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from_o it_o and_o open_o impugn_v the_o
authority_n of_o his_o example_n and_o direct_v we_o by_o the_o clearness_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v once_o convert_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n think_v no_o argument_n more_o powerful_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n than_o the_o example_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n this_o they_o urge_v upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o with_o this_o they_o recommend_v their_o precept_n and_o counsel_n particular_o st_n peter_n 1_o pet._n ii_o exhort_v all_o christian_n to_o patience_n under_o suffering_n and_o a_o constant_a resolution_n to_o endure_v the_o most_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o religion_n a_o duty_n which_o may_v just_o be_v account_v the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a of_o christianity_n give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o ver._n 21._o for_o even_o hereunto_o be_v you_o call_v because_o christ_n also_o suffer_v 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the_o eye_n witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n may_v convince_v mankind_n that_o he_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o when_o once_o convince_v may_v engage_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o it_o by_o the_o lustre_n of_o his_o own_o example_n that_o this_o not_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o his_o triennial_a ministry_n may_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v those_o thing_n not_o only_o during_o that_o time_n but_o even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n insomuch_o as_o they_o ask_v their_o lord_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n act_n i._o 6._o they_o lay_v not_o aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a mefsias_n till_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 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latter_a for_o the_o direction_n of_o mankind_n and_o according_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o â—…he_a apostle_n confult_v about_o choose_v one_o into_o their_o number_n in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n the_o traitor_n require_v before_o all_o thing_n this_o qualification_n in_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ohosen_v act_n i._o 21._o that_o he_o shall_v be_v one_o of_o those_o which_o have_v accompany_v with_o they_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o by_o which_o phrase_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_n to_o design_n the_o moral_a conversation_n life_n and_o conduct_v of_o any_o man._n even_o the_o miraâ—…les_n of_o our_o saviour_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o admirable_a virtue_n than_o almighty_a power_n they_o all_o carry_v evident_a character_n of_o his_o love_n beneficence_n and_o charity_n to_o mankind_n and_o be_v employ_v in_o cure_v the_o disease_n heal_v the_o infirmity_n and_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n that_o 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imitation_n his_o deportment_n be_v grave_a and_o compose_v his_o piety_n plain_a and_o unaffected_a his_o devotion_n sober_a and_o rational_a we_o may_v discover_v far_o more_o evident_a stroke_n of_o austerity_n and_o mortification_n in_o the_o life_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n not_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v less_o perfect_a but_o more_o humane_a such_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o apparent_a religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o excite_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o his_o message_n and_o preach_v for_o since_o he_o come_v not_o invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n somewhat_o be_v necessary_a to_o he_o to_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o he_o and_o create_v a_o belief_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v a_o divine_a prophet_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v require_v that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o elias_n that_o be_v not_o only_o possess_v the_o same_o zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a honour_n and_o use_v the_o same_o unwearied_a diligence_n for_o restore_v decay_a religion_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o practise_v the_o same_o rigour_n and_o maceration_n of_o his_o body_n and_o procure_v to_o himself_o respect_v by_o the_o same_o character_n of_o external_a holiness_n not_o that_o these_o unusual_a austerity_n have_v any_o thing_n excellent_a in_o themselves_o or_o be_v any_o certain_a indication_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a virtue_n but_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o he_o for_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o want_v no_o such_o recommendation_n his_o divine_a mission_n be_v abundant_o testify_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o who_o life_n be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o all_o age_n exercise_v no_o such_o wonderful_a austerity_n but_o give_v we_o a_o more_o easy_a and_o natural_a example_n which_o may_v not_o surpass_v the_o common_a reach_n
