all_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n to_o discover_v his_o power_n thereby_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o mystery_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o not_o only_o be_v it_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n glory_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o god_n but_o also_o this_o effect_n have_v actual_o be_v produce_v and_o great_a glory_n have_v thence_o ensue_v than_o from_o all_o other_o cause_n whatsoever_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o praise_n which_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n prophet_n and_o good_a man_n give_v to_o god_n when_o they_o foresee_v this_o incarnation_n although_o it_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o cause_n i_o will_v only_o allege_v the_o increase_n of_o divine_a glory_n subsequent_a to_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v that_o by_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n with_o that_o which_o follow_v to_o it_o before_o this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v a_o universal_a darkness_n have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o devil_n have_v in_o every_o place_n prevail_v the_o true_a god_n so_o far_o from_o be_v honour_v that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v no_o praise_n honour_n or_o glory_n give_v to_o he_o but_o his_o law_n violate_v without_o remorse_n his_o authority_n not_o acknowledge_v and_o his_o benefit_n whole_o forget_v indeed_o the_o small_a country_n of_o judea_n be_v to_o be_v except_v although_o that_o be_v now_o possess_v by_o a_o pagan_a government_n and_o be_v short_o to_o be_v whole_o destroy_v by_o they_o and_o even_o of_o this_o small_a part_n of_o mankind_n a_o inconsiderable_a proportion_n maintain_v their_o obedience_n to_o god_n entire_a their_o teacher_n have_v make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n the_o most_o sacred_a office_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v slight_v and_o public_o set_v to_o sale_n and_o what_o remain_v of_o true_a piety_n just_o than_o expire_a consider_v now_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o after_o time_n we_o find_v this_o darkness_n dispel_v this_o impiety_n remove_v army_n of_o saint_n martyr_n and_o devout_a person_n who_o shall_v for_o ever_o continue_v to_o sing_v that_o hymn_n to_o god_n which_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n begin_v upon_o this_o day_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v introduce_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n vast_a number_n of_o person_n profess_v the_o worship_n of_o he_o convert_v in_o a_o few_o year_n their_o number_n daily_o increase_v until_o after_o three_o hundred_o year_n the_o whole_a civilise_a world_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o join_v in_o offer_v up_o praise_n to_o god_n in_o magnify_v his_o glorious_a attribute_n in_o confess_v his_o authority_n in_o adore_v his_o majesty_n in_o obey_v his_o law_n if_o not_o in_o reality_n yet_o at_o least_o in_o profession_n these_o bless_a time_n indeed_o be_v not_o for_o ever_o to_o continue_v it_o be_v foretell_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n man_n and_o that_o the_o great_a number_n shall_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lusts._n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o church_n have_v now_o for_o many_o age_n lament_v yet_o after_o all_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v still_o keep_v up_o if_o not_o in_o the_o great_a yet_o in_o the_o more_o understand_a part_n of_o the_o world_n vast_a number_n of_o devout_a person_n yet_o remain_v continual_a praise_n be_v daily_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n and_o all_o this_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o happy_a incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v this_o and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o it_o we_o be_v this_o day_n meet_v together_o and_o so_o be_v all_o other_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o angelic_a hymn_n in_o the_o text_n be_v peace_n on_o earth_n by_o peace_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a expression_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o may_v well_o understand_v all_o manner_n of_o happiness_n of_o which_o mankind_n be_v capable_a to_o be_v infer_v yet_o in_o consider_v it_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o strict_a acception_n of_o it_o this_o day_n than_o be_v signal_o accomplish_v the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o peaceable_a time_n of_o the_o messiah_n now_o be_v god_n reconcile_v to_o mankind_n and_o those_o reason_n found_v upon_o which_o man_n shall_v for_o ever_o be_v reconcile_v one_o to_o another_o this_o be_v the_o great_a benefit_n which_o man_n can_v possible_o receive_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o their_o creator_n and_o the_o love_n of_o one_o another_o god_n can_v receive_v no_o other_o from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n but_o the_o increase_n of_o glory_n and_o man_n no_o great_a than_o the_o gift_n of_o peace_n just_o therefore_o after_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a the_o angel_n subjoin_v peace_n on_o earth_n peace_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v reconciliation_n to_o god_n be_v foretell_v by_o isaias_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n lvii_o 19_o and_o that_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o all_o man_n who_o shall_v accept_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o peace_n peace_n to_o he_o that_o be_v far_o off_o and_o to_o he_o that_o be_v near_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v heal_v they_o this_o reconciliation_n be_v actual_o begin_v in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o final_o complete_v by_o his_o preach_a and_o suffer_v here_o on_o earth_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o we_o be_v say_v rom._n v._n 1._o to_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n before_o man_n have_v by_o their_o sin_n proclaim_v themselves_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o more_o eminent_o by_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o protection_n of_o evil_a spirit_n which_o be_v notorious_o do_v among_o the_o heathen_n christ_n by_o take_v our_o flesh_n upon_o he_o and_o do_v and_o suffer_v what_o afterward_o he_o do_v bring_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o have_v do_v so_o offer_v up_o his_o life_n as_o a_o ransom_n for_o their_o sin_n obtain_v of_o his_o father_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n peace_n upon_o earth_n signify_v the_o mutual_a peace_n of_o men._n this_o also_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n particular_o by_o isaiah_n in_o xi_o and_o lx._n chapter_n under_o the_o representation_n of_o that_o peaceable_a temper_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v visible_a even_o in_o beast_n of_o prey_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n do_v strange_o incline_v man_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o excellent_a temper_n of_o mind_n that_o if_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v indeed_o universal_o regard_v hatred_n malice_n and_o revenge_n will_v necessary_o vanish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o experience_n do_v not_o justify_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o perverseness_n of_o man_n not_o to_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n our_o lord_n reconcile_v all_o man_n to_o god_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o he_o leave_v several_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n in_o order_n to_o it_o which_o if_o he_o neglect_v he_o will_v receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v punish_v as_o a_o enemy_n of_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n christ_n have_v settle_v peace_n on_o earth_n yet_o not_o force_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o observe_v it_o but_o have_v give_v such_o rule_n and_o precept_n as_o if_o observe_v can_v but_o produce_v a_o universal_a peace_n and_o so_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o of_o the_o effect_n but_o of_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o messiah_n although_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n they_o actual_o be_v accomplish_v and_o to_o have_v take_v place_n wherever_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v retain_v our_o lord_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o most_o warlike_a empire_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n see_v which_o in_o more_o than_o seven_o hundred_o year_n have_v enjoy_v no_o more_o than_o two_o year_n peace_n yet_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n direct_v that_o a_o universal_a peace_n shall_v then_o obtain_v as_o well_o to_o typify_v the_o peaceableness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o gospel_n as_o to_o facilitate_v
limit_n of_o a_o just_a punishment_n and_o the_o excess_n of_o that_o punishment_n be_v a_o real_a injury_n entitle_v the_o other_o to_o a_o fresh_a revenge_n i_o may_v therefore_o insist_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o revenge_n to_o man_n from_o the_o advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o a_o argument_n too_o inconsiderable_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a to_o return_v therefore_o to_o the_o former_a consideration_n since_o the_o justice_n of_o all_o punishment_n consist_v in_o the_o parity_n of_o it_o to_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o crime_n commit_v and_o vehemence_n of_o passion_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v incident_a suffer_v not_o man_n to_o observe_v that_o parity_n in_o execution_n of_o revenge_n and_o not_o to_o observe_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n as_o in_o many_o other_o respect_n so_o in_o this_o also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o justice_n we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o a_o singular_a benefit_n that_o god_n have_v take_v the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o not_o leave_v the_o management_n of_o it_o to_o our_o discretion_n lest_o it_o shall_v unavoidable_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n either_o in_o carry_v it_o beyond_o its_o just_a bound_n or_o in_o execute_v it_o for_o other_o reason_n than_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n or_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o this_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n when_o he_o cit_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n vengeance_n be_v i_o etc._n etc._n which_o in_o the_o place_n refer_v to_o deut._n xxxii_o 35._o plain_o relate_v to_o this_o matter_n for_o there_o god_n