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 faith_n at_o least_o they_o will_v pretend_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v convince_v i_o have_v nourish_v this_o knowledge_n by_o cause_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o their_o edification_n i_o have_v endeavour_v the_o improvement_n of_o it_o by_o the_o constant_a exhortation_n of_o those_o my_o officer_n which_o i_o have_v settle_v in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v assist_v it_o by_o the_o grant_n of_o all_o necessary_a grace_n as_o often_o as_o desire_v yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o they_o have_v live_v as_o if_o they_o know_v not_o of_o it_o much_o less_o as_o if_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o all_o my_o grace_n and_o solicitation_n of_o they_o have_v produce_v no_o other_o effect_n than_o to_o render_v their_o sin_n the_o more_o heinous_a in_o that_o they_o have_v wilful_o disobey_v my_o command_n slight_v my_o direction_n contemn_v my_o exhortation_n and_o stifle_v my_o motion_n all_o false_a persuasion_n which_o may_v betray_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o 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 and_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o to_o his_o and_o their_o own_o enemy_n from_o who_o tyranny_n i_o have_v before_o free_v they_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o at_o that_o dreadful_a day_n shall_v we_o allege_v want_n of_o conviction_n that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o or_o if_o we_o shall_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v by_o the_o wonder_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n effectual_o confute_v that_o pretence_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o we_o believe_v not_o god_n to_o have_v be_v in_o earnest_n when_o he_o allure_v we_o with_o reward_n or_o threaten_v we_o with_o punishment_n that_o plea_n be_v remove_v by_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n make_v upon_o this_o day_n or_o shall_v we_o excuse_v ourselves_o with_o want_n of_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o overcome_v
nature_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v it_o that_o it_o will_v infinite_o aggravate_v the_o sharpness_n of_o its_o pain_n for_o its_o immortality_n will_v render_v they_o eternal_a and_o its_o understanding_n will_v heighten_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o they_o in_o this_o life_n sinner_n often_o be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o miserable_a condition_n and_o fancy_n themselves_o seat_v in_o paradise_n when_o environ_v with_o pleasure_n and_o glut_v with_o enjoyment_n they_o can_v stifle_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n and_o secure_o make_v use_n of_o their_o imaginary_a happiness_n but_o in_o hell_n their_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o their_o worm_n die_v not_o the_o sharpness_n of_o their_o torment_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o rest_n and_o if_o those_o shall_v be_v extinguish_v yet_o will_v they_o still_o be_v torment_v with_o a_o inward_a fire_n so_o much_o the_o more_o violent_a because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v certain_o convince_v in_o judgement_n that_o they_o act_v against_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o reason_n in_o run_v the_o danger_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o gross_a and_o trifle_a pleasure_n we_o may_v next_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o chief_o intend_v this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n or_o denial_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n against_o which_o christ_n fore-arm_n his_o follower_n by_o inculcate_v this_o necessary_a truth_n of_o prefer_v the_o good_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o those_o of_o the_o body_n for_o this_o foul_a sin_n be_v ever_o commit_v for_o some_o temporal_a end_n be_v too_o odious_a to_o recommend_v itself_o without_o some_o outward_a advantage_n man_n deny_v not_o their_o god_n out_o of_o a_o dislike_n or_o disbelief_n of_o he_o but_o to_o secure_v to_o themselves_o a_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n prevent_v some_o inconvenience_n or_o gratify_v some_o lusts._n this_o be_v a_o crime_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o contagion_n with_o idolatry_n under_o the_o old_a law_n for_o to_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o true_a one_o and_o the_o first_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o latter_a how_o heinous_a god_n account_v this_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v chief_o direct_v against_o this_o sin_n alone_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v employ_v against_o it_o and_o all_o the_o judgement_n which_o god_n ever_o inflict_v upon_o his_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v sole_o owe_v to_o this_o cause_n insomuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o record_n leave_v in_o sacred_a history_n of_o any_o pardon_n ever_o grant_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o indeed_o a_o wilful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n dissolve_v the_o very_a union_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o pardon_n such_o a_o person_n open_o by_o his_o act_n proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o god_n bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o and_o disclaim_v his_o pardon_n it_o will_v prostitute_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o make_v it_o cheap_a and_o easy_a to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o such_o execrable_a villainy_n which_o do_v violence_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o very_a last_o effort_n of_o impiety_n this_o can_v but_o degrade_v the_o soul_n from_o its_o affinity_n to_o god_n and_o debar_v it_o from_o all_o near_a approach_n to_o his_o presence_n we_o can_v hope_v to_o have_v any_o interest_n leave_v in_o god_n after_o a_o denial_n of_o he_o nor_o can_v without_o horror_n entertain_v any_o remembrance_n of_o he_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v