happiness_n to_o enjoy_v that_o advantage_n in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n to_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v most_o exact_o into_o our_o own_o language_n to_o read_v they_o secure_o and_o hear_v they_o weekly_o explain_v to_o we_o let_v we_o manifest_v that_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o lest_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o candlestick_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a be_v remove_v from_o we_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o brief_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o first_o if_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o rational_a attend_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a profession_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o not_o to_o dissemble_v it_o for_o fear_n or_o interest_n much_o less_o betray_v it_o by_o a_o denial_n of_o it_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n by_o such_o shameful_a cowardice_n both_o these_o end_n be_v defeat_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v wound_v and_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n entire_o destroy_v hereby_o man_n renounce_v all_o dependence_n upon_o god_n disow_v he_o to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o nor_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o this_o execrable_a crime_n of_o apostasy_n consist_v only_o in_o deny_v all_o christianity_n and_o whole_o renounce_v our_o saviour_n to_o yield_v up_o the_o least_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v divine_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o least_o error_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a to_o forsake_v a_o communion_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v pure_a and_o lawful_a to_o embrace_v one_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v be_v corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a be_v no_o less_o true_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o will_v undoubted_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n that_o we_o wilful_o recede_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o affront_v the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o prefer_v a_o lie_n to_o his_o revealed_z will._n the_o maintenance_n of_o truth_n and_o direct_v our_o conduct_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o be_v the_o dignity_n of_o man_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o betray_v the_o most_o inconsiderable_a truth_n to_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o we_o have_v invert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o subject_v our_o more_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n a_o indignity_n unworthy_a a_o rational_a be_v which_o prostitute_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o nature_n rank_n he_o among_o brute_n beast_n and_o from_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o visible_a creature_n degrade_n he_o into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o dust_n and_o ash_n but_o when_o eternity_n and_o a_o interest_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o which_o can_v be_v promote_v on_o earth_n by_o such_o apostasy_n lay_v at_o stake_n when_o immortality_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v destroy_v by_o it_o nay_o when_o the_o utmost_a displeasure_n of_o a_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o direful_a effect_n of_o it_o eternal_a torment_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o prefer_v a_o few_o trifle_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n disclaim_v all_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o life_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v a_o height_n of_o folly_n which_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o example_n of_o this_o life_n can_v equal_v a_o impiety_n which_o neither_o the_o art_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v exceed_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n be_v concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n engage_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o one_o and_o vindication_n of_o the_o other_o to_o forego_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n to_o despise_v all_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o with_o a_o generous_a contempt_n overlook_v all_o the_o solicitation_n and_o threat_n of_o man_n this_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v of_o we_o this_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o this_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n lead_v we_o to_o for_o sure_o we_o be_v no_o long_o deserve_v the_o name_n or_o character_n of_o man_n than_o while_o we_o continue_v rational_a we_o deny_v all_o relation_n to_o god_n when_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o command_n to_o our_o interest_n and_o disclaim_v all_o title_n to_o a_o future_a state_n when_o we_o yield_v up_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o present_a advantage_n yet_o how_o many_o example_n of_o such_o apostasy_n have_v the_o church_n deplore_v in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o wish_v our_o age_n afford_v none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v betray_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o so_o great_a a_o terror_n all_o spirit_n can_v overcome_v and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v but_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o poverty_n or_o perhaps_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o continue_v or_o advance_v their_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o amaze_a wickedness_n that_o man_n shall_v sell_v their_o god_n at_o so_o low_a a_o price_n and_o exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o such_o mean_a consideration_n resign_v to_o i_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o possession_n in_o the_o earth_n give_v i_o up_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o will_v enrich_v your_o body_n deny_v your_o creator_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o honour_n among_o your_o fellow-creature_n a_o proposal_n which_o even_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v entertain_v with_o scorn_n and_o every_o sober_a christian_a with_o a_o pious_a horror_n these_o be_v the_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o these_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n attempt_v our_o saviour_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o but_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o reject_v such_o base_a proposal_n with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n and_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n manifest_v with_o how_o great_a indignation_n he_o have_v receive_v they_o thereby_o give_v we_o a_o example_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o not_o to_o admit_v even_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o crime_n for_o sure_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n