be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o dissent_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la with_o they_o man_n perhaps_o profess_v christianity_n may_v imagine_v this_o to_o be_v impossible_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o take_v no_o care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o if_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o have_v be_v often_o seduce_v by_o they_o if_o not_o to_o a_o desertion_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o to_o a_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n a_o stumling-block_n to_o the_o jew_n because_o defeat_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n and_o worldly_a happiness_n and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o tempt_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o withdraw_v our_o obedience_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v he_o as_o often_o as_o man_n prefer_v their_o worldly_a interest_n to_o the_o least_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o often_o as_o by_o too_o anxious_a a_o diligence_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n they_o neglect_v the_o care_n of_o another_o they_o give_v just_a reason_n to_o other_o to_o suspect_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o error_n of_o place_v all_o their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o dis-believing_a the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n do_v the_o jew_n often_o unreasonable_o and_o importunate_o require_v a_o sign_n and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o induce_v to_o distrust_v providence_n and_o murmur_v against_o the_o divine_a goodness_n as_o often_o as_o god_n deferr_v to_o rescue_v we_o from_o imminent_a danger_n and_o calamity_n and_o immediate_o engage_v not_o his_o miraculous_a power_n in_o our_o assistance_n do_v not_o man_n call_v in_o question_n the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n because_o god_n refuse_v to_o violate_v the_o establish_a law_n of_o his_o government_n and_o sometime_o permit_v the_o good_a to_o pass_v unrewarded_a and_o the_o wicked_a to_o escape_v unpunished_a in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o christian_a religion_n foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n because_o propose_v by_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n and_o have_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v deplore_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n while_o man_n puff_v up_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o ordinary_a pastor_n scorn_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o rude_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o do_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n despise_v christianity_n because_o plain_a and_o simple_a easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o betray_v by_o a_o like_a pre_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a thing_n how_o many_o christian_n be_v at_o this_o day_n displease_v with_o a_o sober_a and_o rational_a form_n of_o worship_n either_o because_o it_o be_v not_o fraught_v with_o pompous_a and_o unuseful_a ceremony_n or_o because_o it_o be_v devoid_a of_o enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o unintelligible_a impertinency_n so_o that_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v no_o less_o concern_v in_o the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o my_o text_n than_o be_v former_o either_o jew_n or_o greek_n to_o conclude_v if_o the_o most_o certain_a truth_n and_o most_o holy_a religion_n be_v notwithstanding_o liable_a to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n if_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n be_v find_v to_o be_v unjust_a and_o false_a let_v we_o neither_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o opposition_n of_o her_o enemy_n nor_o draw_v into_o like_a mistake_v with_o they_o either_o by_o passion_n or_o inadvertency_n let_v we_o give_v most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o send_v his_o son_n as_o at_o this_o time_n into_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v we_o and_o reveal_v to_o we_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n let_v we_o adore_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n who_o have_v contrive_v such_o excellent_a method_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o revelation_n may_v with_o sufficient_a certainty_n be_v transmit_v to_o all_o age_n improve_n the_o happiness_n of_o our_o knowledge_n by_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o in_o a_o careful_a practice_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v here_o with_o comfort_n hold_v fast_o and_o hereafter_o with_o glory_n obtain_v the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o seven_o sermon_n preach_v january_n 20_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n hebr._n ix_o 27._o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n i_o intend_v not_o from_o these_o word_n to_o prove_v the_o mortality_n of_o mankind_n or_o show_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o that_o fatal_a doom_n the_o experience_n of_o almost_o six_o thousand_o year_n may_v abundant_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v ourselves_o to_o be_v particular_o exempt_v from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o mankind_n that_o decay_n which_o we_o find_v in_o our_o body_n and_o those_o frequent_a infirmity_n to_o which_o we_o be_v all_o subject_n permit_v we_o not_o to_o entertain_v any_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a privilege_n the_o necessity_n of_o end_v this_o life_n be_v so_o apparent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v trifle_v to_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o however_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o necessity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o which_o may_v just_o require_v the_o most_o serious_a reflection_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n nor_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n wherein_o be_v express_v the_o divine_a determination_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mortality_n and_o future_a judgement_n of_o man_n and_o the_o order_n of_o they_o namely_o that_o god_n have_v decree_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v once_o die_v and_o that_o after_o death_n they_o shall_v receive_v either_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o their_o action_n now_o however_o the_o secret_a decree_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o however_o a_o curious_a desire_n of_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o may_v be_v rash_a and_o fruitless_a yet_o in_o these_o which_o so_o immediate_o and_o universal_o concern_v mankind_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o great_a object_n of_o our_o religion_n no_o enquiry_n can_v be_v unnecessary_a or_o unuseful_a the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v obvious_a and_o satisfactory_a such_o as_o may_v not_o only_o be_v discover_v by_o we_o but_o even_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o nothing_o tend_v more_o effectual_o to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o induce_v we_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o decree_n than_o a_o entire_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v necessary_a in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o respect_v we_o how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o grand_a decree_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o from_o whence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_n upon_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a decreâ—…_n of_o death_n to_o all_o men._n it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v ii_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v execute_v after_o death_n and_o not_o in_o this_o life_n but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n first_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n nothing_o can_v appear_v more_o just_a than_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o impose_v a_o necessity_n of_o die_v upon_o all_o men._n god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o existence_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n may_v just_o dispose_v of_o or_o dispense_v either_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o man_n to_o have_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n without_o expect_v a_o perpetual_a and_o invariable_a conservation_n of_o that_o existence_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v mortal_a and_o then_o sure_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a in_o god_n to_o permit_v
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 desire_n and_o inclinaons_n to_o our_o former_a sinful_a life_n as_o if_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o life_n itself_o that_o we_o retain_v not_o the_o least_o claim_n or_o title_n to_o our_o former_a vicious_a satisfaction_n but_o by_o a_o total_a relinquish_a of_o they_o even_o put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o recall_v and_o re-establish_a they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o view_v the_o dreadful_a horror_n and_o anxiety_n under_o which_o our_o saviour_n labour_v while_o he_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n upon_o the_o cross_n if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o melancholy_a state_n of_o the_o church_n his_o ignominious_a condition_n and_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o infernal_a power_n while_o he_o be_v detain_v in_o the_o grave_a we_o may_v perceive_v the_o desperate_a and_o deplorable_a state_n of_o man_n while_o yet_o detain_v in_o sin_n labour_v under_o the_o just_a displeasure_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n
execution_n of_o judgement_n till_o after_o death_n and_o not_o dispense_n the_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v but_o after_o that_o and_o not_o before_o the_o judgement_n the_o continual_a infirmity_n and_o temptation_n incident_a to_o mankind_n the_o daily_a sin_n commit_v by_o we_o and_o the_o fatal_a example_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n adam_n not_o able_a to_o retain_v his_o primitive_a innocence_n under_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a advantage_n evident_o cause_v we_o to_o perceive_v that_o few_o or_o rather_o none_o will_v ever_o attain_v to_o happiness_n if_o that_o be_v bestow_v in_o reward_n to_o unsinning_a obedience_n only_o that_o therefore_o to_o make_v any_o considerable_a part_n of_o mankind_n partaker_n of_o this_o reward_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v proclaim_v a_o universal_a pardon_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n and_o forego_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o former_a sin_n if_o a_o earnest_a abhorrencâ—…_n of_o they_o and_o true_a reformation_n of_o life_n do_v succeed_v if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o high_a demonstration_n of_o repeat_v mercy_n and_o frequent_a pardon_n of_o sin_n our_o saviour_n still_o assure_v we_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v which_o find_v it_o how_o unaccessible_a will_v it_o be_v if_o every_o single_a act_n of_o disobedience_n defeat_v the_o hope_n of_o it_o and_o lay_v we_o open_a to_o the_o utmost_a execution_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n if_o therefore_o we_o desire_v that_o this_o merciful_a deal_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o we_o if_o a_o covenant_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v establish_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v dispense_v in_o this_o life_n for_o if_o a_o proportionate_a punishment_n shall_v immediate_o follow_v the_o commission_n of_o every_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n how_o can_v god_n be_v say_v to_o pardon_v our_o offence_n and_o await_v our_o amendment_n or_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o attend_v it_o how_o can_v exemplary_a justice_n be_v execute_v here_o since_o we_o suppose_v it_o not_o to_o be_v execute_v hereafter_o or_o if_o god_n shall_v present_o crown_v every_o good_a action_n with_o as_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o happiness_n as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n will_v receive_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v when_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v exchange_v his_o piety_n for_o vice_n or_o wickedness_n or_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o temporal_a happiness_n shall_v not_o be_v inseparable_o annex_v to_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n how_o can_v god_n be_v say_v to_o reward_v virtue_n in_o this_o life_n must_v god_n as_o often_o change_v the_o scene_n of_o human_a life_n as_o man_n change_v the_o inclination_n of_o his_o will_n assure_o such_o a_o inconstant_a proceed_n will_v derogate_v as_o much_o from_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n as_o the_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n or_o must_v god_n await_v the_o last_o scene_n of_o every_o man_n life_n wherein_o to_o display_v either_o his_o favour_n or_o anger_n to_o he_o when_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o remain_a time_n defeat_v the_o possession_n of_o any_o great_a reward_n and_o rescues_z the_o delinquent_n from_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o punishment_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o dispense_v the_o reward_n and_o inflict_v the_o punishment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n but_o where_o reward_n and_o happiness_n be_v annex_v to_o unsinning_a obedience_n only_o again_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o only_o unpracticable_a but_o unuseful_a even_o for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v common_o propose_v namely_o