our_o soul_n happy_a with_o the_o continual_a meditation_n of_o his_o perfection_n or_o please_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o future_a fruition_n of_o he_o in_o that_o case_n it_o will_v be_v our_o interest_n to_o banish_v all_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o remove_v from_o ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a all_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a state_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v alarm_v with_o the_o dread_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o future_a torment_n thus_o a_o denial_n of_o god_n against_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n do_v not_o only_o render_v we_o unhappy_a but_o cause_v we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o become_v yet_o more_o unhappy_a by_o a_o total_a and_o wilful_a stifle_v of_o all_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o god_n in_o which_o alone_a true_a happiness_n consist_v and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o notorious_a apostasy_n when_o any_o one_o open_o renounce_v his_o religion_n and_o deny_v his_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o case_n in_o these_o peaceable_a time_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o often_o happen_v but_o also_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o no_o less_o formal_a apostasy_n from_o god_n than_o that_o beforementioned_a where_o the_o sinner_n put_v in_o the_o scale_n the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o sin_n with_o the_o future_a consequence_n and_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o it_o and_o after_o have_v weigh_v each_o reject_v the_o command_n of_o god_n of_o which_o he_o be_v very_o conscious_a and_o prefer_v the_o present_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o sin_n this_o be_v do_v in_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o no_o less_o true_a apostasy_n than_o a_o open_a denial_n of_o god_n for_o this_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o whosoever_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a choice_n prefer_v the_o seem_a pleasure_n of_o any_o sin_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n will_v never_o forego_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o make_v some_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v first_o then_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o great_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o due_a contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o render_v our_o soul_n even_o in_o this_o life_n as_o happy_a as_o we_o possible_o can_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o all_o the_o care_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o provide_v necessary_n or_o rather_o superfluity_n to_o the_o body_n or_o attend_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o that_o no_o far_a use_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o soul_n than_o to_o serve_v as_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o body_n to_o heighten_v its_o enjoyment_n and_o refine_v its_o pleasure_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o a_o more_o noble_a be_v which_o deserve_v our_o care_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o the_o loss_n of_o happiness_n may_v not_o god_n just_o say_v to_o mankind_n i_o have_v give_v to_o you_o great_a and_o celestial_a soul_n endue_v with_o wonderful_a perfection_n and_o capable_a of_o much_o great_a when_o right_o cultivate_v your_o body_n i_o form_v from_o the_o clay_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o your_o soul_n i_o send_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o one_o i_o permit_v to_o return_v to_o corruption_n but_o the_o other_o i_o have_v invest_v with_o immortality_n how_o just_o may_v i_o expect_v that_o you_o will_v have_v value_v these_o two_o according_a to_o their_o several_a worth_n and_o dignity_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o indeed_o starve_v the_o body_n nor_o tyrannize_v over_o it_o but_o however_o attend_v chief_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o i_o intend_v for_o it_o nor_o be_v deprive_v of_o those_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n which_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o alas_o man_n be_v turn_v back_o and_o grow_v foolish_a employ_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o diligence_n to_o procure_v pleasure_n for_o his_o body_n rise_v early_o sit_v up_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n to_o heap_v up_o riches_n for_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o bodily_a enjoyment_n make_v this_o the_o only_a business_n of_o his_o life_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o else_o as_o for_o his_o soul_n he_o make_v it_o a_o slave_n to_o his_o body_n refuse_v to_o receive_v direction_n from_o it_o and_o sometime_o forget_v that_o he_o have_v any_o what_o shall_v we_o answer_v to_o these_o expostulation_n of_o god_n i_o fear_v we_o can_v plead_v innocence_n our_o action_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n demonstrate_v the_o contrary_n we_o be_v continual_o busy_a about_o enlarge_a our_o petty_a acquisition_n in_o the_o world_n we_o trouble_v and_o turmoil_v ourselves_o about_o the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o body_n but_o