have_v denounce_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o punishment_n he_o will_v inflict_v on_o they_o in_o case_n of_o their_o apostasy_n from_o he_o tell_v they_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n into_o the_o power_n of_o strange_a nation_n who_o shall_v tyrannize_v over_o they_o and_o mighty_o oppress_v they_o and_o therein_o become_v the_o executioner_n of_o those_o punishment_n which_o he_o design_v to_o their_o sin_n not_o that_o thereby_o their_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n shall_v become_v the_o less_o unlawful_a because_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o in_o oppress_v the_o jew_n have_v no_o regard_n but_o only_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o hatred_n and_o other_o passion_n and_o therefore_o this_o oppression_n so_o far_o exceed_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n god_n in_o the_o 35th_o verse_n aforecited_a threaten_v that_o he_o will_v severe_o revenge_v upon_o they_o and_o according_o in_o xxv_o of_o ezekiel_n 12_o god_n foretell_v the_o utmost_a execution_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o edom_n for_o take_v a_o too_o severe_a revenge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n although_o himself_o have_v deliver_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v plague_v by_o they_o so_o that_o if_o no_o other_o argument_n dissuade_v we_o from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o revenge_n if_o a_o moderate_a revenge_n be_v even_o permit_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o difficulty_n of_o observe_v moderation_n in_o it_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o incur_v sin_n thereby_o shall_v deter_v we_o from_o it_o thus_o man_n be_v make_v unfit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n for_o that_o they_o know_v not_o certain_o the_o just_a proportion_n of_o the_o suppose_a crime_n and_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o it_o and_o although_o they_o be_v secure_v of_o it_o yet_o will_v rather_o consult_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n than_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o revenge_n be_v still_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n when_o it_o be_v support_v by_o so_o many_o passion_n as_o envy_n hatred_n malice_n and_o the_o like_a these_o indeed_o to_o mind_n of_o more_o happy_a education_n and_o noble_a thought_n natural_o appear_v odious_a and_o therefore_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o a_o better_a blood_n and_o great_a mind_n find_v their_o practice_n of_o revenge_n upon_o a_o principle_n of_o honour_n to_o which_o they_o fancy_v all_o other_o consideration_n ought_v to_o yield_v entertain_v a_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o this_o honour_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o patient_a endure_v of_o injury_n and_o that_o every_o affront_v unrevenged_a draw_v upon_o they_o the_o imputation_n of_o cowardice_n a_o opinion_n build_v upon_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n and_o valour_n and_o which_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n manifest_v a_o real_a weakness_n in_o it_o for_o wherein_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n to_o be_v place_v but_o in_o such_o perfection_n as_o may_v improve_v his_o faculty_n adorn_v his_o nature_n and_o promote_v his_o happiness_n if_o upon_o these_o principle_n he_o raise_v the_o favourable_a esteem_n of_o other_o man_n his_o honour_n be_v then_o true_o found_v if_o for_o other_o reason_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o perfection_n he_o fanci_v himself_o to_o be_v admire_v he_o betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o that_o he_o pride_n himself_o in_o the_o admiration_n of_o other_o no_o less_o injudicious_a such_o be_v when_o esteem_n be_v found_v upon_o rashness_n or_o a_o precipitate_a boldness_n upon_o impatience_n of_o bear_v the_o least_o indignity_n and_o prefer_v this_o resolution_n to_o all_o consideration_n if_o this_o be_v a_o real_a honour_n than_o such_o a_o passionate_a determination_n must_v be_v indeed_o a_o perfection_n of_o nature_n a_o improvement_n of_o reason_n but_o if_o that_o be_v too_o gross_a to_o affirm_v the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o nor_o yet_o can_v any_o argument_n of_o valour_n or_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v draw_v from_o such_o a_o conduct_n valour_n indeed_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a resolution_n of_o mind_n as_o can_v be_v move_v or_o over-turned_n by_o any_o external_a accident_n can_v be_v interrupt_v by_o fear_n and_o passion_n and_o a_o mind_n true_o great_a be_v place_v above_o all_o such_o mean_a resentment_n and_o rather_o scorn_v than_o fear_v the_o attempt_n of_o other_o men._n how_o then_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o make_v good_a this_o character_n who_o a_o injury_n shall_v torment_v and_o disquiet_v who_o thought_n may_v be_v ruffle_v and_o his_o passion_n raise_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o other_o who_o by_o manifest_v so_o great_a a_o concern_v in_o little_a matter_n betray_v the_o consciousness_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o want_n of_o real_a worth_n and_o happiness_n which_o can_v be_v so_o far_o impair_v by_o trifle_n and_o petty_a injury_n that_o without_o revenge_n it_o can_v be_v restore_v in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o great_a indication_n of_o a_o abject_a and_o mean_a spirit_n of_o cowardice_n and_o imperfection_n of_o mind_n than_o that_o impatience_n that_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n which_o always_o attend_v revenge_n thus_o found_v upon_o mistake_a honour_n but_o i_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o cause_n i_o handle_v when_o i_o seek_v to_o recommend_v the_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v revenge_n by_o a_o argument_n so_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o divine_a authority_n to_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o place_n i_o presume_v my_o speech_n do_v reach_v no_o other_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o revenge_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v forbid_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o since_o his_o religion_n tend_v to_o advance_v the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o restore_v right_a notion_n of_o all_o moral_a action_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o true_a honour_n or_o valour_n shall_v promote_v the_o exercise_n of_o revenge_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n be_v vain_a indeed_o yet_o not_o so_o criminal_a as_o that_o other_o ordinary_a pretence_n of_o satisfy_a justice_n therein_o when_o man_n prosecute_v their_o revenge_n against_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o justice_n and_o lest_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o sin_n shall_v escape_v unpunished_a this_o those_o be_v wont_a to_o allege_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o revenge_n who_o revenge_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o malice_n not_o of_o mistake_a honour_n to_o confess_v open_o that_o they_o take_v revenge_n because_o they_o hate_v their_o neighbour_n will_v be_v too_o shameless_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o own_o baseness_n and_o may_v also_o overthrow_v those_o artifices_fw-la by_o which_o such_o man_n common_o work_v their_o revenge_n for_o which_o they_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v out_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o
god_n if_o no_o vain_a glory_n or_o desire_v of_o humane_a praise_n be_v intermix_v therewith_o but_o the_o sole_a design_n be_v the_o advancement_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o censure_v or_o condemn_v of_o rashness_n all_o those_o noble_a ancient_a martyr_n who_o without_o any_o force_n confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n and_o thereby_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o torment_v and_o death_n that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o example_n of_o constancy_n to_o less_o courageous_a christian_n who_o can_v not_o otherwise_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o persecution_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o generous_a example_n do_v more_o effectual_o raise_v the_o courage_n of_o other_o christian_n labour_v under_o persecution_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o those_o glorious_a reward_n propose_v by_o christ_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v suffer_v for_o his_o name_n and_o to_o justify_v this_o proceed_n in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n sy_n paul_n himself_o as_o we_o read_v act_n xxi_o have_v resolve_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o continue_v his_o resolution_n although_o it_o be_v foretell_v to_o he_o by_o agabus_n and_o other_o prophet_n and_o himself_o know_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n do_v abide_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v there_o suffer_v a_o grievous_a persecution_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o only_a case_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a or_o commendable_a to_o perform_v good_a work_n public_o and_o with_o this_o design_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o men._n many_o other_o such_o case_n may_v be_v find_v i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o two_o penance_n and_o charity_n as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o practice_n of_o public_a penance_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o who_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o present_a time_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v then_o the_o great_a preserver_n of_o unfeigned_a piety_n among_o christian_n and_o that_o the_o discontinuance_n of_o it_o now_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o want_n and_o coldness_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o time_n they_o very_o well_o know_v former_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v now_o that_o god_n chief_o regard_v inward_a repentance_n the_o contrition_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o admonition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o fast_o anoint_v thy_o head_n and_o wash_v thy_o face_n that_o thou_o appear_v not_o unto_o man_n to_o fast_o but_o unto_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n where_o what_o be_v say_v of_o fast_v may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o other_o act_n and_o indication_n of_o repentance_n yet_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o the_o church_n receive_v from_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o penance_n require_v the_o institution_n