even_o to_o deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o shall_v betray_v it_o or_o no_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o case_n deliberasse_fw-la est_fw-la descivisse_fw-la and_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n to_o put_v the_o question_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v to_o trifle_v with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o dishonour_v our_o religion_n and_o degrade_v our_o nature_n but_o to_o decide_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o our_o luft_n and_o the_o petty_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o in_o the_o most_o reproachful_a sense_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o communion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o forsake_v it_o as_o sor_n those_o who_o may_v pretend_v reason_n of_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n for_o their_o departure_n from_o our_o church_n let_v they_o serious_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o pretence_n and_o whether_o they_o can_v real_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n let_v they_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o bias_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o powerful_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o that_o communion_n to_o which_o they_o have_v revolt_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o that_o to_o force_v our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o criminal_a than_o to_o force_v our_o conscience_n god_n have_v propose_v sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n pardon_v we_o if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n we_o need_v not_o go_v any_o far_a than_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o this_o direction_n the_o apostle_n command_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o they_o if_o then_o any_o society_n of_o man_n discourage_v and_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o private_a christian_n
nature_n and_o religion_n to_o perform_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n rather_o out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o than_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o first_o case_n the_o chief_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o action_n will_v be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o latter_a the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o by_o this_o we_o may_v become_v the_o client_n but_o by_o that_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n last_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n will_v not_o endure_v for_o ever_o that_o if_o despise_v it_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o that_o god_n have_v set_v a_o time_n for_o repentance_n beyond_o which_o he_o will_v not_o a_o wait_n nor_o suffer_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v abuse_v for_o we_o must_v not_o ascribe_v to_o god_n such_o a_o unlimited_a exercise_n of_o mercy_n as_o may_v destroy_v his_o justice_n and_o include_v the_o high_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o pardon_v offence_n commit_v against_o plain_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o in_o open_a contempt_n of_o all_o mean_n of_o repentance_n afford_v to_o they_o to_o pass_v by_o such_o enormous_a sin_n will_v favour_v of_o a_o childish_a fondness_n debase_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o by_o make_v he_o irrational_a destroy_v his_o nature_n how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o say_v god_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n v._o 7_o 9_o shall_v not_o i_o visit_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o shall_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o mercy_n as_o a_o refuge_n to_o mankind_n for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n passion_n and_o inadvertency_n not_o as_o a_o sanctuary_n to_o profane_v and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n he_o wink_v indeed_o at_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o turn_v he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n psal._n vii_o 13._o and_o then_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o his_o anger_n himself_o tell_v we_o deut._n xxxii_o 40_o 41._o for_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o say_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o if_o i_o wheâ—…_n my_o glitter_a sword_n and_o my_o hand_n take_v hold_v of_o judgement_n i_o will_v render_v vengeaâ—…te_a to_o my_o enemy_n and_o will_v reward_v they_o that_o hatâ—…_n i_o let_v we_o therefore_o perfect_a our_o repentance_n while_o a_o space_n be_v yet_o open_a for_o we_o before_o mercy_n return_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v upon_o we_o that_o so_o we_o also_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o not_o fall_v into_o their_o condemnation_n who_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o they_o wâ—…oso_n be_v wise_a will_v pâ—…nder_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o six_o sermon_n preach_v december_n 30._o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o cor._n i._n 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therewith_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o lose_a mankind_n which_o we_o at_o this_o time_n commemorate_v be_v so_o signal_n a_o benefit_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o infinite_a that_o it_o can_v but_o administer_v matter_n of_o admiration_n to_o we_o to_o see_v it_o reject_v deride_v and_o oppose_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v by_o god_n to_o rescue_v man_n from_o that_o fatal_a ignorance_n wherein_o they_o be_v involve_v shall_v be_v treat_v with_o scorn_n become_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o be_v account_v folly_n that_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o derision_n and_o be_v receive_v not_o with_o thankfulness_n as_o it_o deserve_v but_o with_o scofts_n and_o contumely_n but_o such_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n ever_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n that_o their_o understanding_n be_v darken_v