_v to_o it_o if_o thou_o dare_v not_o resist_v its_o command_n and_o quiet_o submite_v to_o it_o how_o much_o more_o be_v thou_o oblige_v to_o revere_a the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n where_o power_n and_o goodness_n be_v sweet_o join_v together_o where_o no_o limitation_n can_v be_v find_v nothing_o exclude_v from_o the_o reach_n of_o it_o no_o cessation_n to_o be_v expect_v if_o thou_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v this_o power_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o judge_v whether_o omnipotence_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a attribute_n of_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v if_o thou_o appeale_v to_o sense_n view_v the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n pass_v through_o heaven_n and_o earth_n thou_o shall_v discover_v the_o footstep_n of_o omnipotence_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o pretend_v yet_o not_o to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o evident_a reflect_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n and_o say_v who_o give_v they_o to_o thou_o consider_v the_o fabric_n of_o thy_o body_n who_o form_v it_o for_o thou_o these_o be_v undeniable_a mark_n of_o thy_o subjection_n to_o a_o almighty_a power_n which_o even_o if_o thou_o do_v deny_v it_o be_v by_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n create_v by_o he_o that_o thou_o can_v deny_v it_o thus_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v uncontrollable_a and_o infinite_a that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o inflict_v whatsoever_o punishment_n he_o please_v on_o his_o disobedient_a creature_n and_o then_o lest_o we_o shall_v vain_o imagine_v this_o power_n to_o be_v useless_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o and_o like_o antiquate_a law_n never_o put_v in_o execution_n we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o god_n be_v excellent_a in_o judgement_n also_o that_o he_o will_v most_o certain_o judge_v mank_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o omission_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o so_o judgement_n do_v almost_o every_o where_o signify_v in_o scripture_n the_o infliction_n of_o punishment_n upon_o delinquent_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a mark_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o violation_n of_o those_o public_a law_n which_o be_v fix_v to_o mankind_n and_o prescribe_v for_o their_o direction_n nothing_o but_o the_o most_o extreme_a stupidity_n can_v defeat_v the_o success_n of_o this_o argument_n of_o divine_a worship_n since_o this_o equal_o affect_v both_o the_o wife_n and_o foolish_a by_o strike_v their_o imagination_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o misery_n a_o fear_n which_o will_v affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o no_o other_o argument_n can_v prevail_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n may_v be_v slight_v the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n may_v be_v neglect_v his_o power_n may_v be_v deride_v when_o not_o put_v in_o execution_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o sinner_n will_v awaken_v the_o conscience_n and_o affright_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o that_o even_o although_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v unknown_a to_o they_o as_o in_o natural_a religion_n for_o let_v the_o punishment_n be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o their_o quality_n let_v the_o time_n of_o their_o execution_n be_v hide_v from_o sinner_n yet_o this_o they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o such_o he_o will_v exercise_v judgement_n and_o that_o as_o his_o power_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o most_o formidable_a judicature_n on_o earth_n so_o his_o punishment_n will_v be_v correspondent_a exceed_v what_o man_n can_v inflict_v and_o herein_o appear_v the_o excellence_n of_o this_o judgement_n mention_v in_o the_o text._n humane_a judicature_n can_v take_v hold_v only_o of_o the_o external_a action_n of_o man_n and_o even_o these_o may_v sometime_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o offender_n may_v set_v he_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o punishment_n they_o may_v be_v evade_v by_o crafty_a defence_n may_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o great_a power_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o death_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v finish_v by_o it_o but_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o there_o the_o most_o secret_a action_n of_o man_n be_v call_v in_o question_n even_o their_o thought_n can_v escape_v discovery_n the_o judge_n can_v be_v blind_v by_o crafty_a insinuation_n nor_o divert_v from_o his_o resolution_n by_o extraneous_a cause_n nothing_o can_v rescue_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n not_o even_a death_n itself_o his_o dominion_n extend_v beyond_o the_o grave_a reach_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o surmount_v the_o resistance_n of_o all_o create_a being_n if_o then_o fear_n can_v affect_v man_n if_o punishment_n can_v deter_v they_o if_o power_n can_v awe_v they_o if_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o these_o can_v convince_v they_o they_o do_v all_o combine_v to_o secure_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o continue_v religion_n in_o mankind_n but_o then_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v slave_n to_o god_n and_o servant_n through_o fear_n only_o he_o dispense_v reward_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n to_o men._n he_o be_v excellent_a in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n he_o reward_v the_o obedience_n of_o man_n to_o his_o precept_n not_o because_o any_o reward_n be_v due_a to_o they_o but_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o dispense_n his_o benefit_n and_o then_o