to_o manifest_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o vindicate_v the_o innocence_n of_o man_n to_o deter_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o to_o allure_v they_o to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n for_o such_o be_v the_o dissimulation_n of_o man_n so_o secret_a be_v many_o of_o the_o most_o enormous_a sin_n so_o usual_a be_v it_o to_o palliate_v the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n and_o not_o only_o to_o conceal_v they_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o create_v a_o contrary_a opinion_n of_o holiness_n and_o integrity_n that_o no_o discrimination_n can_v be_v make_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n which_o may_v conduce_v to_o any_o of_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v hypocrite_n be_v no_o less_o odious_a to_o god_n than_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o debauch_a sinner_n and_o be_v perhaps_o in_o no_o less_o number_n now_o as_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o bestow_v any_o reward_n upon_o these_o lest_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o suffer_v appearant_a virtue_n to_o pass_v unrewarded_a so_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o hinder_v man_n from_o censure_v the_o divine_a dispensation_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o while_o they_o retain_v a_o false_a opinion_n of_o their_o suppose_a merit_n how_o many_o innocent_a and_o worthy_a person_n be_v oppress_v calumniate_v and_o general_o esteem_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n who_o if_o god_n shall_v therefore_o refuse_v to_o reward_v his_o justice_n will_v be_v destroy_v if_o he_o reward_v they_o while_o labour_v under_o these_o false_a suspicion_n the_o opinion_n of_o his_o justice_n will_v perish_v if_o then_o piety_n and_o wickedness_n may_v be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n if_o contrary_a judgement_n may_v be_v so_o easy_o and_o so_o often_o frame_v of_o their_o merit_n and_o demerit_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n appear_v in_o dispense_n reward_n or_o punishment_n to_o they_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v thence_o frame_v in_o favour_n of_o virtue_n or_o diminution_n of_o vice_n until_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n be_v disclose_v and_o lay_v open_a which_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o this_o life_n will_v not_o permit_v not_o only_o be_v the_o execution_n of_o judgement_n in_o this_o life_n incongruous_a to_o the_o mercy_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v bestow_v or_o inflict_v and_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o punishment_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o life_n proportionate_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o demerit_n every_o single_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n of_o god_n by_o a_o creature_n and_o dependant_a of_o his_o own_o be_v of_o a_o infinite_a gild_n and_o therefore_o in_o justice_n require_v a_o not_o inferior_a degree_n of_o punishment_n whereas_o a_o infinite_a punishment_n can_v be_v suffer_v in_o this_o life_n and_o then_o how_o shall_v a_o sinner_n answer_v for_o ten_o thousâ—…nd_a sin_n of_o equal_a guilt_n if_o we_o place_v the_o execution_n of_o punishment_n in_o destroy_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o sinner_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v terrible_a that_o many_o have_v place_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o happiness_n in_o indolence_n or_o a_o insensible_a state_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o destruction_n and_o then_o since_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reprieve_v from_o a_o immature_n death_n be_v no_o less_o subject_n to_o sickness_n danger_n and_o violence_n what_o a_o horrible_a confusion_n of_o justice_n will_v it_o be_v that_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a shall_v undergo_v the_o same_o punishment_n and_o not_o be_v diâ—…tinguished_v in_o their_o end_n or_o if_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v place_v in_o insupportable_a torment_n continual_a cross_n and_o dreadful_a pain_n what_o a_o slight_a matter_n will_v this_o be_v to_o a_o infinite_a gild_n which_o deserve_o call_v for_o eternal_a torment_n the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o pain_n in_o hell_n will_v be_v that_o the_o wicked_a will_v be_v assure_v they_o shall_v have_v no_o end_n and_o will_v be_v thereby_o cast_v into_o the_o most_o extreme_a despair_n whereas_o in_o this_o case_n the_o sinner_n will_v comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o approach_a death_n which_o may_v end_v their_o torment_n and_o their_o life_n together_o nay_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o rescue_v themselves_o from_o punishment_n and_o escape_v the_o divine_a anger_n by_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o themselves_o which_o they_o will_v not_o fear_v to_o do_v when_o not_o awe_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o any_o ensue_a punishment_n after_o death_n and_o after_o all_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n can_v only_o respect_v precedent_a sin_n how_o then_o shall_v a_o sinner_n satisfy_v for_o those_o more_o dreadful_a sin_n which_o will_v escape_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o pain_n such_o as_o blasphemy_n malice_n and_o unrepentance_n shall_v god_n suffer_v these_o to_o go_v unpunished_a or_o not_o rather_o reserve_v they_o to_o judgement_n in_o another_o world_n but_o if_o judgement_n can_v
and_o withal_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o method_n whereby_o to_o obtain_v the_o one_o or_o escape_v the_o other_o but_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o yet_o with_o this_o belief_n and_o confession_n shall_v continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unrepentance_n or_o if_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v possible_a that_o two_o such_o contrary_a thing_n shall_v consist_v together_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o by_o his_o action_n he_o proclaim_v his_o unbelief_n to_o the_o world_n who_o neglect_v this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o repentance_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o deferr_v to_o perform_v it_o this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o the_o time_n prefix_v by_o god_n to_o our_o repentance_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o hebr._n iii_o 13._o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n which_o may_v either_o import_n the_o term_n of_o our_o natural_a life_n for_o that_o repentance_n will_v take_v no_o place_n after_o death_n agreeable_o to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n john_n ix_o 4._o the_o night_n come_v wherein_o no_o man_n can_v work_v so_o that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o this_o life_n and_o no_o more_o of_o this_o life_n be_v certain_a to_o we_o than_o that_o moment_n which_o we_o now_o enjoy_v it_o ought_v to_o commence_v from_o this_o very_a moment_n or_o else_o which_o seem_v most_o natural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o hebrew_n repent_v to_o day_n that_o be_v immediate_o while_o god_n continue_v his_o offer_n of_o mercy_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a for_o that_o he_o will_v not_o await_v our_o repentance_n till_o we_o please_v nor_o suffer_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v wilful_o slight_v this_o term_n of_o repentance_n fix_v by_o god_n to_o every_o man_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v as_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n when_o that_o conviction_n be_v once_o thorough_o form_v when_o man_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v their_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o they_o know_v withal_o that_o this_o conformity_n consist_v in_o practise_v all_o the_o divine_a precept_n of_o holiness_n justice_n and_o sobriety_n and_o that_o all_o habitual_a sin_n be_v a_o open_a opposition_n to_o it_o when_o they_o be_v asâ—…ured_v that_o god_n have_v proclaim_v his_o pardon_n to_o penitent_a and_o denounce_v his_o wrath_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n then_o be_v life_n and_o death_n true_o set_v before_o they_o then_o be_v it_o commit_v to_o their_o choice_n which_o they_o will_v prefer_v a_o easy_a choice_a one_o will_v imagine_v have_v not_o the_o deplorable_a experience_n of_o so_o many_o obstinate_a sinner_n teach_v we_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o choose_v the_o worse_o even_o under_o conviction_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o miserable_a perverseness_n we_o find_v indeed_o the_o temptation_n to_o which_o mankind_n be_v expose_v to_o be_v very_o violent_a the_o lust_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n of_o a_o bewitch_a nature_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o master_n the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a desire_n of_o true_a happiness_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o do_v not_o a_o unhappy_a mistake_n misguide_v the_o practice_n of_o man_n and_o render_v all_o the_o present_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n ineffectual_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v false_a notion_n from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n that_o the_o term_v prefix_v by_o god_n to_o their_o repentance_n be_v not_o yet_o expire_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v too_o late_o to_o begin_v their_o repentance_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o it_o take_v out_o their_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v we_o in_o the_o aforementioned_a place_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o it_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o some_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v do_v provoke_v verse_n 16._o that_o be_v after_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o power_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o command_n or_o rely_v on_o his_o pomise_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o refusal_n to_o go_v up_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o land_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o relate_v in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o number_n to_o which_o this_o psalm_n particular_o relate_v they_o immediate_o indeed_o repent_v of_o their_o folly_n and_o resolve_v forthwith_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o design_n but_o than_o it_o be_v too_o late_o they_o have_v slip_v their_o time_n and_o god_n refuse_v to_o be_v among_o they_o or_o to_o give_v they_o success_n it_o be_v frivolous_a therefore_o to_o plead_v the_o hope_n of_o continual_a offer_n of_o pardon_n for_o defer_v of_o repentance_n and_o to_o pretend_v that_o if_o they_o exact_o know_v the_o time_n beyond_o which_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v not_o await_v they_o will_v immediate_o begin_v to_o form_v a_o sincere_a repentance_n such_o resolution_n may_v possible_o be_v true_a and_o indeed_o unless_o a_o monstrous_a stupidity_n intervene_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o then_o the_o term_n be_v manifest_a and_o can_v be_v unknown_a to_o any_o be_v the_o moment_n from_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o know_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o obedience_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o irrational_a now_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n be_v found_v either_o in_o the_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o nature_n prone_a to_o yield_v to_o powerful_a temptation_n the_o latter_a suppose_v a_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n and_o piety_n and_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o fix_a and_o resolve_v unrepentance_n for_o then_o every_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o effect_n not_o of_o humane_a infirmity_n but_o of_o resolution_n the_o former_a cause_n vanish_v when_o the_o ignorance_n of_o man_n be_v remove_v by_o a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o athenian_n that_o god_n wink_v indeed_o at_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n but_o now_o after_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o can_v pretend_v a_o ignorance_n of_o our_o duty_n much_o less_o those_o who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n so_o excellent_o constitute_v we_o have_v the_o scripture_n open_v to_o we_o be_v admonish_v and_o incite_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o weekly_a exhortation_n and_o disow_v all_o little_a art_n so_o usual_a in_o other_o church_n of_o procure_v salvation_n without_o a_o strict_a and_o real_a obedience_n there_o remain_v then_o to_o we_o only_o the_o plea_n of_o infirmity_n whereby_o to_o excuse_v our_o sin_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o suppose_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o settle_a course_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o which_o course_n we_o may_v be_v overtake_v with_o temptation_n and_o be_v unaware_o insuare_v by_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v into_o sin_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v cloud_v with_o a_o passion_n and_o by_o violent_a impression_n from_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a object_n have_v scarce_o the_o liberty_n of_o direct_v her_o thought_n aright_o but_o if_o when_o this_o tempest_n be_v allay_v this_o cloud_n remove_v when_o the_o mind_n regain_v its_o perfect_a freedom_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o its_o condition_n it_o entertain_v any_o complacency_n with_o the_o sin_n perform_v or_o be_v willing_a to_o permit_v a_o continuance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v no_o long_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o of_o deliberate_a and_o resolve_a choice_n much_o more_o when_o any_o man_n resolve_v whole_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o proceed_v in_o his_o unrepentance_n although_o but_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n that_o no_o pardon_n be_v promise_v to_o it_o under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o give_v it_o and_o then_o even_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n it_o be_v