his_o justice_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o defraud_v oppress_v and_o injure_v to_o own_o his_o goodness_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o deny_v compassion_n to_o his_o creature_n make_v in_o his_o own_o image_n to_o intercede_v with_o he_o for_o new_a benefit_n and_o employ_v those_o already_o grant_v in_o oppose_v his_o authority_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o have_v receive_v life_n and_o be_v from_o he_o and_o not_o to_o yield_v he_o any_o service_n for_o it_o to_o confess_v his_o unlimited_a knowledge_n and_o presence_n and_o therewith_o retain_v secret_a resolution_n of_o sin_v all_o these_o be_v as_o heinous_a provocation_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o form_v all_o yet_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o pray_v with_o impure_a heart_n and_o mind_n and_o all_o yet_o receive_v this_o far_a aggravation_n that_o they_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o prayer_n such_o be_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n but_o to_o those_o who_o profess_v belief_n in_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a reason_n no_o less_o weighty_a than_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o our_o prayer_n consist_v in_o our_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v grant_v mere_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o through_o his_o merit_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o christian_a prayer_n and_o if_o ourselves_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o yet_o the_o scripture_n will_v abundant_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o that_o in_o he_o and_o through_o he_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n to_o we_o no_o christian_a therefore_o have_v any_o other_o title_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n than_o his_o relation_n to_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o relation_n can_v consist_v without_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v all_o direct_v to_o promote_v purity_n justice_n and_o holiness_n the_o want_n of_o these_o condition_n break_v off_o the_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o man_n who_o then_o in_o vain_a supplicate_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n when_o by_o disobedience_n he_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n he_o may_v plead_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v all-sufficient_a but_o himself_o have_v no_o share_n in_o they_o he_o may_v fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n seat_n but_o will_v find_v no_o high_a priest_n to_o intercede_v for_o he_o who_o by_o his_o sin_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o even_o crucify_a he_o afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n ii_o the_o second_o condition_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o without_o wrath_n that_o be_v without_o malice_n or_o hatred_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o anger_v grow_v inveterate_a the_o passion_n of_o anger_n be_v indeed_o no_o less_o unlawful_a to_o those_o that_o apply_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n because_o it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a that_o while_o the_o heat_n of_o that_o passion_n continue_v any_o one_o shall_v be_v dispose_v to_o pray_v while_o that_o commotion_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o attend_v anger_n last_v the_o mind_n can_v attend_v to_o nothing_o else_o and_o can_v direct_v its_o thought_n and_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n so_o that_o during_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o only_o impious_a but_o unnatural_a to_o undertake_v it_o in_o prayer_n the_o soul_n ought_v to_o engage_v its_o whole_a strength_n and_o intention_n and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n which_o it_o can_v do_v when_o the_o affection_n of_o it_o be_v divide_v between_o prayer_n and_o anger_n it_o ought_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o compose_v itself_o in_o a_o sedate_n and_o quiet_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o can_v do_v while_o disorder_v by_o any_o passion_n which_o reason_n will_v also_o make_v prayer_n unbefitting_a and_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n impossible_a not_o only_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o anger_n but_o also_o in_o such_o a_o hatred_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o violence_n of_o it_o continual_o employ_v the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n especial_o where_o the_o person_n hate_v be_v present_a to_o it_o and_o allow_v to_o it_o no_o interval_n of_o calm_a and_o quiet_a until_o it_o be_v either_o satisfy_v with_o revenge_n or_o expire_v with_o long_a time_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o hatred_n be_v a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a anger_n which_o for_o the_o former_a reason_n exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o prayer_n during_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o but_o such_o a_o degree_n be_v monstrous_a the_o most_o ordinary_a case_n of_o hatred_n allow_v frequent_a interval_n of_o serenity_n to_o the_o mind_n fret_v not_o the_o thought_n continual_o and_o have_v this_o immediate_a effect_n only_o that_o whensoever_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o do_v return_v or_o the_o cause_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v first_o found_v be_v recall_v to_o mind_n either_o resolution_n or_o desire_n of_o revenge_n be_v conceive_v and_o a_o purpose_n form_v of_o not_o forgive_a even_o this_o moderate_a and_o most_o ordinary_a case_n of_o hatred_n render_v the_o soul_n unfit_a for_o prayer_n and_o always_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o it_o for_o in_o prayer_n if_o direct_v and_o conceive_v aright_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o resign_v up_o his_o affection_n and_o faculty_n entire_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o god_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o but_o he_o who_o nourish_v hatred_n in_o his_o mind_n on_o the_o contrary_a neither_o resign_v up_o himself_o nor_o confess_v the_o dominion_n of_o god_n for_o that_o very_a affection_n he_o retain_v in_o opposition_n to_o his_o will_n and_o by_o seek_v or_o desire_v revenge_n he_o make_v himself_o a_o judge_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o other_o man_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o suppose_a injury_n and_o thereby_o invade_v the_o office_n and_o usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o if_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o have_v the_o only_a right_a to_o exercise_v such_o a_o judgement_n this_o confession_n therefore_o of_o subjection_n and_o self-resignation_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o