we_o may_v do_v it_o those_o first_o and_o chief_a disciple_n have_v enable_v we_o by_o give_v we_o large_a account_n of_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n himself_o tell_v we_o john_n xv._n 8._o if_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o then_o ver._n 10._o explain_v their_o bear_v much_o fruit_n by_o imitate_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n if_o you_o keep_v my_o commandment_n you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n even_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n so_o that_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v our_o relation_n to_o christ_n we_o must_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o religious_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o happiness_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o bless_a jesus_n live_v on_o earth_n he_o pursue_v the_o true_a end_n of_o happiness_n and_o cultivate_v those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o conducive_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o office_n what_o honour_n then_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o mortal_a man_n to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o virtue_n in_o pursue_v the_o same_o method_n of_o happiness_n and_o in_o a_o entire_a conformity_n of_o action_n it_o be_v the_o high_a ambition_n of_o the_o more_o generous_a among_o the_o heathen_n to_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o their_o ancient_a hero_n and_o be_v think_v like_o unto_o they_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o ardent_o desire_v to_o resemble_v our_o most_o bless_a redeemer_n by_o a_o similitude_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n their_o ambition_n be_v misplace_v and_o therefore_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o unhappiness_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o right_a object_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v too_o great_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o pious_a soul_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o same_o duty_n wherein_o the_o bless_a jesus_n spend_v his_o life_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o office_n of_o piety_n charity_n and_o devotion_n to_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o patience_n this_o consideration_n will_v dispel_v all_o weariness_n will_v add_v vigour_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o all_o temporal_a evil_n which_o may_v attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n this_o will_v support_v we_o under_o all_o outward_a calamity_n alleviate_v our_o sorrow_n and_o calm_v our_o tempest_n to_o remember_v that_o our_o lord_n endure_v the_o same_o affliction_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n if_o he_o be_v content_a to_o undergo_v the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o fury_n of_o devil_n shall_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o attempt_v of_o the_o same_o enemy_n if_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o you_o know_v that_o it_o hate_v i_o before_o it_o hate_v you_o john_n xv._n 18._o and_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o undergo_v the_o same_o fortune_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n no_o sure_o only_o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o the_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n of_o man_n be_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o they_o be_v on_o he_o that_o be_v not_o through_o any_o fault_n of_o we_o but_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n so_o shall_v we_o imitate_v he_o as_o well_o in_o the_o most_o happy_a tranquillity_n of_o mind_n under_o all_o affliction_n as_o in_o the_o affliction_n themselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o last_o the_o constant_a imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n example_n will_v be_v our_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o will_v remove_v all_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n and_o give_v we_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n if_o only_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v be_v give_v to_o we_o we_o may_v have_v be_v daily_o distract_v with_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n concern_v the_o meaning_n extent_n and_o application_n of_o they_o they_o may_v have_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o error_n and_o craft_n of_o man_n and_o render_v useless_a by_o false_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n whereas_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v take_v away_o all_o these_o scruple_n and_o place_v every_o precept_n in_o its_o full_a light_n if_o we_o true_o imitate_v his_o example_n we_o be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o we_o have_v in_o all_o thing_n do_v our_o duty_n even_o as_o he_o perform_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o once_o obtain_v that_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v so_o much_o great_a assurance_n may_v we_o have_v by_o follow_v his_o example_n than_o by_o respect_v his_o precept_n only_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n after_o so_o many_o rule_n and_o precept_n give_v to_o his_o convert_v still_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o but_o then_o no_o far_o than_o he_o follow_v christ._n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ._n r_o cor._n xi_o 1._o by_o this_o also_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o gainsay_n of_o foolish_a man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o profound_a knowledge_n or_o deep_a speculation_n if_o they_o deride_v our_o christian_a virtue_n and_o scoff_n at_o the_o duty_n of_o humility_n self-denial_n and_o mortification_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o in_o practise_v they_o we_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n let_v they_o please_v themselves_o with_o their_o mirth_n and_o false_a supposal_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a knowledge_n we_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o pattern_n who_o