wonderful_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o some_o such_o extraordinary_a action_n be_v require_v to_o excite_v the_o jew_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o quality_n and_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o wrought_v they_o if_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v deficient_a in_o any_o one_o point_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n it_o have_v be_v irrational_a as_o well_o as_o unlawful_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v admit_v his_o revelation_n although_o confirm_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n imaginable_a since_o they_o must_v have_v own_v thereby_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v abundant_o convince_v as_o be_v confirm_v to_o they_o by_o a_o equal_a authority_n of_o miracle_n but_o not_o only_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n demonstrate_v this_o truth_n the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n evident_o manifest_v it_o the_o first_o while_o yet_o on_o earth_n constant_o assert_v his_o divine_a mission_n and_o quality_n of_o messiah_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o have_v testify_v of_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o death_n carry_v on_o the_o same_o argument_n he_o perform_v indeed_o great_a miracle_n than_o any_o ever_o have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o in_o dispute_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o common_o wave_v that_o argument_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o know_v that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o which_o word_n he_o plain_o insinuate_v that_o the_o great_a of_o his_o miracle_n his_o resurrection_n be_v a_o less_o valid_a proof_n and_o inferior_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n this_o he_o often_o think_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o propose_v as_o a_o necessary_a motive_n of_o belief_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o a_o motive_n as_o can_v not_o be_v reject_v without_o disow_v and_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thus_o he_o dispute_v in_o the_o vth._n of_o st._n john_n verse_n 39_o 46_o 47._o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n no_o other_o method_n do_v he_o make_v use_n of_o to_o convince_v his_o disciple_n walk_v to_o emmaus_n that_o all_o those_o calamity_n which_o have_v befall_v his_o person_n ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o messiah_n all_o those_o glorious_a miracle_n of_o which_o themselves_o have_v be_v witness_n prove_v unsuccessful_a and_o can_v not_o secure_v their_o faith_n from_o a_o shameful_a fluctuation_n until_o christ_n begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n expound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o and_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v thus_o write_v and_o that_o it_o thus_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n if_o the_o constant_a companion_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n can_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o no_o other_o argument_n than_o a_o full_a and_o plain_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o vain_a do_v we_o hope_v that_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v convince_v the_o remain_a jew_n who_o be_v less_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v choose_v by_o christ_n and_o use_v as_o the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o his_o life_n not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o train_v up_o in_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o preacher_n who_o may_v propagate_v the_o gospel_n after_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o master_n as_o to_o be_v witness_n and_o spectactor_n of_o his_o action_n and_o conversation_n which_o they_o may_v afterward_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o convince_v mankind_n that_o they_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o former_a can_v not_o be_v the_o end_n or_o intention_n of_o their_o accompany_v christ_n through_o the_o whole_a discharge_n of_o his_o prophetic_a office_n appear_v plain_o from_o their_o ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o suppose_v but_o that_o christ_n obtain_v his_o chief_a aim_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o select_v certain_a person_n for_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o life_n this_o end_n therefore_o can_v indeed_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o assign_v of_o witness_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o action_n of_o christ_n who_o reasonableness_n and_o agreement_n to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o every_o private_a man._n for_o we_o no_o where_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o of_o christ_n himself_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n or_o exercise_v a_o arbitrary_a command_n over_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o men._n they_o may_v indeed_o much_o more_o just_o have_v claim_v such_o a_o privilege_n than_o any_o ever_o since_o their_o time_n as_o be_v personal_o infallible_a and_o endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n yet_o they_o never_o endeavour_v to_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o their_o hearer_n before_o they_o have_v inform_v and_o satisfy_v their_o understanding_n but_o proceed_v in_o a_o more_o rational_a method_n and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o master_n choose_v rather_o to_o convince_v their_o judgement_n with_o argument_n who_o attention_n they_o have_v before_o excite_v by_o miracle_n these_o argument_n when_o direct_v to_o the_o jew_n be_v chief_o take_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o prophecy_n they_o demonstrate_v to_o have_v plain_o soretold_v and_o describe_v the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o action_n themselves_o be_v witness_n thus_o we_o find_v st._n peter_n in_o his_o sermon_n make_v to_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o day_n to_o have_v use_v no_o other_o method_n and_o not_o so_o much_o to_o have_v urge_v the_o illustrious_a miracle_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n new_o confer_v on_o they_o as_o the_o conformity_n of_o that_o and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n his_o sermon_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o st._n stephen_n in_o the_o vii_o chap._n st._n paul_n in_o the_o xiii_o use_v no_o other_o argument_n when_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n from_o a_o clear_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o messiah_n philip_n convince_v the_o eunuch_n who_o be_v a_o jewish_a proselyte_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n act_n viii_o and_o act_v xviii_o apollo_n be_v say_v to_o have_v mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o public_o show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ._n st._n paul_n plead_v before_o king_n agrippa_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o stand_v there_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o father_n act_n xxvi_o 6._o and_o ver_fw-la 27._o appeal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o ask_v agrippa_n whether_o he_o believe_v not_o they_o insinuate_v that_o if_o he_o true_o believe_v the_o prophet_n and_o understand_v their_o genuine_a sense_n he_o can_v not_o but_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n be_v employ_v in_o expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o morning_n till_o evening_n act_v xxviii_o 23._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o ascension_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o testify_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n his_o action_n miracle_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v receive_v from_o they_o may_v then_o by_o every_o private_a man_n be_v examine_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o
whether_o divine_a or_o humane_a who_o never_o can_v equal_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o law_n by_o the_o spotless_a sanctity_n of_o their_o life_n even_o moses_n who_o have_v this_o testimony_n from_o god_n that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n do_v not_o always_o preserve_v inviolate_a that_o entire_a reliance_n on_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o he_o so_o earnest_o and_o so_o often_o recommend_v to_o his_o people_n but_o offend_v at_o the_o water_n of_o strife_n and_o be_v provoke_v to_o speak_v unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n as_o for_o other_o lawgiver_n who_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n be_v either_o none_o or_o feign_a they_o be_v little_a solicitous_a to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o their_o law_n by_o their_o example_n thereby_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o intend_v they_o rather_o for_o politic_a than_o religious_a end_n not_o so_o much_o to_o promote_v virtue_n as_o to_o secure_v their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v exact_o perform_v in_o the_o person_n of_o its_o founder_n who_o give_v we_o not_o only_o a_o rule_n but_o a_o example_n of_o perfect_a piety_n in_o he_o all_o noble_a and_o divine_a virtue_n eminent_o shine_v forth_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v rather_o attract_v our_o imitation_n than_o dazzle_v our_o contemplation_n just_o do_v he_o say_v of_o himself_o john_n ix_o 5._o that_o while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n direct_v all_o person_n the_o way_n to_o happiness_n by_o his_o illustrious_a example_n and_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n practise_v all_o those_o virtue_n which_o in_o other_o person_n be_v single_o admire_v insomuch_o as_o we_o may_v just_o apply_v to_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n ourselves_o and_o other_o what_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o in_o respect_n of_o humility_n for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o joh._n xiii_o 15._o for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o his_o disciple_n to_o admire_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o example_n he_o require_v far_a of_o we_o to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v do_v that_o we_o express_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o by_o the_o constant_a imitation_n of_o his_o life_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o continue_v the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o incomparable_a virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o propose_v they_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o perfection_n in_o all_o our_o action_n that_o we_o manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o follower_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o conduct_n in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o treat_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v divide_v my_o discourse_n into_o three_o head_n i._o i_o will_v show_v that_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v by_o god_n intend_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a example_n and_o pattern_n of_o our_o action_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o complete_a example_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o iii_o i_o will_v produce_v some_o argument_n induce_v we_o to_o a_o careful_a imitation_n of_o this_o example_n i._o that_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o our_o action_n this_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o hence_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o justice_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v and_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n practise_v and_o consequent_o to_o conform_v our_o life_n to_o his_o example_n which_o however_o indirect_a be_v yet_o a_o most_o evident_a argument_n but_o also_o from_o many_o other_o direct_a argument_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v name_v some_o few_o 1._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a sequel_n and_o design_n of_o the_o four_o gospel_n one_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o relate_v those_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o admirable_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o history_n of_o it_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v chief_o observe_v four_o kind_n of_o matter_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o write_n of_o inspire_a person_n his_o miracle_n the_o conformity_n of_o his_o life_n death_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o ancient_a precede_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o action_n of_o these_o the_o two_o first_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o two_o latter_a direct_v we_o in_o it_o by_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o conformity_n of_o his_o life_n to_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o abundant_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a person_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n he_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o happiness_n into_o which_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o now_o if_o we_o observe_v how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v take_v up_o in_o relate_v matter_n of_o the_o last_o sort_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v