his_o justice_n will_v require_v that_o he_o dispense_v they_o to_o the_o most_o worthy_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o powerful_a a_o argument_n interest_n be_v in_o move_v the_o heart_n of_o men._n what_o draw_v attendant_n to_o prince_n or_o servant_n to_o great_a man_n but_o the_o power_n of_o reward_v they_o and_o the_o prospect_n of_o preferment_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o their_o favour_n this_o seldom_o fail_v to_o secure_v to_o they_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v due_a from_o dependent_n honour_n and_o service_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o raise_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o carry_v they_o beyond_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n it_o will_v no_o less_o effectual_o secure_v what_o be_v due_a to_o god_n from_o we_o adoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v attain_v be_v far_o great_a such_o as_o the_o donor_n will_v not_o and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o other_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v take_v away_o from_o we_o such_o as_o shall_v not_o be_v determine_v by_o time_n nor_o restrain_v by_o any_o limitation_n the_o assurance_n also_o of_o obtain_v they_o be_v far_o more_o certain_a be_v found_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o can_v give_v what_o he_o please_v and_o will_v give_v what_o he_o promise_v whereas_o the_o favour_n expect_v from_o man_n may_v be_v defeat_v by_o forgetfulness_n by_o unfaithfulness_n may_v be_v intercept_v by_o other_o may_v become_v impossible_a to_o be_v bestow_v if_o then_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a and_o most_o certain_a reward_n can_v procure_v what_o man_n obtain_v by_o their_o petty_a and_o uncertain_a favour_n fear_v and_o reverence_n we_o must_v deplore_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o obstinate_a perverseness_n of_o man_n who_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n propose_v by_o god_n yield_v to_o those_o propose_v by_o man_n which_o yet_o affect_v the_o same_o passion_n that_o of_o desire_n but_o in_o a_o much_o low_a degree_n last_o to_o secure_v in_o our_o mind_n such_o thought_n of_o god_n as_o be_v befit_v his_o majesty_n and_o holiness_n lest_o our_o adoration_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v corrupt_v with_o any_o suspicion_n of_o injustice_n entertain_v at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v in_o this_o life_n the_o rule_n and_o method_n whereby_o god_n dispense_v his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n may_v be_v very_o obscure_a to_o we_o he_o may_v suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v afflict_v he_o may_v permit_v the_o wicked_a to_o prosper_v he_o may_v in_o appearance_n cut_v off_o the_o hope_n of_o good_a man_n by_o present_a misery_n and_o encourage_v the_o disobedience_n of_o bad_a man_n by_o temporal_a felicity_n his_o way_n may_v be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o judgement_n past_o find_v out_o but_o from_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v any_o opinion_n of_o injustice_n in_o god_n or_o imperfection_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o government_n although_o the_o secret_n of_o providence_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o that_o be_v such_o he_o will_v not_o afflict_v the_o mysterious_a obscurity_n of_o providence_n herein_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o
the_o aid_n and_o difficulty_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v equal_a i_o wish_v i_o can_v add_v that_o the_o effect_n be_v also_o equal_a and_o as_o we_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n herein_o so_o must_v we_o acknowledge_v his_o justice_n also_o it_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v too_o severe_a that_o salvation_n the_o supreme_a happiness_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v render_v thus_o difficult_a to_o he_o that_o god_n shall_v invite_v we_o to_o it_o and_o then_o by_o so_o many_o difficulty_n exclude_v we_o from_o it_o to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o reply_v that_o salvation_n be_v pure_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o as_o such_o he_o may_v bestow_v upon_o whatsoever_o condition_n himself_o please_v nor_o in_o require_v so_o many_o such_o laborious_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o we_o have_v he_o raise_v the_o price_n i_o mean_v the_o condition_n above_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n the_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o his_o felicity_n now_o look_v into_o the_o write_n of_o all_o philosopher_n consult_v the_o common_a voice_n of_o mankind_n they_o do_v all_o confess_v that_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n not_o only_o aught_o to_o be_v his_o chief_a design_n but_o also_o can_v be_v obtain_v at_o no_o less_o expense_n than_o his_o utmost_a diligence_n the_o constant_a and_o most_o exquisite_a operation_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o business_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n look_v into_o your_o own_o action_n and_o daily_a experience_n and_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n desirable_a in_o this_o life_n even_o as_o yourselves_o value_v it_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o a_o proportionable_a difficulty_n and_o then_o confess_v that_o god_n have_v do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n require_v when_o he_o annex_v so_o many_o difficulty_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o salvation_n the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o propose_a design_n i_o mean_v the_o consequence_n raise_v in_o the_o text_n if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o need_v say_v little_a to_o it_o for_o if_o after_o the_o conquest_n of_o so_o many_o difficulty_n so_o many_o affliction_n endure_v and_o labour_n