and_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o arise_v from_o thence_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o then_o be_v religion_n and_o piety_n maintain_v in_o its_o full_a vigour_n when_o person_n guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a crime_n however_o eminent_a by_o birth_n or_o station_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n seclude_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a place_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o separate_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o appear_v in_o sackcloth_n or_o other_o penitential_a dress_n beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o god_n with_o tear_n and_o desire_a reconciliation_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o many_o day_n but_o ofttimes_o for_o many_o year_n together_o such_o discipline_n can_v not_o but_o produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o behold_v it_o a_o exceed_a dread_n of_o sin_n and_o caution_n in_o abstain_v from_o such_o scandal_n as_o will_v certain_o draw_v upon_o they_o either_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o undergo_a the_o same_o severity_n the_o sight_n of_o those_o penitent_n be_v more_o instructive_a to_o ordinary_a christian_n than_o all_o the_o most_o elaborate_a invective_n against_o sin_n or_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n represent_v to_o they_o at_o once_o the_o gild_n the_o horror_n the_o shame_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v their_o repentance_n to_o be_v account_v less_o real_a or_o internal_a because_o attend_v with_o such_o outward_a profession_n rather_o these_o give_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n since_o to_o take_v away_o the_o gild_n and_o remove_v the_o scandal_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n they_o refuse_v not_o to_o undergo_v the_o long_a and_o strict_a severity_n of_o public_a penance_n and_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v most_o repugnant_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o put_v themselves_o to_o open_a shame_n in_o like_a manner_n however_o ordinary_o speak_v charity_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o secret_a and_o our_o lord_n have_v large_o warn_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n to_o be_v see_v of_o they_o that_o be_v for_o this_o only_a reason_n that_o we_o may_v be_v see_v and_o praise_v by_o they_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o and_o by_o see_v they_o may_v be_v excite_v either_o to_o glorify_v god_n or_o to_o practise_v the_o like_a charity_n than_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a not_o only_o secure_v the_o reward_n promise_v to_o charity_n but_o also_o become_v of_o excellent_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v to_o the_o reward_n due_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o divine_a glory_n however_o it_o may_v be_v in_o ancient_a time_n or_o former_a age_n when_o almost_o all_o christian_n exercise_v charity_n even_o to_o profuseness_n certain_o in_o our_o age_n which_o be_v chief_o deficient_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v a_o noble_a undertake_n in_o any_o to_o restore_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o the_o lustre_n of_o any_o eminent_a and_o public_a example_n and_o although_o very_o great_a reward_n be_v promise_v to_o secret_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o to_o public_a charity_n exercise_v in_o such_o case_n much_o great_a be_v reserve_v if_o it_o be_v not_o corrupt_v with_o any_o mixture_n of_o vain_a glory_n or_o ignoble_a design_n because_o such_o have_v not_o only_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o secret_a charity_n in_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o other_o but_z far_a also_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o men._n in_o all_o these_o and_o other_o like_a case_n the_o advantage_n produce_v thereby_o to_o the_o church_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o exciting_a other_o by_o the_o force_n of_o example_n to_o the_o imitation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o good_a work_n although_o that_o be_v very_o great_a as_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o it_o invincible_o form_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n to_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o knowledge_n such_o as_o constitute_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v than_o that_o the_o same_o be_v profess_v by_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a person_n if_o they_o believe_v the_o profession_n of_o other_o to_o be_v sincere_a and_o real_a themselves_o will_v assent_v without_o any_o scruple_n if_o they_o suspect_v their_o reality_n themselves_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o infidelity_n now_o the_o public_a and_o eminent_a performance_n of_o good_a work_n give_v the_o only_a evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o man_n since_o in_o a_o country_n where_o any_o religion_n prevail_v by_o custom_n and_o education_n a_o verbal_a profession_n of_o it_o may_v be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o either_o and_o not_o to_o contradict_v it_o may_v be_v due_a only_o to_o common_a civility_n but_o whoever_o public_o perform_v good_a work_n give_v a_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o he_o do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o profess_v and_o thereby_o dispose_v other_o to_o the_o same_o belief_n increase_v the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n perform_v the_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o my_o text_n and_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o end_n to_o which_o exemplary_a piety_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o end_n will_v real_o be_v
without_o control_v dare_v to_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n vilify_v his_o person_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n but_o now_o they_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o contestable_a proof_n from_o heaven_n that_o his_o person_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a his_o doctrine_n divine_a and_o themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a wickedness_n in_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n have_v suffer_v aspersion_n in_o not_o revenge_v the_o suffering_n and_o reward_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o son_n but_o now_o this_o be_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o the_o jew_n convince_v that_o neither_o their_o wickedness_n shall_v pass_v unpunished_a nor_o his_o merit_n unrewarded_a the_o devil_n have_v triumph_v in_o his_o suppose_a conquest_n over_o christ_n and_o his_o imagination_n of_o have_v baffle_v the_o design_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o procure_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o his_o arrogant_a pretension_n be_v henceforth_o to_o be_v check_v his_o hope_n to_o be_v defeat_v his_o empire_n to_o be_v dissolve_v all_o these_o advantage_n be_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o all_o these_o our_o lord_n sum_v up_o and_o promise_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n in_o which_o word_n we_o may_v inquire_v i._o in_o what_o sense_n all_o these_o effect_n and_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ii_o how_o far_o these_o promise_a effect_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o mission_n be_v perform_v as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o word_n reprove_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o original_a be_v take_v from_o judicial_a proceed_n and_o signify_v a_o confutation_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n by_o such_o proof_n and_o testimony_n as_o by_o a_o impartial_a judge_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v valid_a the_o office_n therefore_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v the_o paraclet_n the_o advocate_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o earth_n to_o plead_v his_o cause_n to_o produce_v these_o proof_n to_o urge_v and_o propose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v indeed_o abundant_a proof_n before_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o proof_n be_v not_o convictive_a till_o lay_v open_a declare_v and_o propose_v this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o advocate_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o this_o he_o perform_v by_o pour_v extraordinary_a gift_n upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o on_o this_o day_n which_o may_v enable_v they_o with_o power_n and_o eloquence_n with_o courage_n and_o success_n to_o propose_v those_o proof_n and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o this_o reproof_n this_o conviction_n not_o only_o by_o their_o gift_n receive_v and_o labour_n perform_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n but_o by_o all_o their_o miracle_n sermon_n and_o preach_v perform_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o ministry_n all_o these_o action_n be_v equal_o direct_v to_o the_o same_o end_n the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o in_o virtue_n of_o those_o ability_n which_o they_o receive_v upon_o this_o day_n all_o their_o gift_n and_o labour_n be_v sole_o owe_v to_o his_o power_n and_o derive_v from_o his_o grant_n their_o knowledge_n to_o his_o inspiration_n their_o courage_n and_o constancy_n to_o his_o support_n their_o speak_v to_o his_o impulse_n their_o miracle_n to_o his_o power_n their_o success_n to_o his_o blessing_n so_o that_o all_o which_o they_o perform_v aught_o true_o and_o proper_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o the_o miracle_n action_n and_o prophecy_n of_o their_o lord_n before_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o the_o miracle_n and_o labour_n of_o themselves_o after_o it_o be_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n but_o all_o the_o efficacy_n the_o application_n of_o this_o conviction_n be_v to_o proceed_v sole_o from_o the_o ability_n confer_v on_o they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n continue_v his_o office_n of_o advocate_n not_o only_o during_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n since_o those_o gift_n which_o he_o then_o begin_v to_o dispense_v to_o the_o apostle_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o diffuse_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o gift_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v maintain_v the_o faithful_a enliven_v the_o conviction_n continue_v he_o then_o convince_v the_o world_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o he_o now_o convince_v it_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o their_o successor_n act_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n write_v