take_v no_o less_o care_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o these_o than_o with_o his_o doctrine_n the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o they_o also_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conduct_n and_o propose_v as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o imitation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v we_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o although_o this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o with_o such_o evidence_n of_o truth_n be_v affirm_v of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n which_o contain_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o action_n these_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n esteem_v the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o that_o sacred_a rule_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o her_o care_n and_o give_v for_o her_o direction_n it_o manifest_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o each_o evangelist_n apart_o to_o deliver_v a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o yet_o all_o conspire_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o give_v a_o full_a relation_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n a_o plain_a argument_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o direct_v those_o sacred_a penman_n and_o who_o infallible_a wisdom_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a think_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o christian_n it_o become_v we_o as_o to_o adore_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n so_o to_o take_v care_n least_o by_o neglect_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n so_o studious_o and_o full_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o defeat_v his_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_o manifest_a from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v perform_v that_o stupendous_a act_n of_o humility_n in_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n john_n xiii_o tell_v they_o ver_fw-la 15._o for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o thereby_o intimate_v that_o by_o that_o ceremony_n he_o design_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o teach_v they_o humility_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o retain_v high_a conception_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o merit_n much_o less_o pride_n and_o ambition_n when_o they_o have_v see_v he_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n condescend_v to_o execute_v the_o mean_a office_n of_o a_o servant_n to_o they_o who_o be_v his_o domestic_a servant_n and_o indeed_o the_o action_n can_v be_v design_v for_o no_o other_o end_n it_o have_v nothing_o miraculous_a in_o it_o tend_v not_o to_o the_o completion_n of_o any_o ancient_a prophecy_n serve_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a or_o admirable_a in_o it_o but_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o this_o end_n and_o what_o great_a argument_n can_v we_o desire_v of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v propose_v for_o our_o imitation_n than_o that_o many_o of_o his_o action_n aim_v at_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a virtue_n by_o the_o
privilege_n of_o nature_n and_o derogate_v not_o in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n but_o forbid_v man_n to_o be_v transport_v by_o passion_n against_o their_o adversary_n and_o not_o to_o seek_v revenge_n for_o revenge_n sake_n that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o forbid_v to_o repair_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o injury_n or_o prevent_v the_o like_a injustice_n to_o himself_o or_o other_o for_o the_o future_a but_o to_o return_v the_o injury_n and_o gratify_v his_o anger_n in_o create_v a_o like_a inconvenience_n to_o his_o adversary_n or_o maintain_v a_o inward_a hatred_n to_o he_o and_o herein_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n most_o eminent_o discover_v itself_o for_o to_o preserve_v the_o common_a right_n of_o justice_n be_v no_o extraordinary_a matter_n for_o a_o reveal_v religion_n to_o perform_v this_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o temporal_a interest_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o civil_a society_n may_v effect_v but_o to_o conquer_v those_o violent_a passion_n of_o hatred_n anger_n and_o desire_v of_o revenge_n to_o retain_v a_o quiet_a and_o undisturbed_a mind_n amid_o provoke_a injury_n and_o affront_v to_o entertain_v the_o insult_n of_o a_o enemy_n rather_o with_o pity_n than_o resentment_n and_o manifest_v how_o little_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o by_o a_o constant_a readiness_n to_o forgive_v they_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n and_o most_o certain_a mark_n of_o a_o soul_n fill_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o place_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a thing_n which_o have_v a_o entire_a command_n of_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n of_o the_o body_n and_o do_v in_o earnest_n pursue_v the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a religion_n these_o chief_o render_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n admirable_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o will_v make_v we_o the_o not_o unworthy_a disciple_n of_o so_o great_a a_o master_n last_o the_o charity_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v correspondent_a to_o all_o the_o other_o perfection_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o be_v most_o intense_a and_o of_o the_o high_a degree_n indeed_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o darling_n virtue_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n which_o he_o studious_o cultivate_v above_o all_o other_o to_o promote_v which_o all_o his_o design_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n tend_v and_o his_o example_n most_o direct_o lead_v all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n be_v almost_o so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n even_o his_o miracle_n which_o be_v primary_o wrought_v to_o testify_v his_o divine_a power_n bear_v eminent_a character_n of_o this_o love_a kindness_n be_v employ_v in_o heal_v the_o disease_n and_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o man_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o even_o his_o enemy_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v mark_n vii_o 37._o he_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n well_o he_o make_v both_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v and_o the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v but_o the_o high_a testimony_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v his_o inestimable_a love_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n his_o descent_n from_o heaven_n ignominious_a life_n upon_o earth_n and_o at_o last_o most_o painful_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o rescue_v his_o own_o creature_n who_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n hereby_o perceive_v we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o 1_o john_n iii_o 16._o and_o great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n a_o love_n so_o stupendous_a that_o it_o no_o less_o confound_v the_o apprehension_n than_o exceed_v the_o imitation_n of_o finite_a men._n to_o this_o the_o high_a expression_n of_o our_o charity_n be_v but_o faint_a attempt_n and_o imperfect_a shadow_n a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o it_o be_v beyond_o our_o capacity_n and_o therefore_o not_o require_v but_o whatsoever_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o can_v be_v but_o a_o mean_a return_n to_o so_o vast_a a_o obligation_n st._n john_n therefore_o make_v this_o easy_a and_o natural_a inference_n from_o it_o belove_v if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o john_n iu._n 11._o if_o our_o creator_n love_v we_o his_o creature_n who_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o worthy_a his_o love_n but_o have_v many_o way_n offend_v and_o deserve_v his_o extreme_a displeasure_n if_o he_o love_v we_o to_o so_o wonderful_a a_o degree_n sure_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v our_o fellow_n creature_n who_o have_v in_o they_o no_o less_o excellent_a perfection_n than_o ourselves_o with_o all_o possible_a affection_n which_o however_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n be_v yet_o infinite_o beneath_o the_o love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o especial_o since_o our_o saviour_n chief_o impose_v this_o condition_n on_o we_o in_o return_n of_o his_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o that_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o example_n john_n xiii_o 34_o 35._o a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o so_o that_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o very_a life_n of_o christianity_n without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o this_o in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n christian_n be_v eminent_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n when_o they_o devote_v all_o their_o possession_n to_o the_o office_n of_o charity_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a a_o excess_n of_o charity_n which_o however_o no_o long_a practicable_a than_o while_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n continue_v to_o be_v small_a and_o be_v therefore_o lay_v aside_o when_o the_o church_n become_v numerous_a as_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o convenient_a nor_o even_o possible_a yet_o clear_o show_v what_o be_v the_o primitive_a genius_n of_o christianity_n how_o exact_o they_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o their_o bless_a master_n and_o with_o what_o fervour_n of_o charity_n they_o be_v endue_v a_o fervour_n which_o expire_v not_o with_o the_o disuse_n of_o that_o apostolic_a custom_n of_o share_v their_o possession_n in_o common_a but_o continue_v to_o exert_v itself_o for_o some_o age_n after_o in_o all_o possible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o real_a charity_n insomuch_o that_o the_o heathen_n use_v to_o cry_v out_o in_o admiration_n see_v how_o these_o galilean_n love_v one_o another_o if_o then_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v accuse_v of_o have_v disobey_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n forsake_v his_o example_n and_o entire_o lose_v the_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n we_o must_v retreive_v that_o admirable_a charity_n which_o be_v by_o he_o so_o mighty_o enjoin_v practise_v and_o bequeath_v to_o his_o disciple_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o some_o of_o the_o great_a line_n and_o stroke_n of_o it_o and_o show_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v the_o most_o excellent_a which_o can_v possible_o be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o urge_v the_o imitation_n of_o it_o in_o some_o few_o word_n first_o then_o the_o imitation_n of_o this_o divine_a example_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a consider_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o disciple_n which_o include_v not_o only_o a_o obligation_n of_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o of_o follow_v his_o example_n as_o near_o as_o possible_a and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o assent_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o divine_a precept_n be_v proper_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o believer_n but_o of_o a_o disciple_n to_o imitate_v the_o action_n and_o conduct_v of_o his_o master_n and_o therefore_o the_o patriarch_n and_o jew_n may_v well_o be_v call_v believer_n in_o god_n but_o not_o the_o disciple_n of_o god_n precept_n only_o be_v give_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a example_n be_v not_o propose_v as_o a_o rule_n unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v also_o by_o way_n of_o eminence_n call_v his_o disciple_n because_o they_o be_v the_o constant_a witness_n and_o attendant_n of_o his_o life_n who_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o live_v and_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v his_o companion_n as_o well_o in_o moral_a as_o natural_a action_n although_o this_o title_n be_v not_o so_o far_o appropriate_v to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o we_o if_o we_o take_v the_o same_o care_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o they_o do_v we_o may_v follow_v it_o though_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o may_v pursue_v it_o though_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o and_o that_o