if_o he_o have_v not_o place_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o precept_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o heaven_n have_v at_o least_o recommend_v they_o by_o his_o practice_n and_o can_v assert_v they_o by_o his_o power_n such_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o such_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o result_n from_o it_o let_v we_o by_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o follow_v this_o most_o excellent_a example_n fullfil_v the_o obligation_n and_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n that_o as_o we_o have_v be_v on_o earth_n make_v like_o unto_o he_o in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n so_o we_o may_v hereafter_o in_o heaven_n be_v make_v yet_o more_o like_a unto_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o immortality_n the_o three_o sermon_n preach_v october_n 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o pet._n iii_o 15._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n the_o most_o wise_a god_n have_v so_o contrive_v that_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o ultimate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o tend_v equal_o to_o manifest_v his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n his_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o excellency_n and_o simplicity_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o it_o propose_v in_o its_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o beget_v and_o establish_v due_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o admirable_a congruity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n his_o goodness_n be_v conspicuous_a not_o only_o in_o those_o infinite_a reward_n which_o he_o have_v affix_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o liberal_a distribution_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o which_o more_o direct_o come_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n in_o adapt_a that_o religion_n which_o he_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o thereby_o render_v it_o no_o less_o easy_a than_o advantageous_a and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n infinite_o exceed_v all_o other_o system_n of_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a among_o the_o heathen_n many_o great_a and_o learned_a person_n have_v employ_v their_o wit_n in_o refine_n the_o superstition_n of_o their_o country_n and_o assign_v reason_n for_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o obtain_v among_o they_o but_o their_o notion_n be_v abstruse_a and_o mystical_a their_o
at_o this_o day_n for_o this_o teach_v we_o what_o manner_n of_o worship_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n rational_a and_o spiritual_a the_o product_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n instruct_v we_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o he_o dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n but_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o the_o worship_n we_o offer_v to_o he_o aught_o to_o consist_v not_o in_o external_n show_v and_o observation_n but_o in_o the_o affection_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n last_o remind_v we_o of_o the_o affinity_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o his_o nature_n by_o partake_v in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n as_o far_o exceed_v the_o body_n in_o its_o excellency_n and_o real_a interest_n as_o god_n do_v all_o finite_a creature_n the_o last_o attribute_n of_o god_n mention_v in_o my_o text_n be_v his_o wisdom_n the_o only_a wise_a god_n which_o may_v respect_v either_o the_o extent_n or_o the_o supreme_a excellency_n of_o his_o knowledge_n either_o that_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o most_o secret_a transaction_n and_o thought_n of_o man_n or_o that_o he_o best_a of_o all_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o tendency_n of_o mean_n to_o their_o proper_a end_n what_o be_v most_o fit_a in_o itself_o what_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o in_o either_o sense_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o our_o adoration_n if_o god_n indeed_o see_v all_o our_o action_n and_o the_o most_o inward_a recess_n of_o our_o soul_n if_o the_o most_o private_a motion_n of_o our_o heart_n can_v escape_v his_o knowledge_n this_o not_o only_o describe_v he_o to_o be_v of_o infinite_a capacity_n and_o thereby_o worthy_a of_o the_o high_a veneration_n but_o also_o encourage_v to_o adore_v and_o worship_n he_o since_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o our_o piety_n although_o never_o so_o secret_o perform_v can_v pass_v unregarded_a by_o he_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v throw_v away_o and_o become_v ineffectual_a whereas_o if_o we_o neglect_v to_o pay_v this_o tribute_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n we_o can_v flatter_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o secrecy_n and_o conceal_v it_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o of_o all_o other_o attribute_n ought_v to_o create_v in_o we_o the_o most_o lively_o concern_v and_o diligence_n to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v always_o present_a as_o a_o witness_n with_o we_o to_o observe_v our_o demeanour_n and_o note_v every_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o if_o so_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o no_o action_n of_o praise_n or_o thanksgiving_n will_v miscarry_v or_o fall_v short_a of_o its_o intend_a end_n to_o procure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n god_n not_o only_o view_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o be_v conscious_a of_o every_o motion_n whether_o of_o the_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o direct_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o best_a and_o most_o proper_a end_n forseeth_a all_o effect_n know_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o all_o cause_n and_o order_v all_o his_o design_n in_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o perfect_a method_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o