by_o they_o through_o his_o assistance_n and_o direction_n his_o gift_n indeed_o confer_v on_o they_o be_v far_o more_o eminent_a because_o more_o necessary_a his_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n more_o remarkable_a because_o manifest_v the_o completion_n of_o many_o particular_a prophecy_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o promise_n of_o this_o text_n be_v then_o more_o eminent_o fulfil_v and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o i_o come_v next_o in_o order_n to_o consider_v first_o then_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o come_n reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o christ_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o 9_o verse_n by_o the_o world_n we_o be_v here_o primary_o to_o understand_v the_o jew_n who_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mighty_a sign_n and_o miracle_n perform_v by_o christ_n deny_v assent_n to_o his_o doctrine_n this_o disbelief_n of_o they_o before_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o saviour_n in_o many_o place_n seem_v to_o excuse_v and_o pardon_n and_o st._n pet._n in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o act_n v._o 17._o extenuate_v their_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n by_o their_o ignorance_n which_o plea_n will_v have_v be_v but_o trifle_v have_v not_o their_o ignorance_n in_o some_o measure_n be_v excusable_a but_o after_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o stand_v out_o against_o those_o manifold_a conviction_n that_o be_v then_o offer_v can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o inexcusable_a perverseness_n and_o incredulity_n of_o this_o we_o may_v assign_v two_o several_a reason_n first_o that_o although_o our_o lord_n have_v in_o his_o own_o person_n perform_v many_o and_o those_o stupendous_a miracle_n yet_o these_o affect_v no_o other_o than_o the_o spectator_n of_o they_o for_o while_o alive_a he_o never_o blazon_v abroad_o his_o miracle_n nor_o employ_v his_o disciple_n in_o spread_v the_o report_n and_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o that_o however_o many_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n can_v not_o but_o be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o his_o divinity_n yet_o the_o universal_a conviction_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o courage_n and_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o proclaim_v his_o action_n and_o doctrine_n to_o all_o man_n and_o if_o need_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o other_o no_o less_o extraordinary_a miracle_n second_o the_o chief_a note_n affix_v by_o god_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o prophet_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o completion_n of_o his_o prophecy_n thus_o in_o deut._n xviii_o when_o moses_n assure_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o god_n shall_v raise_v they_o up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o himself_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n he_o give_v they_o this_o token_n whereby_o to_o judge_v between_o the_o true_a and_o any_o false_a messiah_n if_o the_o prediction_n of_o he_o who_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v real_o come_v to_o pass_v then_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o almost_o only_a prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o can_v serve_v as_o sign_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o age_n be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o resurrection_n of_o himself_o after_o three_o day_n imprisonment_n in_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o that_o generation_n shall_v pass_v away_o the_o first_o be_v happy_o accomplish_v upon_o this_o day_n when_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n
be_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o so_o illustrious_a a_o manner_n as_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o exact_a completion_n of_o his_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o comforter_n not_o many_o day_n after_o his_o ascension_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n both_o jew_n and_o stranger_n upon_o they_o and_o tend_v no_o less_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o power_n than_o the_o truth_n of_o christ._n the_o second_o prediction_n indeed_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v fulfil_v fifty_o day_n before_o but_o become_v not_o a_o argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n till_o now_o as_o be_v not_o till_o now_o public_o attest_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o it_o the_o report_n of_o his_o resurrection_n have_v be_v indeed_o rumour_v in_o jerusalem_n which_o put_v the_o sanhedrim_n upon_o that_o shameful_a device_n of_o corrupt_v the_o soldier_n who_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n but_o the_o certain_a and_o public_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v till_o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v and_o enbolden_v to_o proclaim_v and_o testify_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o those_o gift_n which_o they_o receive_v upon_o this_o day_n after_o the_o exact_a completion_n of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o the_o authentic_a attestation_n of_o they_o no_o excuse_n remain_v to_o the_o jew_n whereby_o to_o extenuate_v their_o unbelief_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o by_o moses_n they_o be_v now_o oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a prophet_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o heinous_a sin_n before_o commit_v by_o they_o in_o the_o rejection_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o person_n the_o horror_n of_o which_o sin_n may_v induce_v they_o the_o more_o ready_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v of_o his_o merit_n that_o so_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o it_o otherwise_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o most_o severe_a execution_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n for_o their_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o disbelief_n as_o moses_n have_v assure_v they_o in_o the_o same_o place_n deut._n xviii_o 19_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o this_o sentence_n and_o therein_o the_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n execute_v and_o fulfil_v in_o the_o destruction_n and_o entire_a desolation_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n about_o forty_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n then_o alive_a act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v far_o enable_v invincible_o to_o plead_v his_o cause_n against_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n for_o however_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o do_v more_o especial_o convince_v of_o sin_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v then_o alive_a and_o have_v be_v guilty_a either_o of_o reject_v the_o preach_a or_o contrive_v the_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o it_o contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o manifest_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o either_o in_o that_o or_o in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v shall_v reject_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n when_o propose_v to_o they_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o he_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o all_o creature_n under_o heaven_n and_o confirm_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o hence_o which_o be_v so_o rational_a and_o convictive_a so_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v reject_v without_o the_o most_o extreme_a perverseness_n and_o if_o reject_v the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v hereby_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n against_o they_o and_o convince_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n also_o if_o right_o judge_v that_o in_o reject_v the_o gospel_n they_o have_v sin_v against_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o nothing_o remain_v to_o they_o but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o fiery_a judgement_n to_o be_v most_o just_o inflict_v on_o they_o the_o second_o point_n of_o which_o the_o comforter_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n be_v of_o righteousness_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v assign_v in_o the_o 10_o verse_n because_o i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o you_o see_v i_o no_o more_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v cloud_v when_o he_o permit_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o be_v deliver_v up_o and_o crucify_v by_o wicked_a man_n when_o he_o abandon_v he_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o rescue_v he_o not_o from_o the_o insult_v of_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a interposition_n from_o heaven_n the_o majesty_n of_o the_o deity_n seem_v then_o to_o be_v eclipse_v and_o suffer_v diminution_n when_o subject_v to_o the_o contradiction_n and_o affront_v of_o unreasonable_a men._n man_n natural_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v even_o in_o this_o world_n declare_v in_o behalf_n of_o oppress_a innocence_n either_o by_o rescue_v it_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o its_o enemy_n or_o take_v a_o severe_a revenge_n upon_o the_o oppressor_n of_o it_o and_o even_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o better_a and_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n can_v but_o expect_v and_o be_v allow_v so_o to_o do_v that_o if_o no_o discrimination_n be_v make_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o this_o life_n yet_o at_o least_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o next_o when_o innocence_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o reward_n which_o shall_v be_v enhance_v by_o patience_n in_o suffering_n and_o violence_n chastise_v with_o punishment_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o the_o sharp_a if_o reserve_v entire_a to_o another_o world_n if_o no_o part_n of_o they_o be_v inflict_v in_o this_o this_o a_o faithful_a christian_a expect_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n assure_v they_o see_v it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o recompense_v tribulation_n to_o they_o that_o trouble_v you_o and_o to_o you_o who_o be_v trouble_v rest_n 2_o thess._n i._o 6._o and_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n heb._n vi._n 10._o if_o then_o this_o justice_n may_v be_v secure_o hope_v for_o from_o god_n by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n how_o much_o more_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o person_n be_v of_o infinite_a dignity_n his_o suffering_n fraught_v with_o