worthy_o be_v execute_v upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n much_o lef_n can_v the_o righteous_a receiâ—…_n the_o recompense_n of_o their_o just_a deed_n therein_o what_o happiness_n can_v be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a life_n worthy_a either_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n or_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o man_n be_v it_o riches_n or_o prosperity_n sensual_a delight_n and_o temporal_a convenience_n alas_o that_o god_n shall_v confer_v no_o more_o noble_a reward_n on_o his_o servant_n and_o follower_n that_o for_o such_o trifle_n only_o we_o shall_v employ_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o a_o careful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o after_o our_o labour_n and_o study_n to_o procure_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o virtue_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v attain_v no_o other_o reward_n than_o what_o even_o brute_n beast_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o ease_n of_o our_o body_n or_o if_o any_o voluptuous_a person_n shall_v be_v find_v so_o degenerous_a as_o to_o place_v his_o utmost_a felicity_n in_o these_o carnal_a enjoyment_n he_o will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o his_o design_a satisfaction_n although_o heap_v with_o all_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o constant_a thought_n of_o his_o approach_a end_n which_o may_v be_v defer_v but_o can_v be_v remove_v will_v embitter_v all_o his_o pleasure_n create_v a_o continual_a disquiet_n and_o torment_v he_o with_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o then_o what_o a_o inconsiderable_a happiness_n be_v that_o which_o a_o ague_n or_o a_o fever_n a_o mistake_n or_o a_o casualty_n may_v destroy_v so_o foolish_a be_v it_o for_o a_o pious_a man_n to_o expect_v or_o desire_v the_o completion_n of_o his_o reward_n in_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o much_o more_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v be_v as_o well_o impossible_a as_o unreasonable_a to_o exercise_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o please_a act_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o state_n if_o riches_n and_o prosperity_n be_v entail_v on_o just_a man_n only_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n under_o affliction_n no_o occasion_n for_o charity_n and_o contentment_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o beatitude_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v destroy_v what_o great_a demonstration_n of_o religion_n can_v there_o be_v than_o to_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o will_v then_o become_v not_o only_o indifferent_a but_o even_o unlawful_a be_v in_o that_o case_n a_o renunciation_n of_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o relinquish_a the_o assign_a reward_n by_o god_n what_o more_o certain_a manifestation_n of_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n or_o at_o least_o to_o forego_v all_o worldly_a possession_n when_o call_v to_o it_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v then_o no_o less_o foolish_a than_o impracticable_a when_o god_n shall_v suffer_v no_o persecution_n to_o arise_v and_o dispense_v no_o reward_n after_o death_n it_o will_v then_o in_o wisdom_n concern_v every_o man_n to_o continue_v his_o life_n and_o possession_n by_o all_o possible_a mean_n and_o overlook_a all_o interest_n stand_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o charity_n to_o miserable_a person_n will_v be_v unlawful_a for_o to_o the_o good_a who_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o calamity_n it_o will_v be_v unuseful_a and_o to_o show_v it_o to_o the_o bad_a in_o who_o misery_n be_v a_o punishment_n will_v be_v to_o reverse_v and_o overthrow_v the_o sentence_n of_o god_n nay_o to_o proceed_v yet_o far_o no_o virtue_n or_o vice_n obedience_n or_o disobedience_n to_o god_n will_v then_o take_v place_n for_o no_o virtue_n be_v acceptable_a no_o obedience_n deserve_v any_o reward_n from_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o our_o soul_n struggle_v with_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n or_o its_o own_o corrupt_a inclination_n as_o it_o include_v somewhat_o of_o difficulty_n in_o it_o somewhat_o which_o evidence_v a_o mature_a choice_n of_o right_a reason_n prevail_v over_o the_o opposition_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n whereas_o if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v execute_v in_o this_o life_n nothing_o will_v be_v leave_v wherein_o freewill_n may_v interpose_v all_o will_v indifferent_o strive_v to_o be_v good_a and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o difficult_a than_o to_o be_v wicked_a than_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v pious_a when_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n shall_v draw_v the_o same_o way_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o gratify_v our_o carnal_a desire_n will_v be_v to_o yield_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n what_o wonder_n will_v it_o be_v if_o man_n than_o serve_v god_n when_o it_o be_v even_o their_o temporal_a interest_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o righteous_a judge_n when_o their_o own_o sense_n permit_v they_o not_o to_o disbelieve_v it_o so_o that_o while_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n remain_v while_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n continue_v while_o a_o real_a difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v maintain_v and_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o laudable_a exercise_n of_o freewill_n we_o can_v judge_v it_o possible_a or_o expedient_a that_o the_o final_a sentence_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v execute_v in_o this_o life_n i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o consideration_n more_o which_o be_v that_o punishment_n can_v be_v inflict_v on_o wicked_a man_n in_o this_o life_n without_o make_v good_a man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n miâ—…erable_a it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o expect_v from_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o a_o constant_a miracle_n in_o favour_n of_o good_a man_n which_o may_v rescue_v they_o from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o pestilence_n sword_n or_o famine_n or_o if_o so_o great_a a_o discrimination_n can_v be_v allow_v good_a man_n will_v necessary_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o same_o suffering_n by_o their_o compassion_n by_o the_o loss_n and_o torment_n of_o their_o dear_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n who_o be_v torment_v for_o their_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n will_v interrupt_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o pious_a and_o compassionate_a man_n by_o their_o shriek_n and_o clamour_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v what_o a_o scence_z of_o horror_n theearth_n will_v then_o be_v if_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o execute_v his_o vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n what_o a_o face_n of_o cruelty_n and_o desolation_n will_v then_o appear_v it_o will_v then_o bear_v so_o true_a a_o resemblance_n of_o hell_n that_o good_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v annihilate_v than_o to_o be_v 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they_o and_o when_o neglect_v their_o duty_n punish_v they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o he_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o prophet_n amos_n chap._n iii_o ver._n 2._o you_o only_o have_v i_o know_v of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o you_o beyond_o other_o will_n i_o punish_v for_o all_o your_o iniquity_n and_o if_o god_n require_v a_o great_a return_n of_o obedience_n in_o proportion_n to_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o more_o signal_n obligation_n we_o must_v conclude_v ourselves_o far_o more_o near_o concern_v than_o be_v the_o jew_n as_o in_o the_o divine_a favour_n so_o in_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n argument_n hebr._n x._o he_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n 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eternity_n of_o his_o government_n this_o either_o the_o eternity_n or_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o original_a imply_v both_o and_o both_o mighty_o conduce_v to_o raise_v in_o we_o a_o extraordinary_a dread_n and_o veneration_n of_o god_n eternity_n consider_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o most_o transcendent_a and_o essential_a of_o all_o the_o perfection_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o indeed_o the_o fountain_n of_o they_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v eternal_a that_o be_v independent_a of_o any_o other_o cause_n include_v a_o necessity_n of_o existence_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o give_v a_o be_v to_o itself_o but_o whatsoever_o can_v give_v a_o be_v to_o itself_o can_v add_v all_o other_o perfection_n so_o that_o no_o be_v can_v be_v eternal_a which_o be_v not_o infinite_o and_o supreme_o perfect_a from_o hence_o all_o other_o being_n derive_v their_o perfection_n which_o 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original_a yet_o if_o we_o can_v but_o admire_v these_o how_o glorious_a and_o far_o exceed_v all_o imagination_n must_v the_o fountain_n of_o they_o be_v of_o which_o these_o be_v no_o other_o than_o minute_n stream_n or_o obscure_a ray_n to_o so_o glorious_a so_o infinite_o perfect_v a_o be_v what_o adoration_n be_v not_o due_a what_o sacrifice_n less_o than_o of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n can_v be_v proportionate_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o reflect_v that_o this_o so_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a a_o be_v have_v admit_v we_o to_o a_o near_a participation_n of_o himself_o in_o this_o life_n and_o promise_v to_o we_o a_o much_o near_o in_o the_o next_o that_o he_o have_v entail_v unconceivable_a reward_n on_o the_o faithfulobserver_n of_o his_o command_n and_o threaten_v the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n to_o the_o violator_n of_o they_o and_o then_o that_o all_o this_o will_v be_v most_o certain_o perform_v that_o his_o nature_n and_o decrecs_n be_v immutable_a that_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n neither_o shadow_n of_o change_n we_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n annex_v to_o these_o reward_n as_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o success_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o because_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a have_v promise_v the_o next_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v invisibility_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o precedent_a perfection_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n visible_a or_o material_a shall_v be_v infinite_o perfect_a or_o eternal_a for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 2_o cor._n iu_o 18._o this_o former_o distinguish_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n from_o heathen_n and_o idolater_n who_o frame_v to_o themselves_o visible_a god_n and_o be_v not_o without_o use_n even_o
promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o repentance_n because_o these_o ought_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o affect_v we_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o concern_v we_o the_o reward_n propose_v to_o the_o jew_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o temporary_a possession_n of_o a_o fruitful_a country_n to_o which_o perhaps_o some_o man_n will_v not_o value_v their_o title_n that_o they_o may_v gratify_v their_o lusts._n yet_o it_o be_v record_v as_o a_o heinous_a aggravation_n of_o the_o impiety_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o think_v scorn_n of_o that_o pleasant_a land_n and_o give_v no_o credence_n unto_o his_o word_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o noble_a reward_n be_v propose_v reward_n with_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v stand_v in_o competition_n and_o yet_o all_o bestow_v upon_o this_o single_a condition_n of_o repentance_n which_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o reward_n itself_o be_v despise_v how_o then_o 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time_n in_o comparison_n to_o this_o present_a life_n and_o remember_v the_o distinction_n of_o bliss_n and_o misery_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o the_o depart_a soul_n of_o good_a or_o wicked_a men._n what_o a_o dismal_a prospect_n will_v it_o then_o be_v to_o a_o soul_n employ_v in_o these_o meditation_n to_o consider_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o state_n be_v most_o certain_a but_o the_o application_n of_o either_o of_o they_o to_o themselves_o most_o uncertain_a unless_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n be_v secure_v by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n not_o to_o say_v that_o that_o soul_n can_v appear_v before_o god_n without_o extreme_a astonishment_n which_o god_n by_o all_o his_o glorious_a promise_n can_v not_o induce_v to_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n when_o the_o devil_n can_v tempt_v it_o by_o petty_a lust_n and_o foolish_a pleasure_n to_o its_o own_o destruction_n if_o then_o the_o proposition_n make_v by_o god_n to_o penitent_a christian_n be_v infinite_o more_o persuasive_a than_o all_o the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n sure_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v they_o till_o we_o can_v sin_n no_o more_o be_v a_o most_o foolish_a and_o deplorable_a obduration_n further_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n manifest_v the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n by_o contemn_v the_o dreadful_a punishment_n denounce_v by_o god_n against_o he_o and_o in_o this_o beyond_o other_o argument_n consist_v that_o execrable_a obduration_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o impenitence_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n pharaoh_n be_v chief_o say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n that_o when_o he_o have_v feel_v the_o most_o terrible_a punishment_n inflict_v upon_o himself_o and_o his_o nation_n and_o see_v other_o yet_o more_o grievous_a ready_a to_o be_v execute_v upon_o he_o after_o so_o many_o plague_n and_o threat_n employ_v for_o his_o correction_n he_o continue_v yet_o obstinate_a and_o as_o it_o be_v defy_v god_n or_o that_o i_o may_v come_v near_o to_o my_o text_n the_o most_o wicked_a aggravation_n of_o the_o obduration_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v their_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a punishment_n to_o they_o the_o high_a punishment_n be_v a_o temporal_a death_n and_o although_o by_o natural_a reason_n they_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o judgement_n and_o more_o impartial_a execution_n attend_v sinner_n in_o another_o life_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o they_o