esteem_v ourselves_o unconcerned_a in_o all_o this_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o employ_v his_o wisdom_n most_o illustrious_o in_o favour_n of_o mankind_n thus_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n tend_v to_o the_o service_n and_o happiness_n of_o man_n who_o he_o constitute_v lord_n of_o all_o the_o visible_a world_n and_o most_o wise_o contrive_v it_o for_o his_o convenience_n as_o well_o as_o pleasure_n this_o our_o sense_n teach_v we_o this_o we_o can_v doubt_v if_o we_o view_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o consider_v in_o what_o a_o beautiful_a and_o harmonious_a frame_n they_o be_v unite_v and_o conspire_v to_o the_o use_n of_o man._n the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o unsearchable_a yet_o such_o as_o manifest_v a_o most_o complete_a wisdom_n and_o tender_a regard_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o above_o all_o his_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o love_n to_o mankind_n appear_v most_o eminent_o in_o contrive_v the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a and_o sinful_a man_n in_o a_o method_n wherein_o pardon_n be_v offer_v to_o sinner_n without_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n wherein_o relief_n be_v afford_v and_o mercy_n grant_v to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o diligence_n and_o vigilance_n require_v as_o necessary_a wherein_o none_o be_v exclude_v none_o can_v just_o either_o presume_v or_o despair_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v but_o create_v in_o we_o a_o submission_n to_o his_o law_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o his_o decree_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o proceed_n and_o induce_v we_o to_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n and_o passion_n whole_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o direction_n which_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a testimony_n of_o give_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o most_o please_a to_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n for_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v how_o just_o the_o apostle_n infer_v from_o they_o all_o that_o to_o god_n the_o possessor_n of_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v ascribe_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o we_o find_v that_o from_o all_o these_o perfection_n god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o our_o praise_n and_o adoration_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o true_a conception_n of_o they_o and_o can_v in_o justice_n be_v deny_v ought_v not_o in_o duty_n to_o be_v neglect_v to_o return_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n be_v the_o high_a effort_n of_o gratitude_n which_o we_o can_v aim_v at_o and_o indeed_o the_o utmost_a which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o infinite_a perfection_n to_o represent_v they_o upon_o earth_n by_o costly_a image_n and_o magnificent_a pageant_n to_o erect_v stately_a temple_n in_o remembrance_n of_o they_o or_o acknowledge_v the_o deference_n due_a to_o they_o by_o elaborate_a and_o pompous_a ceremony_n action_n indeed_o wherein_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v always_o express_v their_o religious_a sentiment_n yet_o expression_n far_o beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o that_o infinite_a object_n to_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v spiritual_a and_o as_o such_o require_v a_o spiritual_a acknowledgement_n a_o inward_a worship_n that_o we_o ever_o preserve_v noble_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o maintain_v a_o awful_a remembrance_n of_o our_o obligation_n that_o we_o own_v he_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n our_o king_n and_o governor_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v our_o be_v and_o in_o who_o sight_n we_o be_v dust_n and_o ash_n that_o we_o cautious_o fear_v to_o offend_v he_o studious_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v those_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o our_o action_n manifest_a that_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o thus_o may_v we_o render_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v continual_o and_o without_o intermission_n for_o a_o steady_a course_n of_o life_n fix_v upon_o principle_n and_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n and_o agreeable_a to_o they_o be_v a_o continue_a act_n of_o honour_v god_n although_o we_o can_v always_o employ_v our_o thought_n in_o admire_v his_o perfection_n or_o our_o tongue_n in_o confess_v they_o the_o angel_n indeed_o be_v by_o the_o spirituality_n of_o their_o nature_n fit_v to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n without_o intermission_n as_o be_v not_o distract_v with_o the_o care_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o body_n and_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n but_o of_o man_n who_o knowledge_n in_o this_o life_n be_v imperfect_a who_o temptation_n be_v numerous_a and_o distraction_n continual_a no_o more_o be_v require_v than_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o direct_v his_o life_n in_o general_n by_o principle_n and_o rule_n which_o arise_v from_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n and_o will_v of_o god_n and_o ultimate_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n and_o sure_o we_o can_v imagine_v this_o condition_n of_o happiness_n to_o be_v any_o difficult_a much_o less_o any_o grievous_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o angel_n now_o in_o the_o supreme_a fruition_n of_o their_o happiness_n this_o constitute_v their_o