with_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o their_o will_n corrupt_v with_o passion_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n it_o have_v be_v equal_o difficult_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o revelation_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o pursue_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o when_o once_o discover_v such_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o that_o unhappy_a fall_n and_o such_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n but_o then_o whereas_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n can_v not_o be_v deny_v or_o dissemble_v the_o sense_n of_o which_o induce_v man_n to_o seek_v remedy_n for_o they_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v perceive_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v flatter_v themselves_o into_o a_o opinion_n of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v the_o truth_n not_o only_o to_o be_v possess_v by_o they_o but_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o they_o have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o system_n of_o religion_n either_o from_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n or_o some_o precedent_n mistake_v revelation_n and_o be_v prepossessed_n with_o notion_n derive_v from_o thence_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o any_o doctrine_n different_a from_o they_o they_o false_o imagine_v their_o own_o conception_n to_o be_v infallible_a and_o thereby_o treat_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o oppose_v they_o as_o a_o erroneous_a and_o ridiculous_a doctrine_n especial_o be_v propose_v with_o that_o unaffected_a simplicity_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v so_o much_o stranger_n as_o believe_v every_o opinion_n to_o be_v so_o much_o divine_a by_o how_o much_o more_o it_o be_v more_o refine_v and_o place_v beyond_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o men._n whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v more_o humane_a and_o easy_a lay_v level_a with_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n and_o exclude_v not_o the_o most_o illiterate_a from_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o pride_n and_o ostentation_n devoid_a of_o subtlety_n and_o unuseful_a nicety_n and_o resemble_v the_o nakedness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o purity_n of_o paradise_n withal_o teach_v such_o mystery_n as_o may_v direct_o contribute_v to_o destroy_v the_o pride_n of_o such_o man_n not_o only_o by_o oppose_v their_o opinion_n but_o also_o teach_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n incarnate_a therein_o humble_v himself_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o a_o humane_a state_n live_v a_o mean_a and_o obscure_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_n the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n a_o mystery_n which_o at_o once_o entire_o ruin_v both_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o the_o world_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n its_o want_n of_o all_o those_o external_a pompous_a argument_n of_o subtlety_n and_o mistake_a learning_n which_o recommend_v other_o system_n together_o with_o its_o opposition_n to_o the_o receive_v false_a opinion_n of_o man_n have_v induce_v some_o christian_n at_o corinth_n who_o live_v among_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o other_o to_o refine_v it_o into_o a_o system_fw-la of_o mysterious_a and_o subtle_a nicety_n and_o so_o hinder_v many_o from_o become_v christian_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n argue_v against_o all_o these_o man_n and_o in_o the_o 17_o verse_n oppose_v to_o these_o new_a refiner_n of_o christianity_n his_o own_o example_n who_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o without_o any_o affect_a show_n of_o eloquence_n with_o a_o simplicity_n become_v the_o majesty_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n lest_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_n and_o fail_v of_o its_o design_n as_o it_o will_v most_o certain_o do_v if_o propose_v according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o those_o man_n who_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o system_fw-la of_o difficult_a and_o elaborate_a contemplation_n for_o hereby_o it_o will_v exceed_v the_o reach_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o it_o be_v indifferent_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o and_o it_o will_v want_v that_o powerful_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o be_v propose_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n by_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n it_o notwithstanding_o surmount_v the_o pompous_a learning_n of_o the_o school_n and_o synagogue_n and_o gain_v a_o more_o universal_a reception_n in_o the_o world_n that_o therefore_o as_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o contrive_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o way_n very_o different_a
to_o show_v you_o that_o no_o objection_n to_o the_o justice_n and_o impartiality_n of_o god_n can_v be_v deduce_v from_o his_o conduct_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o which_o not_o only_o tend_v to_o vindicate_v his_o honour_n and_o to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o just_a esteem_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n not_o only_o restrain_v we_o from_o pass_v uncharitable_a censure_n upon_o our_o fellow_n servant_n or_o conceive_v amiss_o of_o those_o immutable_a rule_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n but_o also_o teach_v we_o that_o salvation_n depend_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o any_o external_a relation_n or_o denomination_n as_o upon_o the_o eternal_a obligation_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o namely_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n express_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text._n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o 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not_o on_o any_o merit_n of_o the_o work_n but_o the_o time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o