employ_v a_o righteous_a man_n do_v but_o very_a hardly_o obtain_v salvation_n sure_o no_o hope_n can_v be_v leave_v for_o he_o who_o affright_v by_o these_o difficulty_n give_v himself_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o unruly_a lust_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o vice_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o mean_v propose_v to_o obtain_v this_o ultimate_a happiness_n this_o reason_n assure_v and_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n confirm_v to_o we_o not_o only_o that_o the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n shall_v miss_v of_o that_o excellent_a reward_n which_o shall_v be_v render_v to_o the_o labour_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o also_o shall_v draw_v upon_o himself_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o extreme_a misery_n in_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o be_v more_o clear_o express_v in_o the_o proverb_n xi_o 31._o from_o whence_o these_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v word_n for_o word_n take_v according_a to_o the_o septuagint_a translation_n but_o in_o the_o original_a according_a to_o our_o translation_n they_o run_v thus_o behold_v the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v recompense_v in_o the_o earth_n much_o more_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o sinner_n that_o be_v since_o god_n suffer_v not_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o righteous_a to_o pass_v unpunished_a but_o correct_v and_o chastise_v they_o in_o this_o world_n with_o sensible_a affliction_n much_o more_o have_v he_o reserve_v the_o extremity_n of_o torment_n for_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o sinner_n as_o in_o this_o place_n of_o st._n peter_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o chastise_v the_o former_a sin_n of_o the_o convert_n christian_n with_o a_o fierce_a and_o terrible_a persecution_n from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n draw_v a_o like_a consequence_n in_o the_o 17_o verse_n and_o if_o judgement_n first_o begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n what_o shall_v the_o end_n be_v of_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o doctrine_n so_o the_o example_n also_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n agree_v herein_o wherein_o we_o find_v that_o god_n inflict_v temporal_a calamity_n upon_o his_o most_o belove_a servant_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n even_o of_o inadvertency_n that_o he_o may_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o expect_v any_o pardon_n for_o a_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o continuance_n in_o impiety_n thus_o moses_n who_o have_v this_o testimony_n from_o god_n himself_o that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n yet_o for_o some_o slight_a appearance_n only_o of_o distrust_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n in_o bring_v forth_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n be_v exclude_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n although_o a_o ancient_a writer_n aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o moses_n from_o hence_o that_o in_o all_o that_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a converse_n which_o he_o afterward_o have_v with_o god_n he_o be_v never_o find_v to_o have_v beg_v pardon_n for_o his_o sin_n but_o however_o that_o be_v we_o must_v all_o confess_v that_o the_o best_a of_o we_o have_v far_o exceed_v moses_n both_o in_o the_o number_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o aught_o therefore_o much_o more_o to_o fear_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n afterward_o we_o read_v that_o god_n propose_v to_o david_n the_o man_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n the_o choice_n of_o three_o signal_n calamity_n only_o in_o punishment_n of_o a_o light_a vainglory_n manifest_v in_o his_o design_n of_o number_v his_o subject_n for_o the_o same_o failure_n he_o threaten_v good_a king_n hezekiah_n with_o the_o deprivation_n and_o carry_v away_o of_o his_o treasure_n and_o send_v the_o great_a apostle_n st._n paul_n a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n some_o bodily_a infirmity_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o and_o if_o god_n excuse_v not_o these_o great_a and_o excellent_a person_n from_o punishment_n for_o such_o small_a offence_n with_o what_o reason_n can_v we_o promise_v impunity_n to_o ourselves_o do_v we_o fancy_v ourselves_o more_o dear_a to_o god_n or_o more_o righteous_a than_o they_o be_v sure_o no._n rather_o if_o they_o be_v not_o save_v without_o some_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v not_o without_o the_o most_o extreme_a hazard_n and_o this_o although_o we_o do_v with_o earnest_a study_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o attain_v salvation_n although_o we_o be_v worthy_a which_o be_v it_o far_o from_o we_o to_o arrogate_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v range_v among_o those_o who_o in_o the_o text_n be_v call_v righteous_a but_o of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v but_o that_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v admit_v to_o mercy_n they_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o it_o to_o they_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v chapter_n x._o 27._o there_o remain_v only_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o most_o profligate_n christian_n do_v flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o upon_o confidence_n of_o it_o proceed_v secure_o in_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o christian_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v whensoever_o they_o give_v their_o mind_n leave_v to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o only_o they_o put_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o far_o from_o they_o and_o whensoever_o