the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o misery_n and_o his_o persecutor_n guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a wickedness_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v be_v therefore_o vindicate_v herein_o that_o sin_n may_v no_o long_o triumph_n and_o innocence_n pass_v unregarded_a god_n exalt_v his_o son_n to_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n seat_v he_o in_o the_o heaven_n give_v he_o dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n crown_v he_o with_o glory_n and_o worship_n the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o direction_n and_o assistance_n the_o apostle_n open_o testify_v the_o ascension_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o by_o which_o all_o may_v be_v convince_v what_o place_n and_o power_n christ_n now_o obtain_v in_o heaven_n who_o can_v shower_v down_o such_o glorious_a gift_n and_o privilege_n upon_o his_o follower_n on_o earth_n these_o be_v so_o many_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v defeat_v that_o our_o lord_n be_v yet_o alive_a set_v above_o their_o reach_n and_o insult_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o invest_v with_o supreme_a majesty_n and_o dominion_n able_a to_o protect_v his_o church_n and_o punish_v his_o enemy_n that_o his_o former_a suffering_n have_v not_o be_v then_o more_o calamitous_a than_o his_o present_a state_n be_v now_o glorious_a that_o if_o god_n have_v for_o a_o time_n withdraw_v in_o appearance_n his_o favour_n and_o protection_n from_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o have_v now_o in_o recompense_n exalt_v it_o to_o a_o eternal_a throne_n in_o heaven_n the_o last_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o comforter_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n be_v of_o judgement_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n ver._n 11._o because_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v judge_v it_o be_v a_o principle_n even_o of_o natural_a religion_n that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o of_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a being_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v now_o for_o many_o age_n exercise_v a_o
uncontrolled_a tyranny_n in_o the_o world_n he_o have_v withdraw_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o cause_v the_o worship_n of_o himself_o to_o become_v the_o public_a religion_n of_o all_o nation_n except_o the_o jew_n even_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v often_o seduce_v to_o idolatry_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o have_v new_o instigate_v they_o to_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o messiah_n all_o these_o enormous_a crime_n this_o continue_a rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o particular_o the_o last_o and_o great_a the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v require_v from_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n a_o severe_a punishment_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v judgement_n in_o the_o text_n because_o a_o sentence_n proceed_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n this_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v under_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v above_o in_o the_o xii_o 31._o now_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o world_n now_o shall_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v cast_v out_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n which_o shall_v destroy_v the_o power_n of_o hell_n free_a man_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o sin_n and_o withdraw_v the_o world_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o devil_n this_o to_o those_o proud_a spirit_n be_v the_o sharp_a punishment_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v inflict_v and_o this_o be_v begin_v by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o carry_v on_o and_o complete_v by_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n derive_v down_o and_o continue_v to_o the_o church_n from_o his_o bless_a influence_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o day_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v ability_n and_o courage_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n to_o ruin_v the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o turn_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n from_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o blessing_n the_o church_n have_v be_v always_o defend_v from_o the_o secret_a and_o open_a assault_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n the_o governor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v enable_v to_o preach_v the_o truth_n and_o discharge_v their_o office_n successful_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o support_v against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n so_o eminent_o do_v god_n upon_o this_o day_n exercise_v judgement_n upon_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o thenceforward_o his_o kingdom_n continual_o decrease_v his_o oracle_n be_v silence_v his_o altar_n abandon_v his_o worship_n relinquish_v his_o disciple_n diminish_v until_o a_o glorious_a church_n be_v found_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o by_o a_o solemn_a engagement_n her_o vow_n in_o baptism_n profess_v enmity_n unto_o he_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o most_o faithful_a advocate_n at_o his_o first_o mission_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n against_o his_o adversary_n whether_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o jew_n his_o persecutor_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n do_v that_o bless_a spirit_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o remain_v with_o the_o church_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o advocate_n till_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n still_o continue_v to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o be_v high_o requisite_a the_o devil_n still_o assault_v the_o church_n by_o open_a force_n or_o secret_a temptation_n and_o to_o these_o the_o holy_a spirit_n oppose_v his_o gift_n and_o grace_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n still_o profess_v unbelief_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o to_o these_o he_o oppose_v the_o same_o argument_n of_o conviction_n which_o be_v before_o manifest_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o his_o mission_n all_o these_o remain_v yet_o in_o their_o full_a force_n last_o even_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v many_o to_o be_v find_v against_o who_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v still_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o discredit_v by_o their_o sin_n and_o blaspheme_v by_o their_o life_n crucify_a afresh_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n in_o that_o no_o less_o guilty_a than_o all_o those_o enemy_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o his_o first_o mission_n be_v to_o convince_v for_o do_v the_o jew_n disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o undeniable_a confirmation_n add_v to_o it_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o day_n these_o man_n by_o their_o action_n proclaim_v their_o unbelief_n even_o after_o the_o reception_n of_o this_o confirmation_n do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o manifest_v the_o unerring_a justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o all_o these_o man_n live_v insensible_a of_o either_o slight_v his_o reward_n and_o defy_v his_o punishment_n do_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o die_v a_o painful_a death_n do_v god_n exert_v his_o power_n in_o so_o many_o miracle_n do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n descend_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o devil_n these_o man_n by_o perseverance_n in_o sin_n endeavour_v to_o re-establish_a it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v effectual_o restore_v it_o in_o their_o own_o soul_n just_o therefore_o may_v this_o eternal_a advocate_n implead_v these_o man_n before_o the_o last_o tribunal_n i_o have_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n even_o to_o these_o sinner_n i_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a 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disobedience_n i_o have_v long_o since_o correct_v if_o they_o imagine_v the_o disbelief_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o neglect_v of_o my_o doctrine_n to_o be_v no_o heinous_a crime_n i_o have_v long_o since_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n if_o they_o fancy_v god_n not_o to_o be_v a_o unerring_a and_o infallible_a judge_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o have_v long_o ago_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o righteousness_n if_o they_o pretend_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v irresistible_a i_o have_v long_o since_o judge_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n take_v away_o his_o kingdom_n and_o limit_v his_o power_n these_o than_o be_v the_o most_o criminal_a enemy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v by_o i_o convince_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n refuse_v to_o perform_v they_o who_o serve_v under_o his_o banner_n and_o kind_o entreat_v by_o he_o desert_v his_o service_n 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conviction_n will_v be_v no_o less_o unuseful_a and_o unsuccessful_a than_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v either_o if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o reason_n which_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n or_o the_o force_n of_o those_o objection_n to_o which_o both_o method_n be_v liable_a the_o true_a cause_n which_o render_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n unsuccessful_a be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n but_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o men._n it_o find_v no_o welcome_a reception_n in_o world_n because_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n the_o of_o it_o it_o abridge_v the_o sensuality_n the_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n a_o covetous_a man_n will_v not_o obey_v it_o lest_o he_o shall_v forgo_v the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n a_o carnal_a man_n will_v not_o receive_v it_o lest_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o restrain_v his_o admire_a enjoyment_n it_o forbid_v revenge_n envy_n and_o 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any_o impression_n on_o they_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o god_n wrought_v one_o or_o ten_o thousand_o miracle_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n since_o one_o alone_a might_n convince_v they_o and_o all_o