to_o who_o as_o no_o more_o than_o temporal_a reward_n be_v promise_v so_o no_o other_o than_o temporal_a punishment_n be_v threaten_v god_n have_v give_v frequent_a and_o terrible_a instance_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o this_o kind_n by_o destroy_v the_o most_o notorious_a delinquent_n among_o they_o by_o sword_n pestilence_n earthquake_n fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o many_o other_o way_n yet_o far_o from_o be_v terrify_v by_o these_o and_o discourage_v from_o displease_v god_n when_o their_o foolish_a desire_n be_v not_o gratify_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n they_o fear_v not_o open_o to_o declare_v their_o contempt_n of_o his_o punishment_n and_o themselves_o rather_o willing_a to_o undergo_v they_o than_o submit_v to_o his_o command_n as_o when_o they_o cry_v out_o numb_a fourteen_o 2._o will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v die_v in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n or_o will_v god_n we_o have_v die_v in_o this_o wilderness_n and_o more_o remarkable_o numb_a xx._n 3._o will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v die_v when_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v core_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n die_v before_o the_o lord_n a_o sober_a man_n may_v perhaps_o imagine_v it_o impossible_a to_o parallel_v so_o enormous_a a_o obstinacy_n do_v not_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o christian_n confute_v his_o supposition_n who_o dare_v withstand_v the_o threat_n of_o eternal_a fire_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o any_o impression_n from_o they_o it_o may_v perhaps_o not_o be_v unaccountable_a that_o resolute_a and_o desperate_a person_n shall_v despise_v a_o temporal_a death_n when_o not_o affright_v with_o any_o succeed_a judgement_n but_o to_o slight_v a_o punishment_n extreme_a in_o its_o sharpness_n and_o perpetual_a in_o its_o duration_n be_v such_o a_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o although_o acccompany_v with_o no_o other_o crime_n may_v just_o deserve_v to_o undergo_v the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o the_o punishment_n for_o the_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o god_n provide_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n not_o only_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a after_o death_n but_o also_o for_o the_o correction_n of_o all_o in_o this_o life_n that_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o they_o they_o may_v be_v affright_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n and_o even_o enforce_v to_o repentance_n if_o a_o most_o stupid_a obduration_n of_o mind_n do_v not_o intervene_v to_o all_o these_o aggravation_n of_o impenitence_n i_o shall_v be_v unwilling_a to_o add_v that_o none_o of_o the_o least_o or_o less_o usual_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a unbelief_n of_o the_o revelation_n promise_n or_o threat_v of_o god_n all_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v unwilling_a that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o belief_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o this_o cause_n who_o cite_v the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n hebr._n iii_o and_o exaggerate_v the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o jew_n ascribe_v it_o chief_o to_o their_o unbelief_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n have_v before_o warn_v all_o christian_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v consist_v with_o a_o wilful_a continuance_n in_o impenitence_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v real_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n prepare_v for_o man_n in_o another_o life_n both_o infinite_a and_o inexpressible_a
not_o the_o part_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v consider_v not_o what_o distinguish_v he_o from_o a_o beast_n the_o existence_n of_o his_o soul_n after_o death_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o receive_v reward_n or_o punishment_n from_o his_o supreme_a judge_n after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n beast_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a condition_n while_o life_n be_v continue_v to_o they_o and_o if_o a_o man_n imagine_v that_o nothing_o attend_v he_o beyond_o this_o life_n he_o do_v therein_o compare_v or_o level_a him-self_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v yet_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o this_o mistake_n be_v pardonable_a in_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v who_o religion_n teach_v they_o not_o to_o expect_v any_o reward_n or_o punishment_n beyond_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o life_n who_o argument_n of_o obedience_n be_v a_o earthly_a canaan_n a_o fruitful_a land_n a_o long_a life_n and_o abundance_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n their_o punishment_n no_o other_o than_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o by_o captivity_n oppression_n calamity_n or_o sudden_a death_n their_o father_n receive_v no_o other_o promise_n their_o law_n teach_v no_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o signal_n calamity_n be_v the_o indication_n of_o the_o divine_a displeasure_n arise_v from_o sin_n and_o freedom_n from_o misfortune_n argument_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n to_o particular_a person_n thus_o the_o apostle_n see_v a_o blind_a man_n present_o ask_v their_o lord_n whether_o for_o his_o own_o sin_n or_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o parent_n that_o calamity_n be_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o jew_n not_o partake_v with_o the_o galilean_n in_o their_o miserable_a end_n immediate_o conclude_v that_o neither_o have_v they_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o the_o guilt_n which_o they_o suppose_v draw_v that_o end_n upon_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o error_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o excusable_a their_o religion_n do_v not_o warrant_v they_o to_o make_v any_o such_o conclusion_n which_o propose_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o temporal_a reward_n or_o punishent_n to_o they_o yet_o do_v not_o teach_v that_o no_o other_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v by_o they_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o mistake_n be_v that_o what_o god_n have_v only_o promise_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n together_o they_o apply_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a he_o engage_v by_o his_o promise_n to_o bestow_v upon_o that_o nation_n a_o fruitful_a land_n to_o continue_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o to_o they_o while_o his_o worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v public_o and_o general_o maintain_v to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o multiply_v they_o and_o bless_v they_o by_o give_v they_o fruitful_a season_n secure_a peace_n or_o at_o least_o victory_n over_o the_o disturber_n of_o their_o peace_n he_o threaten_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o possession_n to_o afflict_v thém_n with_o the_o sword_n and_o pestilence_n to_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o deny_v the_o kind_a influence_n of_o heaven_n to_o they_o if_o they_o sorsook_v his_o worship_n or_o general_o violate_v his_o law_n in_o this_o general_a prosperity_n and_o calamity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n the_o promise_a reward_n or_o threaten_a punishment_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v include_v and_o no_o otherwise_o god_n no_o where_o promise_v to_o they_o that_o he_o will_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a interposition_n preserve_v the_o possession_n the_o peace_n and_o plenty_n of_o a_o few_o good_a man_n when_o the_o prevail_a and_o almost_o universal_a apostasy_n of_o the_o nation_n do_v require_v a_o general_a punishment_n in_o that_o case_n those_o few_o good_a man_n be_v to_o share_v in_o the_o common_a calamity_n and_o retain_v no_o advantage_n beyond_o the_o other_o beside_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o receive_n from_o god_n hereafter_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o obedience_n neither_o do_v he_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v extraordinary_o punish_v the_o wickedness_n of_o a_o few_o man_n when_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n shall_v continue_v in_o obedience_n to_o he_o they_o share_v in_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o particular_a sin_n be_v reserve_v to_o a_o future_a judgement_n we_o find_v indeed_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o god_n do_v ofttimes_o rescue_v good_a man_n from_o a_o general_a calamity_n as_o caleb_n and_o josh'ua_n in_o the_o wilderness_n jeremy_n in_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n and_o many_o other_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o sometime_o inflict_v exemplary_a punishment_n upon_o private_a sinner_n while_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n preserve_v entire_a their_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o still_o enjoy_v their_o peace_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o achan_n and_o uzziah_n but_o these_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v so_o many_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n exercise_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o government_n not_o in_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o that_o people_n which_o we_o find_v chief_o in_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n and_o therein_o can_v discover_v no_o other_o than_o general_a threat_n or_o promise_n make_v not_o to_o particular_a person_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a nation_n take_v in_o society_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n include_v no_o more_o be_v manife_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o follow_v time_n for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n violate_v his_o covenant_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o in_o after_o age_n the_o good_a be_v involve_v in_o the_o general_a calamity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o bad_a often_o escape_v unpunished_a in_o this_o world_n a_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o the_o contrary_a practice_n be_v never_o any_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v by_o god_n with_o that_o people_n thus_o mordecai_n and_o daniel_n be_v carry_v away_o in_o the_o captivity_n thus_o jeroboam_n and_o ahab_n reign_v secure_o the_o psalmist_n complain_v that_o the_o wicked_a enjoy_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o life_n and_o come_v in_o no_o misfortune_n like_o other_o man_n while_o the_o good_a be_v persecute_v afflict_a and_o kill_v all_o day_n long_o whereas_o if_o god_n have_v promise_v external_a happiness_n to_o every_o good_a man_n of_o that_o church_n in_o particular_a or_o denounce_v visible_a punishment_n upon_o the_o heinous_a sin_n of_o every_o single_a sinner_n it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a any_o such_o conduct_n shall_v have_v follow_v than_o that_o god_n shall_v lie_v it_o be_v therefore_o no_o other_o than_o a_o falsé_fw-fr persuasion_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o such_o sensible_a reward_n or_o punishment_n be_v entail_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a that_o terrible_a calamity_n be_v certain_a argument_n of_o every_o heinous_a crime_n though_o unknown_a to_o man_n and_o that_o eminent_a prosperity_n be_v a_o certain_a mark_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o our_o saviour_n here_o oppose_v and_o before_o they_o of_o the_o friend_n of_o job_n who_o argument_n do_v all_o proceed_v upon_o this_o principle_n and_o which_o occasion_v all_o those_o querulous_a expostulation_n with_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n concern_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o pious_a rather_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o have_v conclude_v that_o since_o god_n distinguish_v not_o always_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a by_o visible_a mark_n of_o his_o favour_n or_o disfavour_v since_o he_o suffer_v his_o prophet_n and_o devout_a worshipper_n to_o be_v stone_v to_o be_v saw_v asunder_o to_o wander_v about_o in_o misery_n and_o suffer_v all_o those_o affliction_n which_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n elegant_o describe_v since_o he_o permit_v the_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n to_o go_v on_o still_o in_o their_o wickedness_n to_o live_v in_o plenty_n and_o die_v in_o peace_n themselves_o have_v gross_o mistake_v the_o intent_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o that_o a_o visible_a impunity_n in_o this_o life_n be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o their_o own_o innocence_n than_o it_o be_v of_o those_o prosperous_a sinner_n at_o who_o continue_a happiness_n they_o murmur_v and_o who_o impiety_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o can_v not_o deny_v a_o right_a notion_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a conduct_n and_o distribution_n of_o justice_n under_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n will_v contribute_v much_o to_o remove_v a_o like_a prejudice_n from_o our_o mind_n with_o what_o they_o entertain_v for_o if_o under_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o confine_v itself_o whole_o