discourse_n far_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v only_o exhort_v you_o to_o make_v a_o just_a use_n of_o what_o you_o have_v already_o learned_a that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o you_o to_o use_v your_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o attain_v that_o reward_n which_o god_n have_v render_v equal_o possible_a to_o you_o with_o those_o who_o be_v now_o the_o great_a saint_n in_o heaven_n that_o whatever_o your_o condition_n or_o circumstance_n may_v be_v here_o below_o god_n respect_v not_o that_o in_o distribution_n of_o his_o favour_n but_o only_o what_o be_v in_o your_o own_o power_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o you_o neglect_v these_o possible_a these_o easy_a condition_n offearing_a god_n and_o work_a righteousness_n flatter_v not_o yourselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o be_v exempt_v by_o any_o peculiar_a favour_n from_o undergo_a that_o universal_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n which_o be_v indifferent_o pronounce_v against_o all_o sinner_n which_o be_v also_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v by_o st._n peter_n from_o this_o very_a consideration_n 1_o pet._n i._n 17._o and_o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n who_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v according_a to_o every_o man_n work_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n the_o thirteen_o sermon_n preach_v easter-day_n 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n coloss._n iii_o 1._o if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n be_v deserve_o celebrate_v with_o a_o great_a solemnity_n than_o any_o other_o festival_n whatsoever_o as_o be_v institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o most_o signal_n act_n of_o our_o lord_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o the_o final_a completion_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o it_o other_o action_n indeed_o prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o follower_n to_o expect_v salvation_n from_o he_o but_o this_o alone_o give_v they_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o till_o than_o they_o retain_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v mean_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n and_o design_n of_o his_o come_v be_v confound_v at_o his_o ignominious_a crucifixion_n and_o begin_v to_o suspect_v that_o they_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n all_o their_o glorious_a hope_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n the_o church_n then_o be_v not_o only_o disperse_v but_o destroy_v and_o none_o leave_v who_o will_v own_o their_o belief_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n the_o apostle_n be_v flee_v the_o woman_n prepare_v spice_n for_o his_o body_n now_o lie_v in_o the_o grave_a as_o not_o expect_v it_o shall_v rise_v again_o and_o the_o jew_n triumph_v over_o his_o afflict_a disciple_n as_o have_v defeat_v their_o hope_n and_o overthrow_v their_o pretence_n at_o this_o time_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n our_o lord_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n dispel_v the_o anxiety_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o confound_v his_o enemy_n by_o this_o he_o retrieve_v the_o lose_a faith_n of_o his_o follower_n and_o put_v it_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o more_o fluctuation_n hereby_o he_o not_o only_o give_v the_o last_o and_o most_o infallible_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o a_o miracle_n unheard_a of_o in_o former_a age_n but_o also_o establish_v in_o mankind_n the_o glad_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a resurrection_n he_o have_v before_o indeed_o promise_v it_o but_o now_o give_v a_o earnest_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o manifest_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a by_o the_o actual_a effect_n of_o it_o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o as_o the_o church_n do_v at_o first_o receive_v our_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a with_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o triumph_n so_o it_o always_o continue_a to_o renew_v the_o remembrance_n of_o that_o triumph_n by_o extraordinary_a solemnity_n that_o the_o apostle_n urge_v the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o high_a argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o admonish_v their_o disciple_n to_o comfort_v one_o another_o with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o draw_v continual_a argument_n of_o instruction_n and_o motive_n of_o holiness_n from_o it_o and_o make_v all_o the_o mystery_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o a_o action_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o strike_v the_o sense_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o doubtful_a or_o convince_v the_o incredulous_a but_o to_o affect_v the_o soul_n and_o become_v a_o foundation_n of_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o belief_n to_o all_o christian_n our_o lord_n raise_v not_o his_o natural_a body_n from_o the_o grave_a to_o leave_v we_o his_o mystical_a body_n grovel_v on_o the_o ground_n he_o resume_v not_o his_o bodily_a life_n to_o leave_v we_o in_o a_o spiritual_a death_n but_o teach_v we_o thereby_o to_o raise_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o region_n of_o light_n for_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n if_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o in_o my_o text_n and_o if_o so_o the_o natural_a consequence_n will_v be_v that_o we_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o and_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o new_a state_n of_o life_n into_o which_o we_o be_v enter_v if_o then_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o word_n therefore_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treatfirst_n of_o our_o resurrection_n with_o christ_n and_o second_o of_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o that_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o rise_v and_o bewith_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o firm_a belief_n of_o all_o christian_n but_o that_o we_o be_v already_o rise_v may_v not_o perhaps_o be_v so_o easy_o conceive_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o experience_n not_o in_o themselves_o any_o effect_n of_o this_o bless_a resurrection_n we_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ_n even_o in_o this_o life_n either_o by_o similitude_n or_o by_o