together_o can_v do_v no_o more_o as_o a_o blind_a man_n receive_v no_o more_o advantage_n from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n than_o from_o a_o single_a star_n our_o lord_n indeed_o say_v in_o matth._n xi_o 21._o that_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o bethsaida_n among_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o this_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v say_v rather_o to_o exaggerate_v the_o impenitence_n and_o perverseness_n of_o the_o jew_n than_o to_o declare_v what_o will_v have_v be_v the_o certain_a event_n if_o those_o miracle_n have_v real_o be_v perform_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n beside_o the_o case_n be_v infinite_o different_a between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o tyrian_n the_o former_a have_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o to_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o other_o want_v that_o advantage_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o patriarch_n whence_o they_o also_o descend_v have_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o time_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o natural_a religion_n have_v be_v deface_v by_o long_a disuse_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v even_o necessary_a to_o supply_v that_o defect_n and_o restore_v the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a religion_n among_o they_o and_o have_v they_o see_v the_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v repent_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n far_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o common_a objection_n to_o which_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o convey_v religion_n long_o since_o settle_v without_o miracle_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a method_n by_o miracle_n be_v subject_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n the_o general_a objection_n against_o the_o ordinary_a method_n be_v the_o want_n of_o absolute_a demonstration_n and_o even_o although_o miracle_n shall_v be_v always_o continue_v that_o still_o will_v be_v want_v man_n desirous_a to_o retain_v their_o vice_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n will_v still_o allege_v that_o those_o miracle_n be_v no_o other_o than_o illusion_n that_o their_o sense_n deceive_v they_o or_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o trick_n and_o imposture_n particular_o that_o sort_n of_o method_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o text_n desire_v may_v be_v employ_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o his_o brethren_n will_v be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o exceptionable_a i_o mean_v the_o apparition_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o decease_a man_n assure_v the_o live_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o another_o life_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o form_v rule_n whereby_o to_o distinguish_v true_a from_o imaginary_a apparition_n the_o appearance_n of_o humane_a soul_n from_o illusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o if_o such_o rule_n can_v be_v form_v man_n can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v reveal_v since_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n put_v not_o off_o their_o vice_n with_o the_o body_n and_o may_v still_o retain_v such_o sin_n as_o may_v be_v exercise_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o corporeal_a organ_n such_o as_o envy_n malice_n lie_v and_o fraud_n or_o if_o all_o these_o difficulty_n be_v remove_v the_o terror_n and_o affrightment_n attend_v such_o apparition_n will_v infallible_o hinder_v all_o clear_a perception_n either_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o apparition_n or_o of_o the_o matter_n reveal_v in_o it_o if_o then_o there_o be_v any_o here_o as_o it_o be_v a_o prejudice_n common_a to_o many_o christian_n who_o imagine_v that_o if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o have_v see_v with_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
death_n of_o his_o brother_n and_o herod_n seek_v the_o death_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o reprehend_v his_o incestuous_a marriage_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o as_o revenge_n can_v never_o be_v form_v in_o the_o mind_n without_o precedent_a malice_n and_o subsequent_a envy_n of_o the_o other_o out-living_a although_o but_o for_o one_o moment_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o revenge_n so_o neither_o can_v malice_n or_o envy_n take_v place_n without_o a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n and_o then_o as_o in_o all_o other_o sin_n so_o in_o this_o also_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o precedent_a approbation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o will_n and_o become_v not_o the_o less_o because_o not_o put_v in_o execution_n and_o as_o all_o other_o sin_n be_v propose_v to_o the_o will_n under_o some_o specious_a pretence_n so_o revenge_n assume_v the_o show_n of_o justice_n and_o therein_o chief_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n which_o we_o before_o mention_v of_o encroach_a upon_o the_o prerogative_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o plausible_a plea_n to_o pretend_v that_o justice_n must_v be_v strict_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_v the_o least_o injury_n of_o man_n shall_v pass_v unpunished_a that_o they_o ought_v to_o expiate_v the_o gild_n of_o their_o injury_n by_o a_o proportionable_a punishment_n that_o otherwise_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v maintain_v and_o good_a man_n will_v be_v always_o expose_v to_o the_o insult_v and_o oppression_n of_o other_o upon_o this_o ground_n and_o with_o these_o pretence_n man_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o a_o supreme_a judge_n they_o will_v needs_o determine_v the_o quantity_n of_o every_o man_n demerit_n and_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o it_o this_o arrogance_n be_v visible_a in_o every_o act_n of_o revenge_n where_o the_o person_n revenge_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o punish_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o offender_n not_o only_o to_o secure_v his_o own_o safety_n for_o while_o it_o proceed_v no_o far_o it_o be_v not_o revenge_n but_o also_o to_o procure_v such_o a_o punishment_n to_o the_o other_o as_o may_v compensate_a for_o the_o flagitiousness_n of_o the_o injury_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o herein_o chief_o consist_v the_o offence_n of_o a_o revengeful_a mind_n against_o god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o offence_n against_o our_o neighbour_n i_o do_v not_o now_o consider_v it_o this_o constitute_v the_o gild_n of_o it_o that_o it_o invade_v the_o office_n of_o the_o supreme_a judge_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o and_o upon_o this_o be_v found_v the_o reason_n bring_v against_o revenge_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n avenge_v not_o yourselves_o but_o rather_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n await_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n upon_o all_o sinner_n for_o it_o be_v write_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n god_n take_v the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n from_o man_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o i_o will_v consider_v both_o together_o for_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o revenge_n to_o man_n affix_v it_o to_o god_n and_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o man_n because_o it_o belong_v sole_o to_o god_n to_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o the_o demerit_n of_o every_o sinful_a action_n to_o determine_v the_o quantity_n of_o the_o gild_n and_o affix_v a_o proper_a punishment_n to_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n which_o office_n be_v invest_v in_o god_n as_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n live_v and_o the_o absolute_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n which_o when_o he_o have_v form_v he_o quit_v not_o to_o the_o blind_a operation_n of_o chance_n nor_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o inferior_a spirit_n nor_o yet_o to_o the_o unruly_a will_n of_o man_n but_o retain_v the_o government_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v call_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n gen._n xviii_o 25._o one_o part_n of_o this_o office_n of_o judge_n be_v to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o vengeance_n more_o than_o once_o in_o the_o nine_o psalm_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o just_a sentence_n upon_o sinner_n be_v term_v revenge_n and_o sinner_n the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v call_v his_o adversary_n as_o deut._n xxxii_o 43._o he_o will_v render_v vengeance_n to_o his_o adversary_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o claim_v that_o office_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o recompense_v in_o due_a manner_n the_o gild_n of_o every_o injurious_a act_n and_o all_o sin_n be_v such_o to_o he_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o full_a right_o to_o judge_v his_o creature_n he_o be_v the_o common_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o partiality_n his_o justice_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o sin_n to_o escape_v unpunished_a he_o be_v merciful_a and_o far_o from_o punish_v offence_n beyond_o their_o merit_n chastise_v sinner_n less_o than_o they_o deserve_v he_o search_v the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v by_o false_a representation_n nor_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n he_o know_v exact_o the_o true_a demerit_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o can_v uner_o proportion_n the_o punishment_n to_o the_o crime_n he_o have_v promise_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o revenge_v the_o injury_n do_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o by_o a_o positive_a precept_n have_v take_v revenge_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o men._n if_o after_o all_o this_o man_n will_v presume_v to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o revenge_n and_o pretend_v to_o punish_v the_o pravity_n of_o any_o action_n they_o manifest_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o god_n and_o place_n themselves_o in_o his_o seat_n of_o judicature_n a_o attempt_n which_o he_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o pardon_v who_o as_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o nor_o indeed_o can_v such_o revenge_n be_v execute_v without_o pretend_v to_o that_o supreme_a power_n which_o be_v invest_v in_o god_n for_o not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o therein_o