either_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o the_o admonition_n of_o other_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o they_o render_v both_o unsuccessful_a through_o a_o vain_a hope_n which_o they_o take_v up_o upon_o they_o know_v not_o what_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o save_v to_o this_o foolish_a persuasion_n many_o cause_n may_v contribute_v a_o constant_a and_o happy_a success_n in_o the_o world_n too_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o endowment_n either_o of_o body_n or_o mind_n or_o whatsoever_o may_v raise_v in_o man_n a_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o worth_n a_o strong_a imagination_n a_o false_a notion_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n or_o a_o unhappy_a illusion_n derive_v from_o the_o teacher_n of_o absolute_a predestination_n all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o cause_n may_v contribute_v to_o this_o fatal_a error_n notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n have_v particular_o provide_v against_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o mean_a capacity_n can_v but_o conclude_v that_o if_o god_n take_v so_o severe_a a_o account_n of_o the_o action_n of_o the_o
by_o who_o power_n the_o soul_n of_o christ_n be_v rejoin_v to_o the_o body_n 2._o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o founder_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a not_o convenient_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a and_o chief_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o revelation_n so_o clear_a a_o testimony_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o evidence_n thereof_o to_o this_o therefore_o he_o at_o all_o time_n refer_v as_o to_o the_o last_o and_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o mission_n this_o be_v the_o only_a sign_n which_o he_o will_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n demand_v a_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o authority_n that_o as_o ionas_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n so_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o this_o he_o have_v fix_v the_o expectation_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o of_o all_o his_o hearer_n and_o by_o this_o he_o be_v to_o set_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n have_v he_o leave_v his_o body_n in_o the_o grave_a after_o all_o these_o assurance_n the_o jew_n may_v have_v insult_v over_o his_o disciple_n with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o christian_n do_v over_o the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n who_o promise_v to_o rise_v again_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n little_a imagine_v that_o his_o name_n or_o religion_n shall_v continue_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n although_o now_o after_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n expire_v the_o impostor_n still_o lie_v in_o hell_n have_v christ_n not_o rise_v again_o the_o apostle_n confess_v 1_o cor._n xv._n 14._o their_o preach_n have_v be_v vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o vain_a but_o when_o so_o illustrious_a a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a authority_n have_v intervene_v when_o heaven_n itself_o have_v declare_v it_o so_o eminent_o to_o deny_v assent_n will_v be_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o jew_n in_o the_o most_o violent_a execution_n of_o their_o hatred_n and_o malice_n engage_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o if_o he_o will_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o save_v himself_o it_o have_v be_v no_o less_o easy_a for_o our_o bless_a lord_n to_o have_v descend_v from_o the_o cross_n than_o to_o have_v ascend_v from_o the_o grave_a but_o first_o the_o design_n of_o his_o suffering_n do_v not_o permit_v it_o since_o he_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a power_n manifest_v in_o restore_v himself_o to_o life_n to_o labour_v under_o any_o doubt_n have_v he_o descend_v from_o the_o cross_n before_o he_o die_v he_o can_v not_o have_v atone_v for_o the_o gild_n of_o our_o sin_n have_v he_o descend_v immediate_o after_o his_o death_n it_o will_v have_v be_v pretend_v that_o he_o have_v not_o die_v yet_o even_o this_o they_o will_v have_v confess_v to_o be_v miraculous_a but_o perhaps_o refer_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o they_o do_v his_o former_a miracle_n not_o to_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o to_o magical_a operation_n whereas_o this_o pretence_n do_v whole_o vanish_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n since_o no_o magic_a or_o diabolick_a power_n remain_v after_o death_n in_o short_a so_o great_a be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n arise_v from_o his_o resurrection_n so_o undeniable_a the_o fact_n and_o so_o important_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o sermon_n employ_v this_o as_o the_o chief_a argument_n of_o conviction_n and_o when_o they_o choose_v mathias_n to_o the_o apostleship_n describe_v his_o office_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o witness_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n god_n have_v more_o than_o once_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n declare_v he_o by_o voice_n from_o heaven_n by_o constant_a miracle_n to_o be_v his_o son_n yet_o so_o far_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o this_o inferior_a to_o that_o proceed_v from_o his_o resurrection_n that_o he_o be_v in_o many_o place_n say_v to_o have_v then_o adopt_v christ_n for_o his_o son_n because_o he_o then_o eminent_o declare_v to_o he_o be_v so_o as_o act_v xiii_o 33._o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n god_n have_v fulfil_v in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n again_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o psalm_n ii_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o rom._n i._n 