prayer_n can_v consist_v with_o hatred_n and_o indeed_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o prayer_n join_v with_o hatred_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o lord_n i_o resign_v up_o myself_o to_o thy_o disposal_n but_o will_v not_o commit_v my_o cause_n to_o thy_o decision_n i_o devote_v my_o affection_n and_o faculty_n to_o thy_o service_n but_o will_v not_o quit_v my_o hatred_n for_o thy_o command_n i_o acknowledge_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o reserve_v to_o myself_o a_o right_a to_o judge_v and_o punish_v by_o revenge_n my_o enemy_n who_o yet_o be_v my_o equal_a and_o thy_o subject_n so_o absurd_a incongruous_a and_o repugnant_a be_v the_o thought_n and_o petition_n of_o a_o malicious_a soul_n compare_v together_o as_o do_v not_o only_o just_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o petition_n but_o also_o deserve_v a_o eminent_a punishment_n for_o dare_v thus_o to_o collude_v with_o god_n but_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o hatred_n with_o prayer_n be_v yet_o behind_o namely_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n who_o may_v just_o affix_v whatsoever_o condition_n himself_o please_v to_o his_o own_o favour_n and_o to_o the_o assurance_n of_o success_n in_o prayer_n he_o have_v above_o all_o other_o qualification_n pre-required_n freedom_n from_o envy_n hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n this_o he_o have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v before_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o especial_o that_o solemn_a one_o of_o prayer_n be_v pay_v to_o himself_o as_o in_o matth._n v._n 23._o if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n he_o have_v make_v this_o the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o pardon_n to_o mankind_n forgive_v that_o you_o may_v be_v forgive_v for_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o not_o neither_o will_v your_o father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n matth._n vi_o 14._o he_o have_v insert_v this_o condition_n into_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o have_v give_v both_o as_o a_o form_n and_o as_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o christian_n forgive_v we_o our_o
thy_o mind_n can_v affright_v thou_o from_o perform_v what_o be_v displease_v to_o it_o if_o thou_o dare_v not_o resist_v its_o command_n and_o quiet_o submite_v to_o it_o how_o much_o more_o be_v thou_o oblige_v to_o revere_a the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n where_o power_n and_o goodness_n be_v sweet_o join_v together_o where_o no_o limitation_n can_v be_v find_v nothing_o exclude_v from_o the_o reach_n of_o it_o no_o cessation_n to_o be_v expect_v if_o thou_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v this_o power_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o judge_v whether_o omnipotence_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a attribute_n of_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v if_o thou_o appeale_v to_o sense_n view_v the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n pass_v through_o heaven_n and_o earth_n thou_o shall_v discover_v the_o footstep_n of_o omnipotence_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o pretend_v yet_o not_o to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o evident_a reflect_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n and_o say_v who_o give_v they_o to_o thou_o consider_v the_o fabric_n of_o thy_o body_n who_o form_v it_o for_o thou_o these_o be_v undeniable_a mark_n of_o thy_o subjection_n to_o a_o almighty_a power_n which_o even_o if_o thou_o do_v deny_v it_o be_v by_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n create_v by_o he_o that_o thou_o can_v deny_v it_o thus_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v uncontrollable_a and_o infinite_a that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o inflict_v whatsoever_o punishment_n he_o please_v on_o his_o disobedient_a creature_n and_o then_o lest_o we_o shall_v vain_o imagine_v this_o power_n to_o be_v useless_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o and_o like_o antiquate_a law_n never_o put_v in_o execution_n we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o god_n be_v excellent_a in_o judgement_n also_o that_o he_o will_v most_o certain_o judge_v mank_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o omission_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o so_o judgement_n do_v almost_o every_o where_o signify_v in_o scripture_n the_o infliction_n of_o punishment_n upon_o delinquent_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a mark_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o violation_n of_o those_o public_a law_n which_o be_v fix_v to_o mankind_n and_o prescribe_v for_o their_o direction_n nothing_o but_o the_o most_o extreme_a stupidity_n can_v defeat_v the_o success_n of_o this_o argument_n of_o divine_a worship_n since_o this_o equal_o affect_v both_o the_o wife_n and_o foolish_a by_o strike_v their_o imagination_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o misery_n a_o fear_n which_o will_v affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o no_o other_o argument_n can_v prevail_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n may_v be_v slight_v the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n may_v be_v neglect_v his_o power_n may_v be_v deride_v when_o not_o put_v in_o execution_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o sinner_n will_v awaken_v the_o conscience_n and_o affright_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o that_o even_o although_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v unknown_a to_o they_o as_o in_o natural_a religion_n for_o let_v the_o punishment_n be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o their_o quality_n let_v the_o time_n of_o their_o execution_n be_v hide_v from_o sinner_n yet_o this_o they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o such_o he_o will_v exercise_v judgement_n and_o that_o as_o his_o power_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o most_o formidable_a judicature_n