to_o renounce_v his_o government_n who_o have_v command_v the_o contrary_a to_o pass_v by_o that_o to_o revenge_v a_o injury_n must_v suppose_v a_o absolute_a subjection_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o the_o revenge_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v for_o after_o every_o man_n have_v use_v the_o privilege_n of_o self-defence_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o he_o have_v no_o more_o right_o leave_v of_o act_v any_o against_o he_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o injurious_a malice_n belong_v not_o to_o he_o unless_o the_o absolute_a subjection_n of_o the_o other_o give_v he_o just_a title_n to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o other_o for_o that_o do_v often_o happen_v but_o the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o secret_a action_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v also_o belong_v to_o he_o who_o judge_v of_o the_o demerit_n of_o the_o fact_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v how_o much_o or_o how_o little_a malice_n the_o injury_n include_v in_o it_o whereas_o in_o this_o respect_n no_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o another_o we_o be_v all_o equal_o fellow-servant_n to_o god_n and_o then_o the_o expostulation_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v take_v place_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o either_o stand_v or_o fall_v this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o assume_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o master_n and_o this_o be_v certain_o do_v as_o often_o as_o revenge_n be_v intend_v or_o effect_v but_o not_o only_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v we_o injurious_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n inasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v all_o fellow-creature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n if_o we_o take_v revenge_n and_o in_o that_o make_v ourselves_o judge_n of_o such_o our_o fellow-servant_n but_o in_o that_o while_o we_o all_o equal_o hope_v for_o pardon_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n our_o common_a judge_n we_o deny_v it_o to_o one_o another_o and_o presume_v to_o require_v that_o from_o god_n which_o we_o will_v not_o grant_v ourselves_o if_o in_o plead_v for_o revenge_n we_o allege_v that_o
another_o have_v injure_v we_o and_o be_v not_o we_o in_o every_o sin_n injurious_a to_o god_n thy_o fellow-servant_n have_v perhaps_o injure_v thou_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o thou_o have_v injure_v god_n the_o lord_n of_o both_o very_o often_o perhaps_o every_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o than_o what_o equality_n be_v there_o between_o injure_v a_o fellow-servant_n and_o a_o master_n he_o perhaps_o be_v provoke_v nay_o first_o injure_v by_o thou_o before_o he_o commit_v any_o act_n of_o hatred_n or_o malice_n against_o thou_o but_o thou_o have_v offend_v thy_o lord_n from_o who_o thou_o never_o receive_v any_o injury_n by_o who_o thou_o have_v be_v oblige_v with_o the_o great_a benefit_n by_o who_o favour_n thou_o live_v and_o from_o who_o thou_o expect_v all_o that_o can_v make_v thou_o happy_a consider_v that_o if_o god_n shall_v examine_v strict_o and_o immediate_o revenge_v all_o thy_o offence_n against_o he_o thou_o have_v not_o one_o day_n to_o live_v for_o if_o thou_o lord_n shall_v be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o o_o lord_n who_o may_v abide_v it_o so_o say_v a_o better_a man_n than_o thou_o be_v and_o much_o more_o must_v thou_o confess_v if_o thou_o either_o dissemble_v not_o with_o other_o or_o deceive_v not_o thyself_o for_o to_o pass_v by_o all_o those_o secret_a sin_n which_o be_v know_v only_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n and_o have_v no_o witness_n but_o god_n alone_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v require_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o open_a and_o manifest_a one_o which_o we_o daily_o commit_v what_o pardon_n can_v we_o expect_v if_o god_n shall_v take_v a_o severe_a account_n of_o our_o negligence_n and_o want_n of_o attention_n in_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o idle_a speech_n proceed_v from_o our_o mouth_n and_o the_o rash_a judgement_n which_o we_o make_v and_o such_o other_o sin_n and_o inadvertency_n commit_v but_o in_o any_o one_o day_n we_o shall_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o despair_v of_o pardon_n but_o if_o he_o ransack_v our_o soul_n and_o bring_v forth_o into_o judgement_n all_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o it_o the_o evil_a desire_n and_o unclean_a thought_n the_o unlawful_a motion_n and_o vain_a imagination_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v no_o hope_n leave_v and_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o day_n bring_v inevitable_a destruction_n upon_o we_o without_o the_o mercy_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o god_n what_o a_o abyss_n of_o mercy_n will_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o whole_a life_n require_v yet_o all_o these_o sin_n he_o condescend_v to_o pardon_v all_o this_o mercy_n he_o extend_v to_o man_n with_o this_o single_a condition_n that_o he_o pardon_v the_o offence_n of_o his_o fellow-christian_a for_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o revenge_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o jew_n the_o promise_n of_o divine_a pardon_n be_v neither_o so_o full_a nor_o so_o clear_a and_o therefore_o god_n in_o give_v law_n to_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o wink_v at_o their_o exercise_n of_o revenge_n in_o some_o case_n i_o will_v not_o reckon_v as_o such_o that_o law_n of_o give_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n for_o however_o it_o be_v afterward_o most_o gross_o misinterpret_v by_o the_o jew_n it_o include_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o revenge_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o design_n of_o it_o but_o certain_o that_o law_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o revenge_n which_o allow_v to_o the_o kindred_n of_o any_o man_n slay_v unadvised_o to_o retaliate_v his_o death_n upon_o the_o author_n of_o it_o if_o they_o overtake_v he_o before_o he_o enter_v into_o any_o city_n of_o refuge_n it_o be_v our_o happiness_n that_o as_o we_o have_v a_o better_a religion_n and_o great_a promise_n so_o we_o have_v strong_a argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o in_o this_o case_n he_o who_o give_v we_o both_o have_v forbid_v the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n to_o we_o and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o so_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o also_o of_o the_o divine_a command_n revenge_n be_v make_v injurious_a to_o god_n and_o unlawful_a to_o we_o further_o not_o only_o do_v we_o want_v that_o authority_n which_o revenge_n presupposeth_a not_o only_o be_v we_o preclude_v by_o the_o express_a prohibition_n of_o god_n but_o we_o also_o want_v other_o qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o we_o before_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o we_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o two_o first_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a gild_n of_o the_o crime_n which_o we_o will_v revenge_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n ought_v to_o be_v know_v before_o any_o judgement_n be_v pass_v on_o it_o in_o humane_a judicature_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n and_o interest_n of_o public_a society_n require_v that_o probable_a evidence_n be_v accept_v that_o judgement_n be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n but_o if_o man_n pretend_v to_o judge_v the_o conscience_n of_o other_o to_o define_v the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o their_o offence_n and_o to_o execute_v the_o punishment_n upon_o it_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o revenge_n they_o ought_v exact_o to_o know_v the_o most_o private_a thought_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o what_o step_n and_o argument_n the_o will_n be_v induce_v to_o commit_v that_o injury_n what_o judgement_n the_o understanding_n form_v of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v commit_v otherwise_o man_n may_v gross_o mistake_v they_o may_v judge_v that_o to_o be_v a_o injury_n which_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o other_o for_o a_o kindness_n in_o which_o case_n there_o be_v rather_o merit_v than_o gild_n in_o the_o offender_n and_o if_o his_o intend_a benefit_n do_v real_o turn_v to_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v a_o misfortune_n to_o they_o both_o yet_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o benefit_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v less_o thus_o a_o passionate_a revenge_n may_v be_v employ_v against_o its_o own_o benefactor_n and_o invert_v the_o course_n of_o justice_n punish_v the_o well-doer_n in_o other_o case_n man_n may_v interpret_v act_n of_o inadvertency_n to_o proceed_v from_o a_o form_a malice_n and_o punish_v what_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o venial_a injury_n as_o a_o mortal_a offence_n they_o may_v prosecute_v the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n even_o after_o the_o other_o have_v repent_v of_o the_o injury_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o resolve_v if_o possible_a to_o make_v reparation_n for_o it_o and_o thereby_o have_v expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o offence_n in_o all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o case_n man_n may_v err_v most_o gross_o in_o pass_v their_o judgement_n upon_o the_o enormity_n of_o injury_n offer_v to_o they_o which_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o precede_v all_o revenge_n and_o how_o dangerous_a such_o error_n be_v our_o lord_n acquaint_v we_o when_o he_o assure_v we_o matth._n vii_o 2._o with_o what_o judgement_n you_o judge_v you_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o with_o what_o measure_v you_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o you_o again_o this_o reason_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o execute_v revenge_n aright_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v permit_v to_o he_o and_o dangerous_a to_o be_v desire_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o alone_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o spirit_n again_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o form_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o every_o offence_n and_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v he_o will_v still_o commit_v fatal_a miscarriage_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o his_o passion_n be_v so_o violent_a that_o he_o will_v far_o exceed_v the_o limit_n of_o the_o prescribe_a punishment_n add_v weight_n and_o sharpness_n to_o it_o in_o compliance_n with_o his_o own_o hatred_n and_o imagine_v that_o his_o anger_n ought_v to_o be_v indulge_v therein_o nay_o i_o fear_v that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o revenge_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o punishment_n be_v inflict_v not_o out_o of_o abhorrence_n to_o the_o sin_n commit_v but_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o other_o not_o to_o reform_v the_o irregularity_n of_o the_o other_o but_o to_o gratify_v his_o own_o passion_n not_o to_o oppose_v sin_n but_o to_o harm_v a_o suppose_a enemy_n and_o thus_o not_o only_o the_o danger_n of_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o injustice_n hatred_n and_o malice_n will_v ensue_v but_o also_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v whole_o over-turned_n mankind_n will_v be_v involve_v in_o continual_a war_n while_o he_o who_o be_v first_o injure_v carry_v his_o revenge_n beyond_o the_o