by_o reflect_v on_o it_o will_v persuade_v himself_o that_o his_o interest_n be_v indeed_o engage_v in_o it_o for_o it_o affect_v those_o very_a passion_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o betray_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o sin_n desire_v and_o fear_n and_o will_v man_n consider_v can_v not_o but_o be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o all_o other_o object_n which_o move_v those_o passion_n since_o the_o reward_n propose_v be_v more_o desirable_a the_o punishment_n denounce_v more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o our_o lord_n his_o forerunner_n john_n baptiâ—…t_n and_o his_o apostle_n employ_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o time_n now_o come_v when_o he_o will_v no_o long_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o will_v evident_o declare_v his_o resolution_n to_o punish_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o even_o exemplify_v it_o in_o the_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o do_v short_o after_o the_o axe_n be_v now_o lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o foâ—…th_o good_a fruit_n shall_v be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n these_o and_o such_o like_a denunciation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o unrepent_v sinner_n draw_v multitude_n of_o man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o and_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o the_o more_o devout_a jew_n but_o also_o soldier_n and_o publican_n who_o confess_v their_o sin_n be_v then_o baptise_a manifest_v by_o that_o ancient_o receive_v emblem_n of_o purity_n and_o innocence_n their_o resolution_n of_o sin_v no_o more_o even_o after_o a_o full_a conviction_n form_v of_o their_o duty_n our_o lord_n think_v fit_a to_o propose_v this_o very_a argument_n to_o his_o disciple_n who_o have_v be_v long_o train_v up_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o christianity_n the_o patient_a endure_v of_o persecution_n affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o all_o which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o in_o that_o mission_n which_o he_o then_o enjoin_v they_o yet_o to_o these_o fear_n he_o oppose_v as_o the_o great_a remedy_n this_o consideration_n only_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n all_o other_o motive_n of_o interest_n all_o other_o object_n of_o fear_n or_o hope_n concern_v the_o body_n only_o and_o terminate_v there_o but_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v desire_v the_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v equal_o concern_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n the_o common_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o both_o which_o depend_v upon_o it_o the_o reward_v you_o may_v slight_v perhaps_o as_o not_o desire_v any_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o what_o you_o now_o enjoy_v but_o the_o fear_v you_o can_v surmount_v that_o will_v still_o affect_v you_o for_o if_o you_o so_o much_o value_v the_o present_a ease_n of_o the_o body_n the_o one_o part_n of_o you_o you_o can_v but_o be_v affright_v at_o the_o certain_a expectation_n of_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n if_o this_o consideration_n have_v not_o that_o effect_n upon_o we_o which_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o hearer_n of_o christ_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v because_o the_o expectation_n of_o this_o denounce_v destruction_n far_o from_o be_v certain_a in_o we_o be_v elude_v by_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o destruction_n may_v be_v avoid_v without_o repentance_n we_o all_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n prescribe_v rule_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o temperance_n command_v repentance_n upon_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o these_o rule_n give_v sentence_n of_o dreadful_a punishment_n upon_o impenitence_n we_o all_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v violate_v those_o rule_n we_o apply_v not_o the_o remedy_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o we_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n for_o do_v not_o man_n real_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o those_o hope_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o future_a punishment_n and_o conscious_a of_o its_o own_o demerit_n shall_v not_o immediate_o apply_v itself_o to_o prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n these_o false_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o double_a head_n either_o that_o of_o presumption_n or_o that_o of_o inadvertency_n that_o man_n through_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n fancy_n god_n will_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o general_a sentence_n and_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o allow_v this_o and_o another_o and_o a_o three_o sin_n to_o they_o or_o that_o they_o proceed_v in_o sin_n secure_o and_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o stupidity_n never_o willing_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o punishment_n upon_o sin_n and_o when_o they_o be_v suggest_v to_o they_o still_o put_v they_o off_o and_o continue_v to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v however_o save_v they_o though_o theyk_fw-mi now_o not_o why_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la be_v too_o common_a among_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o both_o i_o shall_v oppose_v some_o general_a consideration_n show_v it_o impossible_a that_o goâ—…_n shall_v not_o execute_v the_o sentence_n of_o destruction_n pronounce_v universal_o against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o repent_v and_o yet_o shall_v not_o perish_v the_o necessity_n of_o destruction_n consequent_a upon_o unrepentance_n be_v draw_v chief_o from_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o the_o resolution_n of_o god_n herein_o be_v so_o frequent_o and_o full_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o no_o doubt_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o it_o nay_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v take_v particular_a care_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v deceive_v herein_o by_o affix_v vehement_a asseveration_n to_o his_o threat_n of_o punishment_n as_o in_o ezech._n xvii_o 19_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n as_o i_o live_v sure_o my_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v despise_v and_o