on_o earth_n so_o his_o punishment_n will_v be_v correspondent_a exceed_v what_o man_n can_v inflict_v and_o herein_o appear_v the_o excellence_n of_o this_o judgement_n mention_v in_o the_o text._n humane_a judicature_n can_v take_v hold_v only_o of_o the_o external_a action_n of_o man_n and_o even_o these_o may_v sometime_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o offender_n may_v set_v he_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o punishment_n they_o may_v be_v evade_v by_o crafty_a defence_n may_v be_v hinder_v by_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o great_a power_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o death_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v finish_v by_o it_o but_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o there_o the_o most_o secret_a action_n of_o man_n be_v call_v in_o question_n even_o their_o thought_n can_v escape_v discovery_n the_o judge_n can_v be_v blind_v by_o crafty_a insinuation_n nor_o divert_v from_o his_o resolution_n by_o extraneous_a cause_n nothing_o can_v rescue_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n not_o even_a death_n itself_o his_o dominion_n extend_v beyond_o the_o grave_a reach_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o surmount_v the_o resistance_n of_o all_o create_a being_n if_o then_o fear_n can_v affect_v man_n if_o punishment_n can_v deter_v they_o if_o power_n can_v awe_v they_o if_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o these_o can_v convince_v they_o they_o do_v all_o combine_v to_o secure_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o continue_v religion_n in_o mankind_n but_o then_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v slave_n to_o god_n and_o servant_n through_o fear_n only_o he_o dispense_v reward_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n to_o men._n he_o be_v excellent_a in_o plenty_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n he_o reward_v the_o obedience_n of_o man_n to_o his_o precept_n not_o because_o any_o reward_n be_v due_a to_o they_o but_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o dispense_n his_o benefit_n and_o then_o his_o justice_n will_v require_v that_o he_o dispense_v they_o to_o the_o most_o worthy_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o powerful_a a_o argument_n interest_n be_v in_o move_v the_o heart_n of_o men._n what_o draw_v attendant_n to_o prince_n or_o servant_n to_o great_a man_n but_o the_o power_n of_o reward_v they_o and_o the_o prospect_n of_o preferment_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o their_o favour_n this_o seldom_o fail_v to_o secure_v to_o they_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v due_a from_o dependent_n honour_n and_o service_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o raise_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o carry_v they_o beyond_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n it_o will_v no_o less_o effectual_o secure_v what_o be_v due_a to_o god_n from_o we_o adoration_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v attain_v be_v far_o great_a such_o as_o the_o donor_n will_v not_o and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o other_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v take_v away_o from_o we_o such_o as_o shall_v not_o be_v determine_v by_o time_n nor_o restrain_v by_o any_o limitation_n the_o assurance_n also_o of_o obtain_v they_o be_v far_o more_o certain_a be_v found_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o can_v give_v what_o he_o please_v and_o will_v give_v what_o he_o promise_v whereas_o the_o favour_n expect_v from_o man_n may_v be_v defeat_v by_o forgetfulness_n by_o unfaithfulness_n may_v be_v intercept_v by_o other_o may_v become_v impossible_a to_o be_v bestow_v if_o then_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a and_o most_o certain_a reward_n can_v procure_v what_o man_n obtain_v by_o their_o petty_a and_o uncertain_a favour_n fear_v and_o reverence_n we_o must_v deplore_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o obstinate_a perverseness_n of_o man_n who_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n propose_v by_o god_n yield_v to_o those_o propose_v by_o man_n which_o yet_o affect_v the_o same_o passion_n that_o of_o desire_n but_o in_o a_o much_o low_a degree_n last_o to_o secure_v in_o our_o mind_n such_o thought_n of_o god_n as_o be_v befit_v his_o majesty_n and_o holiness_n lest_o our_o adoration_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v corrupt_v with_o any_o suspicion_n of_o injustice_n entertain_v at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o will_v not_o afflict_v in_o this_o life_n the_o rule_n and_o method_n whereby_o god_n dispense_v his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n may_v be_v very_o obscure_a to_o we_o he_o may_v suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v afflict_v he_o may_v permit_v the_o wicked_a to_o prosper_v he_o may_v in_o appearance_n cut_v off_o the_o hope_n of_o good_a man_n by_o present_a misery_n and_o encourage_v the_o disobedience_n of_o bad_a man_n by_o temporal_a felicity_n his_o way_n may_v be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o judgement_n past_o find_v out_o but_o from_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v any_o opinion_n of_o injustice_n in_o god_n or_o imperfection_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o government_n although_o the_o secret_n of_o providence_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o that_o be_v such_o he_o will_v not_o afflict_v the_o mysterious_a obscurity_n of_o providence_n herein_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o
presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o a_o peculiar_a unaccountable_a love_n of_o god_n dispense_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o any_o one_o or_o indulge_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o another_o such_o be_v the_o presumption_n indeed_o and_o such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a success_n of_o favourite_n on_o earth_n where_o favour_n be_v often_o distribute_v not_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n but_o the_o fancy_n of_o men._n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v otherwise_o the_o reason_n of_o who_o favour_n be_v certain_a fixed_z and_o universal_a equal_o distribute_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o bestow_v on_o none_o who_o shall_v not_o qualify_v himself_o by_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n may_v we_o all_o therefore_o upon_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o impartiality_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o his_o favour_n serious_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a and_o certain_a mean_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o doubt_v to_o obtain_v our_o desire_n the_o assurance_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n give_v to_o we_o in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n that_o as_o sure_o as_o we_o here_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n so_o sure_o will_v he_o complete_a his_o promise_n to_o we_o of_o happiness_n hereafter_o the_o six_o sermon_n part_n i._o preach_v on_o the_o one_a of_o sept._n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n v._o 8_o 9_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o that_o depravity_n of_o nature_n and_o proneness_n to_o sin_n that_o aversion_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o readiness_n of_o comply_v with_o unlawful_a suggestion_n which_o all_o discover_v in_o themselves_o all_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n without_o assiduous_a care_n and_o vigilancy_n that_o any_o habit_n of_o piety_n or_o virtue_n can_v be_v form_v that_o it_o can_v be_v without_o struggle_v against_o the_o natural_a desire_n and_o overrule_a the_o propensity_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o negligence_n alone_o or_o let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o the_o natural_a appetite_n will_v produce_v a_o habit_n of_o vice_n whereas_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o end_n of_o man_n we_o may_v rather_o hope_v the_o contrary_a since_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o all_o thing_n natural_o tend_v to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o their_o end_n and_o vice_n be_v a_o deviation_n from_o that_o end_n do_v thereby_o become_v unnatural_a yet_o the_o experience_n of_o that_o depravation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o be_v so_o undeniable_a that_o it_o have_v put_v man_n in_o all_o age_n upon_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o some_o resolve_v it_o into_o fate_n other_o into_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o body_n some_o into_o the_o malign_a influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n and_o not_o a_o few_o into_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o all_o these_o conception_n be_v gross_a in_o themselves_o they_o can_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o matter_n will_v have_v still_o continue_v to_o have_v be_v unaccountable_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o revelation_n nor_o do_v all_o revelation_n clear_v this_o doubt_n in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n little_a light_n be_v add_v to_o it_o it_o be_v christianity_n alone_o which_o full_o manifest_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o unhappiness_n and_o as_o the_o discovery_n of_o disease_n facilitate_v the_o cure_n of_o they_o thereby_o enable_v we_o to_o avoid_v or_o at_o least_o overcome_v the_o contagion_n of_o it_o the_o occasion_n manifest_v by_o revelation_n only_o be_v two_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n succeed_v the_o fall_n of_o adam_n or_o original_a sin_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o devil_n the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o apply_v fit_a remedy_n to_o they_o yet_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o be_v little_o know_v by_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n and_o frequent_o mistake_v by_o the_o more_o know_a sort_n of_o christian_n i_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o discourse_v of_o the_o latter_a take_v occasion_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n of_o sobriety_n and_o vigilance_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o constant_a danger_n whereto_o christian_n be_v expose_v by_o the_o perpetual_a snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o as_o their_o adversary_n walk_v about_o seek_v their_o destruction_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o rage_n and_o force_v wherewith_o he_o assault_v the_o faithful_a denote_v by_o compare_v he_o to_o the_o most_o terrible_a of_o wild_a beast_n when_o enrage_v as_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o from_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v to_o be_v devour_v by_o he_o as_o utter_o deprive_v of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o happiness_n as_o that_o man_n be_v of_o natural_a life_n who_o be_v devour_v by_o a_o wild_a beast_n for_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n which_o word_n will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treat_v of_o i._o the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n ii_o our_o duty_n ability_n and_o mean_n of_o resist_v he_o first_o then_o although_o the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o devil_n tempt_v we_o be_v very_o obscure_a as_o be_v all_o the_o action_n of_o immaterial_a being_n and_o although_o it_o become_v we_o not_o to_o determine_v rash_o what_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v yet_o our_o inquiry_n herein_o will_v be_v lawful_a while_o guide_v by_o reason_n and_o useful_a because_o teach_v we_o a_o matter_n which_o do_v so_o near_o concern_v we_o rectify_v our_o mistake_v which_o may_v be_v fatal_a to_o we_o and_o convince_a the_o opposition_n of_o unbelieve_a man_n who_o mock_v at_o this_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o evil_a spirit_n for_o although_o '_o the_o common_a and_o constant_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n herein_o produce_v by_o their_o visible_a