their_o secret_a malice_n assign_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o to_o be_v their_o love_n of_o justice_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o of_o their_o country_n and_o such_o be_v the_o credulity_n of_o mankind_n that_o these_o pretence_n seldom_o want_v success_n cover_v the_o malice_n and_o rancour_n of_o a_o canker_a soul_n and_o give_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o secure_a opportunity_n of_o revenge_n all_o be_v apt_a to_o censure_v and_o condemn_v revenge_n when_o proceed_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o false_a honour_n which_o be_v before_o mention_v because_o the_o motive_n of_o it_o be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v dissemble_v yet_o in_o truth_n this_o sort_n of_o revenge_n be_v infinite_o less_o criminal_a than_o the_o former_a arise_v from_o hatred_n and_o malice_n however_o dissemble_v and_o assume_v to_o itself_o more_o specious_a name_n this_o be_v form_v by_o a_o violent_a commotion_n of_o mind_n which_o last_v not_o many_o hour_n but_o that_o by_o a_o harden_a malice_n which_o work_v secret_o for_o many_o year_n together_o this_o be_v common_o effect_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o blood_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v scarce_o time_n to_o recollect_v itself_o or_o command_v the_o unruly_a passion_n of_o the_o body_n but_o that_o be_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o deliberate_a thought_n and_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a aggravation_n that_o any_o sin_n can_v receive_v this_o may_v sometime_o fall_v even_o upon_o a_o good_a man_n who_o through_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n and_o from_o a_o violent_a indignation_n of_o receive_v unworthy_a injury_n may_v sudden_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o desire_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o revenge_n but_o of_o the_o other_o a_o good_a man_n can_v never_o be_v guilty_a since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o hatred_n and_o malice_n which_o be_v habitual_a sin_n shall_v consist_v with_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o goodness_n in_o all_o habitual_a sin_n the_o mind_n can_v but_o many_o time_n reflect_v upon_o its_o own_o disease_n and_o be_v as_o often_o convince_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o it_o nourish_v the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o those_o sin_n often_o recur_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o be_v conscious_a of_o her_o own_o disease_n yet_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o these_o consideration_n the_o man_n resolve_v to_o retain_v his_o hatred_n and_o malice_n towards_o other_o and_o in_o this_o resolution_n be_v encourage_v from_o the_o consideration_n that_o these_o sin_n be_v close_o and_o secret_a will_v consist_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o sanctity_n and_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o he_o in_o his_o base_a design_n against_o his_o neighbour_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o hypocrite_n fix_v and_o determinate_a resolution_n of_o persevere_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o still_o make_v use_n of_o his_o glorious_a name_n to_o carry_v on_o private_a design_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o in_o scripture_n the_o most_o severe_a punishment_n be_v still_o denounce_v against_o hypocrite_n since_o they_o be_v all_o deliberate_a sin_n such_o as_o oppression_n covetousness_n injustice_n lie_v slander_v perfidiousness_n hatred_n and_o malice_n all_o sin_n of_o the_o most_o enormous_a gild_n and_o heighten_v by_o this_o far_a consideration_n that_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o piety_n religion_n and_o zeal_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o execute_v the_o several_a design_n of_o they_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o malicious_a revenge_n nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o pretend_v a_o zealous_a concern_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n as_o if_o they_o will_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n and_o punish_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n have_v ordinary_o provide_v no_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n reserve_v it_o to_o another_o yet_o oftentimes_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o these_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o punish_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o opposition_n to_o their_o humour_n fancy_n and_o design_n it_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o some_o man_n a_o unpardonable_a crime_n to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a or_o another_o party_n to_o have_v cross_v or_o oppose_v a_o design_n of_o the_o other_o although_o never_o so_o unreasonable_a or_o perhaps_o to_o have_v once_o perform_v their_o duty_n without_o partiality_n and_o corrupt_a favour_n to_o other_o when_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n do_v require_v it_o certain_o if_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o they_o such_o malicious_a revenge_n will_v be_v find_v the_o great_a of_o all_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o public_a calamites_n overturning_a the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n great_a and_o numerous_a society_n of_o man_n such_o as_o this_o nation_n be_v can_v easy_o be_v 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private_a enemy_n and_o by_o this_o division_n make_v way_n to_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o without_o this_o advantage_n can_v not_o easy_o have_v overcome_v that_o populous_a and_o resolute_a nation_n these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o divert_v man_n from_o a_o resolve_a prosecution_n of_o revenge_n and_o much_o more_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o scope_n or_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v produce_v this_o effect_n if_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o man_n do_v in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o when_o almost_o every_o man_n plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o command_n which_o oppose_v his_o peculiar_a passion_n when_o little_a beside_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v among_o we_o and_o even_o that_o pretence_n continue_v not_o out_o of_o any_o reverence_n to_o religion_n but_o because_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o secular_a 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suppose_v to_o have_v any_o influence_n must_v be_v first_o possess_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o his_o wisdom_n or_o authority_n or_o any_o other_o quality_n which_o may_v induce_v other_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n and_o where_o such_o quality_n be_v find_v the_o obligation_n of_o be_v exemplar_n become_v much_o more_o strict_a in_o that_o case_n he_o be_v not_o only_o to_o act_n in_o common_a as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o particular_a also_o as_o a_o director_n of_o all_o those_o who_o may_v be_v influence_v by_o his_o example_n such_o be_v parent_n to_o their_o child_n master_n to_o their_o servant_n great_a man_n to_o their_o inferior_n king_n to_o their_o subject_n wise_a and_o learned_a man_n to_o those_o who_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n all_o such_o be_v as_o light_n to_o those_o subject_v to_o they_o who_o eye_n be_v fix_v on_o they_o and_o be_v wont_a to_o form_v direction_n to_o themselves_o from_o their_o practice_n and_o 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way_n to_o unlawful_a passion_n these_o will_v lose_v even_o all_o sense_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o practice_v what_o they_o see_v their_o superior_n the_o suppose_a judge_n of_o decency_n and_o lawfulness_n without_o fear_n to_o pursue_v if_o they_o conscientious_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o religion_n even_o respect_v to_o their_o person_n will_v engage_v other_o in_o the_o same_o course_n of_o piety_n as_o be_v general_o persuade_v that_o those_o who_o be_v great_a and_o wise_a than_o themselves_o be_v more_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v true_a happiness_n thus_o every_o good_a man_n fit_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v he_o for_o be_v a_o example_n to_o they_o become_v a_o public_a blessing_n he_o enter_v not_o into_o heaven_n alone_o but_o carry_v with_o he_o the_o welcome_a attendance_n of_o those_o who_o his_o example_n have_v draw_v thither_o with_o he_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o in_o 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ruin_v by_o their_o ill_a example_n will_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o be_v revenge_v on_o they_o it_o be_v frequent_o add_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o jeroboam_n as_o the_o utmost_a aggravation_n of_o his_o crime_n that_o he_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o a_o single_a apostasy_n but_o draw_v the_o whole_a nation_n into_o idolatry_n by_o his_o power_n and_o example_n we_o need_v look_v no_o far_o than_o the_o history_n of_o that_o and_o other_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o great_a example_n for_o as_o often_o as_o those_o introduce_v idolatry_n or_o restore_v true_a religion_n so_o often_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n fall_v into_o apostasy_n or_o return_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o reward_n of_o those_o pious_a prince_n will_v receive_v infinite_a increase_n from_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o their_o example_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o the_o 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