to_o the_o action_n and_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n god_n neither_o promise_v nor_o exercise_v any_o such_o constant_a visible_a justice_n which_o may_v distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a and_o sensible_o teach_v man_n the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o in_o the_o more_o spiritual_a religion_n of_o christ_n and_o more_o abstract_a from_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n any_o such_o discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a by_o external_n circumstance_n of_o prosperity_n shall_v take_v place_n that_o god_n shall_v constant_o awaken_v the_o negligence_n of_o slothful_a christian_n by_o severe_a and_o visible_a judgement_n or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o approve_v their_o conduct_n yet_o be_v this_o error_n almost_o as_o frequent_v among_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v former_o among_o the_o jew_n while_o man_n enjoy_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n secure_o and_o find_v themselves_o at_o ease_n they_o fond_o imagine_v that_o heaven_n also_o have_v declare_v itself_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n towards_o their_o vicious_a course_n lest_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o shall_v abridge_v their_o present_a happiness_n they_o be_v tell_v indeed_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n but_o conceive_v no_o great_a pleasure_n than_o what_o they_o now_o enjoy_v nor_o fear_v any_o great_a punishment_n than_o the_o deprivation_n of_o that_o enjoyment_n because_o they_o find_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o continue_v to_o they_o they_o â—…magine_v themselves_o secure_a and_o think_v that_o they_o either_o have_v escape_v the_o divine_a punishment_n or_o not_o deserve_v it_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o conclusion_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o god_n public_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n take_v separately_z say_v to_o increase_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n lead_v a_o miserable_a and_o afflict_a life_n undergo_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n of_o man_n most_o dread_v as_o poverty_n hunger_n pain_n and_o a_o violent_a death_n yet_o all_o this_o while_n continue_v to_o be_v the_o most_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n in_o conformity_n to_o his_o example_n his_o apostle_n to_o who_o he_o so_o often_o profess_v a_o extraordinary_a love_n suffer_v all_o the_o sensible_a inconvenience_n of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v yet_o the_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n now_o exalt_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o temporal_a affliction_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n any_o indication_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o contrary_a of_o his_o favour_n so_o then_o in_o vain_a do_v man_n reject_v or_o defer_v repentance_n because_o they_o see_v not_o the_o constant_a execution_n of_o his_o displeasure_n upon_o notorious_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n for_o how_o shall_v that_o displeasure_n exert_v itself_o not_o in_o poverty_n affliction_n or_o in_o temporal_a calamity_n for_o these_o we_o find_v in_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o his_o dear_a servant_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v any_o argument_n of_o the_o disfavour_n of_o god_n yet_o from_o these_o character_n alone_o man_n will_v take_v his_o measure_n who_o fond_o imagine_v nothing_o to_o be_v more_o dreadful_a than_o such_o disaster_n and_o know_v no_o great_a misery_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o they_o while_o he_o consult_v his_o sense_n alone_o but_o god_n see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v he_o know_v what_o will_v be_v real_a happiness_n and_o misery_n to_o man_n and_o therein_o place_v his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o his_o reward_n be_v not_o adapt_v to_o the_o sensual_a imagination_n of_o man_n so_o neither_o be_v his_o punishment_n to_o their_o fear_n and_o passion_n what_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o severe_a punishment_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o benefit_n but_o certain_o be_v so_o small_a a_o punishment_n as_o do_v not_o at_o all_o compensate_a the_o guilt_n of_o have_v offend_v a_o infinite_a majesty_n to_o revenge_v therefore_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n whole_o in_o this_o life_n can_v not_o but_o come_v far_o short_a of_o the_o demerit_n of_o their_o action_n and_o after_o all_o will_v but_o little_o contribute_v to_o manifest_v the_o divine_a justice_n of_o god_n or_o excite_v the_o repentance_n of_o man_n since_o what_o god_n will_v in_o that_o case_n inflict_v will_v be_v far_o different_a from_o what_o man_n esteem_v the_o great_a misery_n which_o render_v the_o constant_a execution_n of_o divine_a justice_n in_o this_o life_n unpracticable_a other_o consideration_n make_v it_o unreasonable_a and_o first_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v some_o time_n wherein_o man_n shall_v give_v a_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n during_o which_o time_n neither_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n of_o his_o action_n shall_v ordinary_o be_v distribute_v but_o both_o reserve_v till_o that_o probation_n shall_v expire_v and_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o man_n be_v know_v this_o time_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o life_n on_o earth_n in_o which_o man_n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n have_v propose_v to_o he_o the_o argument_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n the_o reward_n of_o that_o obedience_n and_o all_o other_o motive_n to_o his_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n allure_v he_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n tempt_v he_o the_o want_n of_o consideration_n fit_v he_o to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o sense_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o any_o other_o interest_n than_o that_o of_o this_o life_n his_o will_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o choice_n be_v still_o reserve_v entire_a to_o he_o life_n and_o death_n be_v set_v before_o he_o as_o it_o be_v by_o moses_n before_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v which_o he_o please_v still_o remember_v that_o upon_o his_o conduct_n in_o this_o life_n depend_v the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o his_o future_a state_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n god_n ordinary_o affright_v he_o not_o into_o his_o duty_n by_o a_o certain_a execution_n of_o punishment_n consequent_a in_o this_o life_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o his_o sin_n neither_o do_v he_o draw_v he_o to_o obedience_n by_o the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o reward_n for_o that_o will_v destroy_v all_o the_o merit_n of_o faith_n or_o obedience_n since_o the_o action_n of_o man_n will_v then_o proceed_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o sense_n not_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o believe_v this_o because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o or_o do_v that_o because_o god_n have_v command_v it_o i_o say_v that_o ordinary_o god_n do_v not_o dispose_v man_n to_o obedience_n by_o the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o justice_n execute_v in_o this_o life_n although_o often_o in_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n he_o do_v extraordinary_o in_o this_o life_n reward_v the_o eminent_a good_a action_n of_o his_o obedient_a servant_n and_o punish_v the_o more_o notorious_a sin_n of_o wicked_a men._n this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o man_n to_o who_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a light_n of_o revelation_n he_o do_v sometime_o indulge_v these_o extraordinary_a admonition_n but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o any_o rule_n by_o we_o we_o may_v not_o hence_o conclude_v that_o prosperity_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o the_o not_o inflict_v of_o exemplary_a revenge_n a_o sign_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o rather_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o a_o trial_n of_o obedience_n during_o which_o he_o patient_o await_v our_o resolution_n all_o this_o our_o lord_n manifest_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n which_o the_o housholder_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v pluck_v up_o till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n but_o till_o then_o be_v mix_v secure_o among_o the_o corn_n plain_o insinuate_v that_o the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n shall_v in_o this_o life_n make_v no_o discrimination_n between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a but_o suffer_v both_o alike_o to_o live_v secure_a without_o any_o denunciation_n of_o his_o judgement_n till_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n which_o himself_o explain_v to_o be_v the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n when_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n shall_v be_v sever_v from_o each_o other_o this_o proceed_n indeed_o do_v shock_n the_o common_a understanding_n of_o man_n but_o that_o arise_v from_o
this_o prejudice_n that_o man_n form_v rule_n from_o like_a case_n of_o this_o world_n fond_o imagine_v that_o man_n have_v escape_v all_o possibility_n of_o punishment_n when_o they_o have_v put_v off_o the_o body_n as_o the_o tyrant_n say_v of_o his_o adversary_n who_o have_v kill_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v escape_v his_o hand_n in_o that_o case_n man_n see_v not_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o and_o then_o those_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o consult_v the_o report_n of_o sense_n alone_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o little_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v perish_v that_o after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n since_o by_o that_o alone_a it_o be_v that_o man_n even_o in_o this_o life_n be_v sensible_a of_o either_o that_o after_o death_n it_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n subject_a to_o his_o dominion_n and_o responsible_a for_o all_o its_o action_n do_v in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o time_n of_o probation_n allow_v to_o it_o all_o this_o be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o parable_n follow_v in_o this_o chapter_n which_o our_o lord_n purposely_o deliver_v in_o confirmation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o text._n there_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o possessor_n of_o a_o vineyard_n wherein_o be_v a_o unfruitful_a vine_n the_o ordinary_a apprehension_n of_o man_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o dresser_n of_o that_o vineyard_n who_o perceive_v the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o vine_n present_o cry_v out_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v cut_v down_o that_o it_o cumber_v the_o ground_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v root_v up_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o vineyard_n the_o owner_n of_o the_o vineyard_n on_o the_o contrary_n command_v it_o shall_v be_v let_v alone_o for_o some_o while_n long_o that_o it_o may_v full_o appear_v if_o perhaps_o it_o will_v ever_o bear_v fruit_n during_o which_o he_o will_v the_o dresser_n of_o his_o vineyard_n to_o dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o to_o promote_v the_o fertility_n of_o it_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a and_o if_o after_o all_o it_o continue_v unfruitful_a then_o give_v sentence_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v cut_v down_o during_o the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n god_n execute_v not_o his_o final_a sentence_n upon_o man_n he_o do_v not_o immediate_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o tormenter_n upon_o the_o first_o act_n of_o disobedience_n for_o then_o alas_o who_o can_v be_v save_v but_o with_o a_o admirable_a patience_n await_v their_o repentance_n till_o the_o end_n of_o life_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o place_n of_o repentance_n leave_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n promote_v it_o by_o the_o solicitation_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o admonition_n of_o his_o pastor_n by_o all_o imaginable_a method_n which_o may_v incline_v the_o will_n of_o man_n without_o put_v any_o force_n upon_o it_o if_o then_o in_o this_o life_n we_o find_v not_o the_o just_a recompense_n of_o our_o evil_a action_n it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o pass_v unregarded_a by_o he_o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o deserve_v not_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n or_o that_o we_o continue_v in_o his_o favour_n but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o alter_v the_o method_n of_o his_o most_o prudent_a government_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o violate_v the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o it_o by_o which_o he_o have_v determine_v this_o world_n to_o be_v the_o stage_n of_o action_n for_o mankind_n and_o the_o next_o to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o judgement_n yet_o may_v not_o this_o forbearance_n of_o god_n encourage_v man_n to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n till_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 2._o be_v to_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o thereby_o to_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n our_o lord_n throughout_o all_o his_o gospel_n warn_v man_n concern_v the_o suddenness_n and_o unexpected_a time_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n in_o prevention_n of_o this_o fatal_a error_n what_o his_o second_o come_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o his_o last_o come_n in_o judgement_n will_v be_v to_o all_o mankind_n that_o death_n be_v to_o we_o which_o if_o it_o find_v we_o unprepared_a all_o the_o misery_n which_o christ_n denounce_v shall_v befall_v they_o