hope_n by_o mortify_v and_o change_v our_o former_a vicious_a course_n of_o life_n into_o a_o new_a and_o heavenly_a life_n or_o by_o conceive_v firm_a hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v our_o own_o resurrection_n by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n the_o former_a manner_n indeed_o be_v pure_o allegorical_a but_o a_o allegory_n as_o well_o most_o natural_a in_o its_o self_n as_o most_o familiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o treat_v of_o it_o often_o and_o large_o and_o inculcate_n it_o in_o almost_o all_o his_o epistle_n as_o in_o the_o chapter_n precede_v my_o text_n he_o tell_v the_o colossian_n col._n ii_o 12_o 20._o you_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o and_o you_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n galat._n ii_o 20._o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ._n philip._n iii_o 10._o that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n 2_o cor._n iu_o 10._o alwayâ—…_n bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o iii_o and_o ivth_o chapter_n of_o 1_o pet._n and_o rom._n vi_o this_o conformity_n between_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o in_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o be_v at_o large_a explain_v we_o be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n these_o allegorical_a conclusion_n be_v not_o the_o mere_a product_n of_o fancy_n but_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o so_o admirable_o contrive_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o our_o instruction_n than_o his_o precept_n and_o can_v not_o but_o have_v exceed_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n who_o thought_n be_v then_o and_o aught_o now_o to_o be_v chief_o employ_v about_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n they_o be_v excellent_o fit_v to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n when_o both_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o jewish_a doctor_n employ_v themselves_o almost_o whole_o in_o allegorical_a explication_n of_o natural_a or_o divine_a truth_n and_o be_v more_o particular_o adapt_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n consist_v in_o type_n shadow_n and_o symbolical_a representation_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o last_o lest_o we_o shall_v conceive_v any_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n against_o these_o allegorical_a inference_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v recommend_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a penman_n the_o present_a allegory_n draw_v from_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v most_o excellent_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n as_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o more_o full_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o recover_v mankind_n from_o his_o lose_a condition_n free_v he_o from_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devil_n reform_v his_o life_n and_o fit_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o god_n have_v design_v for_o he_o in_o another_o life_n to_o this_o end_n a_o total_a desertion_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o life_n wherein_o he_o be_v before_o engage_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a as_o well_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v whole_o impossible_a that_o a_o vicious_a soul_n shall_v receive_v that_o reward_n as_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v determine_v not_o to_o grant_v the_o reward_n on_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v his_o follower_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v require_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v relinquish_v all_o those_o temporal_a enjoyment_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n place_v the_o whole_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o life_n in_o these_o unlawful_a enjoyment_n whoever_o renounce_v the_o use_n of_o they_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o promise_n at_o their_o baptism_n solemn_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o a_o new_a life_n institute_v by_o god_n which_o be_v excellent_o represent_v in_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o baptism_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v refer_v wherein_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v whole_o immerge_v in_o the_o water_n so_o that_o the_o immersion_n represent_v his_o resolution_n of_o die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v by_o death_n take_v from_o the_o world_n and_o then_o his_o emersion_n present_o follow_v signify_v his_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n revive_v and_o appear_v after_o death_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a therefore_o to_o mortify_v one_o single_a lust_n or_o to_o give_v up_o this_o or_o that_o sinful_a affection_n in_o exchange_n for_o eternal_a reward_n and_o retain_v the_o rest_n this_o be_v not_o to_o die_v in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o soul_n be_v full_o separate_v from_o his_o body_n and_o continue_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n till_o the_o resurrection_n he_o satisfy_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v endure_v scourge_n reproach_n and_o buffet_n he_o descend_v not_o from_o the_o cross_n after_o he_o have_v endure_v most_o bitter_a torment_n till_o he_o have_v complete_v his_o suffering_n by_o death_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v till_o it_o be_v destroy_v it_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o all_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v annihilate_v if_o then_o we_o be_v real_o baptize_v into_o his_o death_n if_o we_o