my_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v break_v even_o it_o will_v i_o recompense_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o in_o the_o xxii_o chapter_n have_v denounce_v to_o sinner_n the_o extremity_n of_o his_o anger_n he_o subjoin_v verse_n 14._o can_v thy_o heart_n endure_v or_o can_v thy_o hand_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o shall_v deal_v with_o thou_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o so_o that_o those_o who_o promise_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o without_o repentance_n of_o past_a sin_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n must_v either_o pretend_v to_o new_a light_n and_o new_a revelalation_n new_a term_n of_o covenant_n or_o disbelieve_v those_o contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a true_a one_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o say_v disbelieve_v they_o for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o judge_v that_o of_o many_o christian_n who_o do_v firm_o indeed_o believe_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o that_o sacred_a write_n and_o yet_o continue_v their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n without_o employ_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o only_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o believe_v they_o we_o do_v not_o regard_v they_o and_o when_o we_o do_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o it_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o such_o vain_a hope_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o reveal_v truth_n for_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o this_o assembly_n have_v be_v deceive_v with_o the_o idle_a pretence_n of_o inward_a light_n or_o unaccountable_a revelation_n of_o arbitrary_a election_n for_o secret_a reason_n and_o absolute_a reprobation_n for_o unknown_a cause_n which_o delusion_n when_o once_o entertain_v will_v render_v all_o repentance_n useless_a we_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o old_a form_n of_o tradition_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n pretend_v to_o no_o revelation_n unknown_a to_o former_a age_n to_o know_v more_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o what_o our_o lord_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v plain_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n we_o be_v content_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o saint_n have_v go_v before_o we_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o those_o sacred_a write_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n yet_o we_o hear_v those_o holy_a scripture_n daily_o read_v to_o we_o wherein_o we_o be_v command_v by_o precept_n we_o be_v allure_v by_o promise_n we_o be_v terrify_v by_o threat_n
common_a or_o unclean_a and_o convince_v he_o that_o his_o favour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v according_a to_o the_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a conception_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o limitation_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o favour_n shall_v not_o as_o his_o country_n man_n have_v hitherto_o vain_o imagine_v be_v descent_n from_o abraham_n and_o observation_n of_o legal_a ceremony_n but_o the_o more_o noble_a and_o universal_a condition_n of_o fear_n and_o righteousness_n convince_v of_o this_o truth_n peter_n open_v his_o mouth_n and_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v by_o he_o in_o which_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v i._o the_o universality_n and_o impartiality_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o favour_n ii_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o which_o be_v fear_v of_o god_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n the_o first_o be_v found_v in_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o enjoy_v all_o perfection_n in_o the_o most_o transcendent_a manner_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o want_v that_o which_o above_o all_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o supreme_a judge_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n impartial_a justice_n in_o the_o dispense_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n all_o man_n be_v equal_o create_v by_o god_n and_o if_o we_o respect_v that_o alone_o all_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n to_o his_o favour_n he_o accept_v not_o the_o person_n of_o prince_n say_v job_n xxxiv_o 19_o nor_o regard_v the_o rich_a more_o than_o the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n vi_o 7._o he_o make_v the_o small_a and_o the_o great_a and_o do_v equal_o take_v care_n of_o all_o so_o that_o in_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n only_o antecedent_o to_o all_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o man_n no_o respect_n be_v have_v to_o the_o person_n of_o men._n otherwise_o we_o can_v not_o but_o conceive_v injustice_n to_o be_v in_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o reconcile_v such_o a_o partial_a conduct_n with_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o therefore_o in_o 2_o chron._n xix_o 7._o the_o reason_n why_o god_n be_v no_o respeâ—…er_n of_o person_n be_v say_v to_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n with_o the_o lord_n all_o reasonable_a preference_n of_o one_o person_n to_o another_o must_v necessary_o be_v found_v upon_o some_o just_a cause_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v trifle_v and_o fond_a nay_o even_o injust_a and_o foolish_a we_o find_v indeed_o in_o ourselves_o our_o affection_n ofttimes_o excite_v without_o sufficient_a reason_n we_o be_v passionate_o carry_v to_o object_n not_o worthy_a our_o love_n or_o desire_n we_o value_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n beyond_o their_o true_a merit_n and_o weigh_v not_o so_o much_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o blind_a desire_n yet_o after_o all_o we_o never_o fix_v our_o affection_n without_o some_o apparent_a show_n of_o reason_n reason_n indeed_o ofttimes_o false_a and_o frivolous_a yet_o specious_a and_o please_a