effect_n do_v render_v it_o high_o probable_a although_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o other_o immaterial_a being_n differ_v only_o in_o accidental_a quality_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a and_o although_o divine_a revelation_n add_v to_o all_o these_o have_v put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o improve_v and_o urge_v these_o argument_n since_o we_o inquire_v not_o after_o the_o existence_n of_o devil_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n it_o will_v however_o be_v necessary_a to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o motive_n which_o induce_v they_o to_o busy_v themselves_o in_o tempt_a men._n their_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o bless_a angel_n from_o who_o they_o differ_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o bad_a from_o good_a man_n save_v that_o as_o the_o purity_n of_o angel_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o best_a man_n so_o the_o wickedness_n of_o devil_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o worst_a man_n they_o be_v once_o at_o their_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o angel_n endue_v with_o the_o same_o faculty_n and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o happiness_n but_o when_o through_o pride_n and_o ambition_n they_o rebel_v against_o god_n disobey_v his_o command_n forsake_v that_o station_n wherein_o he_o have_v place_v they_o and_o aim_v at_o high_a dignity_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o former_a happiness_n and_o throw_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o whereas_o before_o they_o be_v infinite_o happy_a in_o reflect_v upon_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o perpetual_a communication_n of_o light_n and_o joy_n which_o the_o angel_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o receive_v from_o god_n in_o extraordinary_a emanation_n they_o have_v now_o debase_v their_o nature_n by_o violate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o fruition_n of_o any_o divine_a illumination_n be_v reduce_v into_o that_o state_n of_o darkness_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o thought_n of_o this_o loss_n can_v not_o but_o infinite_o disquiet_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o perceive_v the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o ambitious_a design_n and_o as_o they_o
thought_n will_v easy_o recur_v as_o often_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prayer_n be_v repeat_v and_o immediate_o create_v a_o real_a devotion_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o have_v by_o frequent_a hear_n and_o meditation_n of_o those_o word_n full_o attain_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o they_o and_o long_o since_o receive_v deep_a impression_n from_o they_o by_o this_o benefit_n the_o devout_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v and_o direct_v to_o put_v themselves_o in_o a_o certain_a method_n of_o devotion_n and_o worship_n which_o mighty_o facilitate_v their_o conception_n remove_v their_o distraction_n and_o leave_v they_o free_a to_o attend_v to_o that_o alone_a on_o which_o they_o be_v then_o employ_v this_o alone_a aught_o to_o recommend_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o frequency_n of_o it_o to_o mankind_n that_o it_o make_v up_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o positive_a worship_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o consideration_n will_v perhaps_o be_v more_o persuasive_a that_o it_o produce_v great_a advantage_n and_o benefit_n to_o man_n which_o be_v so_o amplify_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o many_o promise_n of_o grant_v to_o devout_a supplicant_n whatsoever_o they_o shall_v desire_v by_o the_o frequent_a example_n of_o the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n and_o benefit_n obtain_v by_o prayer_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a the_o duty_n shall_v be_v neglect_v by_o any_o who_o be_v not_o either_o devoid_a of_o faith_n or_o regardless_o of_o their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v not_o only_o promise_v by_o christ_n that_o whatsoever_o man_n shall_v ask_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o that_o if_o they_o have_v faith_n nothing_o which_o they_o desire_v shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o they_o that_o the_o door_n shall_v be_v open_a to_o they_o that_o knock_v that_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o even_o to_o obtain_v more_o than_o be_v include_v in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n as_o be_v there_o illustrate_v by_o example_n but_o god_n have_v also_o be_v please_v to_o represent_v himself_o as_o labour_v under_o the_o ordinary_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n who_o often_o grant_v what_o they_o have_v not_o design_v to_o avoid_v the_o restless_a importunity_n of_o the_o petitioner_n that_o so_o no_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n may_v discourage_v man_n from_o apply_v himself_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n thus_o luk._n xi_o our_o lord_n describe_v god_n under_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o housholder_n who_o although_o he_o will_v not_o lend_v to_o his_o neighbour_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o friendship_n yet_o do_v it_o to_o satisfy_v his_o importunity_n and_o luk._n xviii_o he_o resemble_v god_n to_o a_o unjust_a judge_n who_o although_o he_o will_v not_o do_v justice_n to_o the_o poor_a widow_n for_o justice_n sake_n as_o who_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n yet_o do_v it_o to_o be_v rid_v of_o her_o troublesome_a importunity_n these_o representation_n may_v perhaps_o appear_v surprise_v it_o be_v unaccountable_a that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v his_o favour_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o petitioner_n and_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v fall_v under_o any_o temptation_n common_a to_o man._n yet_o if_o we_o look_v a_o little_a near_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o