resolve_v to_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n we_o must_v yield_v up_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o enjoy_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o god_n permit_v to_o we_o we_o must_v absolute_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n suppose_v a_o full_a conviction_n that_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o place_v on_o earth_n and_o that_o his_o great_a concern_v here_o be_v only_o to_o improve_v his_o short_a term_n of_o life_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a and_o more_o durable_a happiness_n hereafter_o from_o this_o persuasion_n it_o will_v easy_o follow_v that_o different_a interest_n from_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pursue_v in_o this_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a and_o herein_o a_o christian_a true_o imitate_v the_o death_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o best_o of_o all_o manifest_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n by_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n willing_o that_o his_o design_n be_v far_o from_o sound_v a_o empire_n and_o procure_v to_o himself_o worldly_a advantage_n when_o he_o submit_v to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o true_o crucify_a with_o he_o until_o we_o as_o absolute_o forsake_v all_o 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and_o what_o more_o natural_a than_o for_o the_o member_n to_o follow_v their_o head_n he_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o what_o more_o consistent_a than_o for_o soldier_n to_o follow_v their_o captain_n he_o be_v their_o forerunner_n and_o what_o more_o usual_a than_o for_o traveller_n to_o follow_v their_o leader_n a_o forerunner_n who_o be_v for_o we_o enter_v hebr._n vi_o 20._o that_o be_v to_o take_v possession_n in_o our_o name_n and_o for_o our_o behalf_n agreeable_o to_o what_o himself_o have_v promise_v to_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n that_o he_o depart_v from_o they_o into_o heaven_n only_o to_o prepare_v mansion_n for_o they_o and_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o shall_v be_v also_o how_o bless_v and_o desirable_a then_o shall_v the_o state_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v after_o the_o resurrection_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v companion_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o even_o share_v with_o he_o in_o his_o present_a happiness_n a_o 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long_o than_o to_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v real_o rise_v even_o while_o he_o remain_v upon_o earth_n he_o be_v far_o more_o reserve_v than_o before_o his_o resurrection_n abstain_v from_o a_o public_a and_o ordinary_a conversation_n and_o resume_v not_o the_o common_a office_n of_o mortal_a life_n such_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v but_o only_o to_o convince_v his_o follower_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o resurrection_n not_o but_o that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v continue_v all_o these_o action_n until_o his_o ascension_n with_o the_o same_o innocency_n and_o freedom_n from_o sin_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o his_o whole_a life_n but_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o teach_v we_o thereby_o that_o after_o our_o new_a birth_n and_o spiritual_a resurrection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o employ_v our_o care_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o live_v here_o as_o if_o we_o live_v not_o carry_v our_o thought_n much_o high_o even_o whither_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o and_o fix_v they_o upon_o the_o interest_n of_o eternity_n not_o but_o that_o we_o may_v and_o even_o ought_v to_o take_v a_o prudent_a care_n for_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o world_n while_o we_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o but_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o rest_v here_o or_o make_v this_o our_o ultimate_a end_n but_o make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o secure_v those_o more_o noble_a end_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o society_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n this_o all_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v our_o far_a great_a concern_v and_o then_o sure_o our_o utmost_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o what_o we_o earnest_o love_v we_o can_v but_o diligent_o seek_v it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o desire_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o action_n in_o we_o and_o whatsoever_o we_o perform_v even_o the_o most_o trifle_a action_n arise_v from_o the_o desire_n of_o some_o end_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o it_o so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v say_v so_o much_o as_o to_o desire_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o diligent_o seek_v not_o to_o obtain_v they_o by_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o and_o propose_v by_o god_n if_o we_o retain_v a_o unlawful_a love_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v manifest_a we_o prefer_v the_o satisfaction_n proceed_v from_o they_o before_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o next_o and_o however_o we_o be_v say_v abstract_o to_o desire_n these_o yet_o certain_o in_o that_o case_n we_o desire_v they_o not_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o nay_o we_o even_o quit_v our_o desire_n of_o they_o which_o we_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o reject_v when_o we_o espouse_v a_o interest_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o but_o 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world_n than_o a_o body_n to_o be_v natural_o dead_a which_o yet_o continue_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o walk_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o ordinary_a action_n of_o life_n after_o those_o thing_n do_v the_o gentile_n seek_v who_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v hope_v only_o in_o this_o life_n who_o