4._o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n his_o son_n as_o to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v from_o the_o incarnation_n his_o son_n as_o to_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n chief_o in_o his_o resurrection_n 3._o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v assure_v chief_o that_o we_o also_o shall_v rise_v again_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o shall_v be_v also_o when_o he_o therefore_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o a_o incorruptible_a state_n of_o glory_n they_o then_o raise_v their_o hope_n and_o conceive_v full_a assurance_n of_o immortality_n till_o then_o mankind_n have_v find_v by_o long_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n from_o the_o grave_a and_o by_o this_o alone_a can_v be_v convince_v that_o either_o their_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o immortality_n or_o that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o confer_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v perceive_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o dissolution_n of_o death_n the_o capacity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o then_o consider_v their_o own_o relation_n to_o christ_n may_v hope_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o what_o more_o natural_a than_o for_o the_o member_n to_o follow_v their_o head_n he_o be_v by_o his_o resurrection_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o have_v often_o promise_v that_o his_o faithful_a follower_n shall_v be_v coheir_n with_o he_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n entitle_v the_o whole_a mass_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o same_o favour_n only_o it_o be_v require_v and_o that_o just_o if_o that_o we_o desire_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o resurrection_n we_o must_v also_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o death_n for_o so_o the_o promise_n run_v in_o the_o whole_a vi_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o crucify_v our_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v if_o we_o as_o full_o forsake_v all_o vicious_a habit_n as_o he_o who_o die_v be_v bereave_v of_o vital_a action_n if_o far_a we_o imitate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o that_o as_o he_o die_v but_o once_o but_o live_v for_o ever_o so_o we_o henceforward_o be_v dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o righteousness_n than_o we_o may_v reasonable_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o he_o the_o forerunner_n in_o our_o resurrection_n which_o we_o have_v so_o near_o express_v in_o our_o death_n we_o be_v then_o true_o member_n of_o himself_o the_o head_n be_v make_v conformable_a to_o his_o suffering_n we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o gracious_a acceptation_n and_o raise_v up_o of_o he_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v while_o we_o inviolable_o continue_v our_o relation_n to_o he_o other_o indeed_o be_v before_o he_o raise_v from_o dead_a to_o life_n as_o those_o raise_v by_o elijah_n elishah_n and_o by_o christ_n before_o and_o at_o his_o crucifixion_n but_o these_o be_v all_o to_o die_v again_o and_o so_o thereby_o give_v no_o assurance_n of_o immortality_n to_o mankind_n it_o be_v christ_n alone_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o who_o in_o behalf_n of_o mankind_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o immortality_n which_o he_o have_v acquire_v for_o we_o and_o will_v communicate_v to_o we_o unless_o we_o choose_v rather_o to_o imitate_v the_o imperfect_a resurrection_n of_o those_o mortal_a man_n
more_o have_v more_o large_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o easter-day_n which_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v the_o nineteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o june_n one_a 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n mark_v xvi_o 19_o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o late_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o office_n of_o our_o church_n direct_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o thought_n upon_o it_o in_o this_o intermediate_v time_n between_o that_o and_o whitsunday_n to_o do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o induce_v by_o that_o near_a relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o christ_n who_o by_o it_o take_v his_o last_o farewell_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o also_o by_o those_o eminent_a benefit_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n receive_v from_o it_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o hope_n in_o discourse_v of_o it_o i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o three_o consideration_n i._o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o it_o i._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a our_o lord_n shall_v leave_v the_o earth_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n himself_o often_o declare_v and_o in_o joh._n xvi_o 7._o give_v the_o primary_n reason_n of_o it_o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o comforter_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o confess_v by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o can_v not_o this_o be_v effect_v until_o christ_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v as_o by_o who_o they_o receive_v a_o most_o invincible_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o hope_n what_o great_a consolation_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o disciple_n afflict_v for_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n than_o to_o receive_v such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o be_v place_v in_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n as_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o eminent_a operation_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o intercession_n