which_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n permit_v to_o become_v effectual_a with_o we_o and_o false_o represent_v to_o we_o as_o persuasive_a argument_n but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o imagine_v any_o such_o imperfection_n to_o be_v in_o god_n in_o he_o be_v no_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n he_o full_o know_v the_o merit_n of_o all_o cause_n and_o can_v never_o be_v deceive_v by_o false_a light_n or_o prejudices_fw-la he_o can_v be_v sway_v by_o passion_n and_o affection_n or_o be_v betray_v into_o erroneous_a judgement_n by_o false_a representation_n he_o ever_o proceed_v upon_o fix_v and_o immovable_a principle_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o reason_n of_o cause_n principle_n which_o equal_o serve_v for_o all_o action_n and_o cause_n and_o be_v never_o violate_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o external_a circumstance_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v descend_v of_o this_o or_o that_o family_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o this_o or_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o practise_v this_o or_o that_o ceremony_n i_o mean_v not_o as_o a_o religious_a action_n but_o as_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n all_o these_o outward_a circumstance_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v respect_v by_o a_o earthly_a judge_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v any_o place_n with_o god_n who_o have_v fix_v most_o juft_v and_o impartial_a law_n of_o government_n which_o universal_o affect_v all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o view_v these_o principle_n and_o from_o they_o to_o form_n right_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n they_o may_v be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o these_o three_o 1._o god_n can_v create_v man_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v he_o miserable_a or_o after_o a_o promulgation_n of_o a_o eternal_a covenant_n deny_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o to_o any_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o it_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v offensive_a to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v do_v this_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o can_v lie_v so_o we_o may_v true_o say_v he_o can_v be_v unjust_a but_o what_o great_a injustice_n than_o to_o necessitate_v a_o man_n to_o be_v miserable_a what_o more_o notorious_a respect_v of_o person_n than_o to_o confer_v salvation_n upon_o one_o and_o deny_v it_o to_o another_o use_v equal_a diligence_n to_o attain_v it_o nay_o not_o only_o to_o deny_v this_o to_o he_o but_o to_o punish_v he_o everlasting_o without_o respect_n to_o his_o demerit_n and_o only_o in_o virtue_n of_o a_o arbitrary_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n sure_o those_o who_o will_v persuade_v man_n that_o god_n act_v in_o this_o manner_n contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o although_o not_o intentional_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o religion_n and_o dishonour_n of_o god_n than_o either_o atheist_n or_o the_o most_o gross_a idolater_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v religion_n institute_v reward_n and_o punishment_n propose_v law_n prescribe_v and_o rule_v fix_v if_o after_o all_o judgement_n be_v give_v at_o the_o last_o day_n not_o according_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o but_o the_o unaccountable_a decree_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n it_o be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o god_n may_v just_o do_v all_o this_o in_o right_n of_o creation_n for_o this_o can_v still_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v respect_n of_o person_n and_o no_o respect_n of_o person_n can_v be_v just_o in_o god_n beside_o eternal_a damnation_n be_v a_o state_n who_o misery_n far_o surmount_v the_o necessary_a benefit_n flow_v from_o existence_n and_o as_o such_o can_v be_v by_o god_n necessary_o impose_v on_o any_o for_o then_o the_o existence_n which_o he_o give_v they_o will_v not_o compensate_a the_o misery_n which_o he_o cast_v upon_o they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o manifest_a defect_n of_o justice_n if_o any_o believe_v it_o a_o more_o preferable_a state_n to_o be_v infinite_o miserable_a than_o not_o to_o be_v i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o wish_v they_o may_v be_v convince_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n but_o sure_o all_o will_v conclude_v they_o gross_o mistake_v unless_o the_o necessary_a benefit_n of_o existence_n be_v also_o infinite_a which_o none_o will_v say_v 2._o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o ultimate_a happiness_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v eternal_a salvation_n god_n will_v not_o and_o in_o justice_n can_v confer_v upon_o one_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o another_o nor_o deny_v to_o one_o only_a for_o default_n of_o another_o none_o be_v capable_a either_o of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n but_o for_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n and_o if_o after_o his_o utmost_a diligence_n use_v man_n can_v mif_v his_o intend_a happiness_n through_o default_n of_o another_o or_o gain_v it_o without_o employ_v that_o careful_a diligence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n at_o lest_o no_o encouragement_n to_o pursue_v the_o mean_n reason_n direct_v man_n to_o use_v any_o mean_n only_o upon_o assurance_n or_o belief_n of_o their_o subserviency_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o the_o end_n propose_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o mankind_n to_o employ_v the_o one_o or_o hope_v the_o other_o not_o to_o faith_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o inexcusable_a partiality_n to_o bestow_v happinef_n upon_o one_o man_n without_o any_o concurrence_n of_o his_o own_o and_o deny_v even_o the_o possibility_n of_o obtain_v it_o to_o another_o although_o act_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n 3._o temporal_a benefit_n and_o worldly_a