whole_a conduct_n agreeable_a to_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n god_n indeed_o bestow_v not_o any_o favour_n but_o upon_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n he_o have_v affix_v certain_a condition_n to_o all_o his_o gift_n and_o will_v not_o separate_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o any_o one_o he_o ever_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o cause_n and_o be_v deaf_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n yet_o grant_v many_o petition_n to_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o petitioner_n which_o without_o that_o importunity_n will_v never_o have_v be_v obtain_v for_o he_o who_o pray_v importunate_o to_o god_n do_v thereby_o qualify_v himself_o for_o his_o favour_n since_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v conceive_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v address_v himself_o by_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n purge_v his_o conscience_n from_o every_o sin_n which_o may_v obstruct_v the_o grant_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o herein_o his_o care_n will_v be_v no_o less_o intense_a than_o be_v his_o desire_n of_o what_o he_o then_o request_v his_o very_a address_v himself_o to_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a that_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n that_o he_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o find_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o happiness_n in_o his_o favour_n if_o the_o prayer_n be_v often_o repeat_v as_o be_v always_o in_o case_n of_o importunity_n the_o soul_n do_v thereby_o contract_v a_o habit_n of_o piety_n of_o think_v upon_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o power_n of_o fear_v he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o when_o man_n by_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o disposition_n no_o wonder_n that_o god_n shall_v then_o grant_v to_o he_o what_o at_o first_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o and_o then_o indulge_v to_o he_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o faithful_a since_o he_o be_v now_o become_v as_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a thus_o prayer_n have_v a_o natural_a efficacy_n to_o reform_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o expel_v profaneness_n infidelity_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o to_o introduce_v all_o those_o virtue_n which_o will_v at_o last_o give_v a_o just_a claim_n of_o divine_a favour_n to_o he_o man_n by_o present_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n do_v accustom_v his_o mind_n to_o just_a conception_n of_o his_o power_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o command_n over_o we_o do_v imprint_v therein_o a_o awful_a regard_n of_o his_o majesty_n after_o many_o resolution_n form_v and_o renew_v in_o prayer_n she_o find_v the_o very_a inclination_n of_o his_o will_n change_v what_o at_o first_o he_o do_v but_o cold_o desire_v after_o many_o reflection_n on_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o he_o vehement_o affect_v what_o at_o first_o he_o be_v but_o light_o persuade_v of_o after_o many_o profession_n he_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o what_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a impression_n of_o mind_n after_o frequent_a iteration_n of_o the_o same_o thought_n become_v a_o well_o fix_a habit._n it_o must_v be_v a_o unnatural_a sort_n of_o perverseness_n which_o dare_v to_o invoke_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o confess_v therein_o his_o justice_n power_n and_o omnipresence_n and_o yet_o immediate_o affront_v they_o all_o which_o can_v desire_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o frequent_a petition_n and_o yet_o oppose_v he_o by_o constant_a rebellion_n the_o mind_n of_o very_a few_o person_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o monstrous_a wickedness_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n prayer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o duty_n of_o man_n already_o pious_a and_o religious_a but_o also_o a_o effectual_a method_n to_o make_v man_n such_o which_o when_o it_o be_v once_o perform_v they_o then_o become_v qualify_v to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o those_o illustrious_a promise_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o prayer_n thus_o much_o of_o prayer_n in_o general_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o public_a prayer_n for_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o place_n this_o whole_a epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o a_o bishop_n a_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v almost_o whole_o take_v up_o in_o prescribe_v rule_n of_o external_a worship_n and_o government_n in_o this_o chapter_n then_o the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n for_o public_a prayer_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o oppose_v the_o form_n of_o prayer_n he_o there_o command_v to_o that_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o word_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o or_o more_o literal_o in_o every_o place_n the_o public_a and_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v affix_v to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v equal_o in_o all_o place_n that_o be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o christianity_n prevail_v god_n be_v equal_o present_a in_o all_o congregation_n of_o devout_a believer_n have_v the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o private_a prayer_n the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o the_o jewish_a manner_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v frivolous_a and_o also_o false_a for_o the_o jew_n do_v believe_v and_o maintain_v no_o less_o than_o himself_o that_o private_a prayer_n both_o might_n and_o ought_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o equal_o in_o all_o place_n beside_o in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n for_o the_o dress_n of_o woman_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o