what_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n can_v they_o receive_v than_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o master_n concern_v a_o comforter_n be_v effect_v which_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v veil_v in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n while_o he_o converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n with_o god_n the_o father_n in_o their_o behalf_n what_o more_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o master_n love_n after_o his_o departure_n or_o to_o enable_v they_o successful_o to_o discharge_v that_o office_n of_o convert_v a_o unbelieving_a world_n which_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o such_o gift_n shall_v be_v confer_v on_o they_o as_o be_v never_o before_o vouchsafe_v unto_o mankind_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o tongue_n the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v eloquent_o and_o bold_o and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n all_o these_o reason_n make_v it_o convenient_a and_o desirable_a to_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o comforter_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a which_o without_o that_o mission_n can_v never_o have_v have_v existence_n be_v found_v and_o maintain_v by_o those_o divine_a gift_n and_o influence_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o thence_o yet_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o church_n have_v be_v bless_v with_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o often_o promise_v and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o our_o lord_n first_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o by_o his_o power_n and_o intercession_n have_v procure_v it_o the_o comforter_n as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n the_o deputy_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n can_v not_o natural_o take_v place_n but_o in_o his_o absence_n and_o the_o very_a mission_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o regal_a power_n can_v not_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n until_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o commence_v at_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o make_v it_o convenient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o our_o lord_n shall_v remove_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o we_o but_o the_o possibility_n at_o least_o the_o increase_n of_o man_n reward_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o long_o expect_v be_v know_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o lose_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o redeem_v they_o from_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v expect_v that_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v affix_v to_o certain_a rule_n consequent_a to_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n not_o indifferent_o bestow_v on_o all_o nor_o yet_o on_o any_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o peculiar_a merit_n the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o freewill_n in_o every_o man._n the_o whole_a of_o this_o consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o in_o assent_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o believe_v all_o his_o revelation_n and_o as_o a_o assent_n to_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n so_o more_o especial_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o last_o and_o most_o considerable_a revelation_n make_v by_o his_o own_o son_n incarnate_a be_v require_v of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o intend_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o supernatural_a happiness_n which_o be_v by_o he_o to_o be_v convey_v unto_o the_o world_n since_o no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v be_v offer_v than_o to_o inquire_v after_o to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o revelation_n communicate_v by_o he_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o repeat_v those_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o right_a reason_n call_v faith_n and_o those_o many_o promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a condition_n of_o the_o justification_n and_o therein_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n that_o this_o act_n therefore_o may_v be_v the_o more_o illustrious_a and_o may_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o noble_a reward_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o visible_a presence_n from_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o give_v way_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v christ_n continue_v for_o ever_o upon_o earth_n in_o that_o glorious_a majesty_n which_o be_v to_o take_v place_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v he_o present_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o man_n sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o that_o case_n to_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o praise_v worthy_a no_o more_o meritorious_a than_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o ordinary_a report_n of_o sense_n who_o ever_o pretend_v to_o have_v acquire_v merit_n by_o believe_v a_o axiom_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o who_o ever_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o true_a and_o just_a management_n of_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n to_o believe_v that_o one_o colour_n differ_v from_o another_o or_o that_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v these_o thing_n strike_v our_o sense_n and_o force_v a_o belief_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o in_o this_o case_n to_o offend_v while_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v its_o reason_n and_o the_o body_n the_o organ_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n while_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o illustrious_a