will_v fall_v on_o we_o nor_o if_o life_n be_v assure_v to_o we_o can_v we_o at_o all_o time_n form_v such_o a_o true_a repentance_n as_o will_v qualify_v we_o for_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o transient_a sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n but_o in_o a_o total_a change_n of_o all_o the_o vicious_a habit_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will._n nor_o last_o be_v there_o any_o pardon_n promise_v to_o presumptuous_a sin_n deliberate_o commit_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o pardon_n offer_v to_o all_o true_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o of_o the_o nature_n necessity_n and_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o large_o in_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o these_o word_n in_o my_o next_o discourse_n the_o eleven_o sermon_n preach_v march_v 23d_o 16889_o 90._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n luk._n xiii_o 5._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n i_o describe_v to_o you_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a season_n to_o improve_v which_o i_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o repentance_n from_o these_o word_n and_o therein_o observe_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o pernicious_a mistake_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o divine_a justice_n not_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n do_v thereby_o warrant_v they_o and_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o such_o a_o visible_a execution_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o little_a necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o opposition_n to_o which_o i_o show_v you_o that_o however_o the_o jewish_a revelation_n may_v give_v some_o countenance_n to_o such_o a_o opinion_n yet_o that_o they_o have_v therein_o mistake_v their_o law_n that_o under_o christianity_n there_o be_v yet_o much_o less_o pretence_n to_o entertain_v such_o a_o persuasion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o present_a order_n of_o the_o world_n settle_v by_o he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o last_o that_o however_o god_n do_v ordinary_o bear_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n and_o defer_v the_o punishment_n of_o they_o to_o another_o world_n yet_o that_o this_o give_v no_o reasonable_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n till_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n after_o have_v remove_v these_o obstacle_n of_o repentance_n i_o proceed_v to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n and_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v take_v from_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v the_o certainty_n of_o destruction_n without_o repentance_n pronounce_v by_o our_o lord_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v perish_v and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o be_v insinuate_v in_o the_o same_o word_n that_o by_o repentance_n if_o true_a sincere_a and_o right_o apply_v destruction_n may_v be_v avoid_v these_o two_o then_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n and_o first_o i_o will_v improve_v the_o argument_n of_o repentance_n draw_v from_o the_o inevitable_a consequence_n of_o destruction_n attend_v the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o that_o consequence_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o argument_n when_o once_o a_o full_a conviction_n be_v form_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o most_o affect_v mankind_n their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v indeed_o more_o noble_a to_o pay_v our_o just_a obedience_n to_o god_n rather_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n than_o that_o of_o interest_n rather_o out_o of_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o the_o many_o benefit_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o entire_a subjection_n due_a to_o that_o almighty_a be_v than_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n but_o such_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o corrupt_v be_v his_o will_n and_o so_o much_o darken_v his_o understanding_n that_o this_o argument_n have_v be_v ever_o find_v insufficient_a god_n therefore_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n have_v be_v please_v to_o employ_v that_o more_o sensible_a argument_n of_o profit_n and_o interest_n by_o propofe_v reward_n to_o his_o obedient_a servant_n and_o denounce_v punishment_n to_o obstinate_a sinner_n a_o argument_n which_o can_v fail_v if_o man_n
and_o not_o break_v loose_a from_o the_o chain_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o state_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n be_v indeed_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o high_a confusion_n without_o any_o consolation_n or_o apparent_a possibility_n of_o recovery_n yet_o much_o great_a be_v the_o misery_n of_o a_o unrepentant_a sinner_n who_o suffer_v all_o this_o through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o until_o he_o be_v regenerate_v see_v no_o approach_a delivery_n from_o all_o these_o calamity_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o church_n be_v rescue_v by_o his_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o from_o all_o these_o misery_n be_v unhappy_a man_n deliver_v by_o his_o regeneration_n our_o lord_n by_o his_o resurrection_n vindicate_v his_o honour_n from_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v argue_v against_o his_o divinity_n from_o the_o seem_a imperfection_n of_o his_o suffering_n overthrow_v the_o design_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n endeavour_v to_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o his_o mission_n by_o the_o ignominy_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o that_o disgrace_n and_o despair_n which_o it_o have_v by_o his_o death_n incur_v such_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n resurrection_n and_o no_o less_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o rise_v with_o christ_n from_o sin_n unto_o a_o new_a life_n which_o remove_v that_o stain_n and_o imperfection_n introduce_v into_o our_o nature_n by_o sin_n restore_v it_o to_o that_o primitive_a glory_n which_o it_o obtain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n rescue_v we_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n repair_v the_o honour_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o render_v we_o infinite_o happy_a by_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n for_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o argument_n which_o enhance_v the_o glory_n os_fw-la christ_n resurrection_n that_o god_n by_o interpose_v in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n in_o his_o behalf_n evident_o manifest_v how_o dear_a he_o be_v unto_o he_o who_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v in_o hell_n in_o a_o state_n of_o disgrace_n nor_o suffer_v to_o see_v corruption_n this_o raise_v he_o beyond_o the_o degree_n of_o all_o mortal_a and_o corruptible_a man_n and_o place_v he_o in_o such_o a_o height_n of_o glory_n as_o can_v be_v resemble_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o regeneration_n of_o a_o christian_a wherein_o god_n interpose_v by_o his_o power_n not_o so_o visible_o indeed_o but_o no_o less_o miraculous_o convert_v assist_v and_o confirm_v he_o by_o his_o grace_n without_o which_o this_o admirable_a change_n can_v be_v effect_v a_o change_n which_o however_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n declare_v the_o power_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o produce_v habit_n of_o the_o most_o exalt_a virtue_n in_o a_o soul_n before_o overwhelm_v with_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n for_o resurrection_n denote_v not_o only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o calamity_n of_o death_n and_o corruption_n but_o also_o a_o enable_v any_o one_o to_o renew_v a_o active_a course_n of_o life_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o bare_o content_a to_o rescue_v his_o body_n from_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o insult_v of_o his_o enemy_n but_o he_o carry_v it_o with_o he_o triumphant_o into_o heaven_n and_o there_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n employ_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o mediate_v continual_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n if_o then_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n we_o must_v manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o resurrection_n by_o vital_a action_n proper_a to_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o spiritual_a virtue_n and_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o new_a society_n with_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v far_o a_o bare_a recovery_n of_o life_n deserve_v not_o the_o title_n of_o a_o resurrection_n for_o then_o the_o intermediate_v death_n will_v have_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n at_o least_o it_o reach_v not_o the_o illustrious_a example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n who_o after_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o far_o more_o glorious_a state_n than_o before_o his_o death_n before_o his_o crucifixion_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n sin_n only_o except_v after_o his_o resurrection_n exempt_v from_o they_o all-before_a his_o passion_n subject_a to_o change_v and_o decay_n after_o his_o resurrection_n instate_v in_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a possession_n of_o glory_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n amplify_v this_o very_a matter_n rom._n vi_o 9_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o his_o life_n precede_v and_o follow_v his_o resurrection_n be_v infinite_o different_a that_o contemptible_a and_o mean_a this_o glorious_a and_o terrible_a that_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n this_o exalt_a above_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n converse_v not_o open_o among_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o from_o that_o time_n a_o new_a and_o different_a state_n of_o life_n be_v to_o commence_v never_o any_o more_o to_o be_v alter_v or_o relinquish_v whence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o express_v it_o near_o in_o our_o life_n we_o ought_v to_o exceed_v what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o improve_v our_o obedience_n far_o than_o be_v exact_v of_o we_o in_o a_o state_n wherein_o no_o more_o than_o temporary_a reward_n be_v promise_v at_o least_o that_o after_o our_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a life_n after_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n we_o walk_v invariable_o whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o we_o suffer_v not_o ourselves_o to_o relapse_n into_o our_o former_a state_n which_o we_o relinquish_v bydy_v with_o christ_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o partake_v in_o his_o resurrection_n by_o a_o similitude_n in_o this_o life_n which_o may_v otherwise_o secure_v to_o we_o a_o near_a imitation_n of_o he_o by_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n in_o the_o next_o of_o this_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n without_o that_o signal_n confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n man_n will_v have_v be_v prone_a to_o disbelieve_v they_o it_o seem_v a_o matter_n incredible_a both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o god_n shall_v after_o many_o age_n recollect_v the_o scatter_a part_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o reunite_a they_o into_o their_o former_a frame_n once_o more_o animate_v they_o with_o a_o live_a soul_n this_o to_o some_o seem_v impossible_a to_o other_o improbable_a but_o both_o be_v refute_v by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n which_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n always_o urge_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o preach_v and_o be_v employ_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o the_o chief_a argument_n against_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o the_o 1_o epist._n xv._n chapter_n god_n have_v promise_v as_o well_o to_o raise_v up_o mankind_n at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n on_o the_o three_o day_n and_o the_o certain_a completion_n of_o this_o latter_a promise_n secure_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o former_a there_o be_v no_o more_o effectual_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o future_a benefit_n than_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o how_o all_o precede_a promise_n be_v infallible_o perform_v and_o thus_o in_o some_o sense_n all_o mankind_n may_v be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ_n inasmuch_o as_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v become_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v 1_o cor._n xv._n 20._o that_o as_o the_o whole_a mass_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n so_o all_o mankind_n receive_v a_o earnest_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v their_o resurrection_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n but_o then_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o proper_a manner_n all_o faithful_a christian_n may_v be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ._n there_o be_v a_o resurrection_n to_o death_n as_o well_o as_o life_n a_o terrible_a as_o well_o as_o a_o desirable_a resurrection_n to_o rise_v therefore_o with_o christ_n be_v the_o happy_a resurrection_n and_o that_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o epist._n i._n 4._o be_v to_o rise_v to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o all_o good_a and_o pious_a christian_n the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v sufficient_a assurance_n to_o they_o to_o such_o christ_n be_v a_o head_n