expect_v no_o satisfaction_n but_o what_o they_o reap_v here_o below_o from_o these_o a_o christian_a separate_v himself_o by_o his_o baptism_n profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o a_o different_a society_n which_o proceed_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o found_v his_o interest_n in_o another_o life_n he_o abandon_v his_o pretension_n to_o the_o unlimited_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n crucify_v his_o affection_n and_o die_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v rise_v with_o christ_n rise_v with_o he_o here_o to_o a_o new_a life_n that_o he_o may_v rise_v with_o he_o to_o glory_n hereafter_o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o bless_a hope_n he_o often_o consider_v of_o his_o lord_n resurrection_n he_o celebrate_v the_o mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o comfort_v his_o afflict_a church_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n by_o restore_v to_o her_o the_o presence_n of_o her_o belove_a saviour_n he_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n that_o himself_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v raise_v up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o now_o that_o the_o bodily_a presence_n of_o his_o lord_n be_v after_o his_o ascension_n take_v from_o he_o he_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o confirm_v his_o hope_n by_o the_o frequent_a participation_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o he_o esteem_v these_o sacred_a symbol_n receive_v and_o eat_v by_o he_o as_o a_o infallible_a pledge_n of_o his_o own_o resurrection_n agreeable_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n who_o account_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n deliver_v to_o the_o faithful_a to_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a earnest_n of_o their_o 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of_o singular_a instance_n of_o providence_n in_o reward_n of_o the_o good_a and_o punishment_n of_o the_o bad_a and_o relate_v not_o only_o particular_a example_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o also_o from_o the_o frequency_n of_o they_o form_v and_o deliver_v general_a rule_n that_o wickedness_n never_o escape_v unpunished_a or_o innocence_n unrewarded_a in_o short_a it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o act_n cheerful_o and_o submissive_o in_o that_o station_n on_o in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o the_o supreme_a author_n of_o life_n have_v place_v he_o to_o receive_v not_o only_o without_o murmur_v but_o also_o with_o reverence_n all_o dispensation_n proceed_v from_o he_o he_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o forsake_v he_o if_o sincere_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o he_o nor_o suffer_v his_o innocence_n to_o pass_v unregarded_a which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o rely_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o necessary_a one_o of_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o the_o certain_a and_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o these_o hope_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o unerring_a experience_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o goodness_n herein_o be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v abundant_o find_v there_o i_o come_v next_o to_o show_v by_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n ii_o what_o force_n and_o weight_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v superad_v to_o the_o natural_a or_o precedent_a reason_n and_o '_o ground_n of_o trust_n and_o reliance_n in_o god_n and_o therein_o of_o consolation_n in_o danger_n and_o affliction_n in_o the_o natural_a or_o under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n the_o apparent_a hope_n of_o mankind_n be_v terminate_v in_o this_o life_n and_o although_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o the_o visible_a experience_n of_o the_o great_a 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lively_a and_o vigorous_a to_o a_o christian_n who_o profess_v himself_o a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n who_o disow_v the_o place_n of_o his_o hope_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n it_o seem_v not_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o labour_n under_o difficulty_n and_o calamity_n since_o these_o affect_v not_o his_o grand_a concern_v hinder_v not_o his_o real_a happiness_n and_o many_o time_n tend_v high_o to_o promote_v it_o in_o take_v that_o profession_n on_o he_o he_o renounce_v the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gratify_v his_o lust_n and_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o body_n profess_v himself_o a_o citizen_n of_o another_o country_n and_o list_v himself_o under_o the_o banner_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o these_o resolution_n proceed_v in_o a_o steady_a course_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n to_o attain_v his_o end_n be_v not_o amaze_v at_o any_o terror_n or_o disaster_n which_o may_v meet_v he_o in_o the_o way_n decline_v they_o indeed_o as_o far_o as_o prudence_n will_v permit_v but_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n to_o avoid_v they_o a_o natural_a consequence_n to_o a_o firm_a belief_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o opinion_n which_o be_v root_v in_o all_o true_a christian_n that_o the_o real_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o another_o life_n that_o cross_n and_o affliction_n in_o this_o world_n hinder_v not_o the_o acquifition_n of_o this_o supreme_a good_a and_o ofttimes_o promote_v it_o if_o public_a calamity_n invade_v the_o church_n if_o private_a misery_n affect_v himself_o a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v neither_o scandalize_v at_o the_o one_o nor_o despair_n through_o the_o other_o he_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v happy_a if_o upon_o any_o other_o account_n without_o his_o own_o fault_n his_o affliction_n may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o he_o may_v correct_v his_o wander_a 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