by_o his_o enemy_n into_o extreme_a danger_n of_o death_n which_o he_o common_o express_v by_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a word_n as_o psal._n xviii_o 4._o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o and_o verse_n 5._o the_o sorrow_n of_o hell_n compass_v i_o about_o and_o psal._n cxvi_o 3._o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n get_v hold_v upon_o i_o yet_o trust_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n amid_o all_o these_o calamity_n he_o rest_v assure_v of_o deliverance_n and_o express_v his_o confidence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n cite_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n my_o flesh_n shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n at_o that_o time_n receive_v and_o on_o all_o hand_n grant_v by_o the_o jew_n that_o david_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o his_o action_n suffering_n and_o deliverance_n prefigure_v the_o office_n the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n who_o shall_v descend_v from_o he_o and_o particular_o the_o apostle_n show_v how_o this_o passage_n be_v much_o more_o evident_o and_o literal_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n than_o in_o david_n he_o indeed_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o enemy_n and_o die_v in_o peace_n yet_o die_v he_o do_v and_o after_o death_n his_o soul_n be_v leave_v in_o hell_n that_o be_v among_o the_o dead_a or_o in_o the_o place_n of_o depart_a soul_n and_o his_o body_n do_v see_v corruption_n have_v be_v bury_v many_o hundred_o year_n but_o as_o for_o christ_n he_o die_v indeed_o yet_o his_o soul_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o hell_n neither_o do_v his_o body_n see_v corruption_n his_o soul_n be_v present_o reunite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o even_o during_o the_o separation_n not_o leave_v by_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v join_v to_o it_o neither_o be_v his_o body_n corrupt_v but_o raise_v up_o and_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o less_o than_o forty_o hour_n in_o which_o time_n the_o body_n of_o decease_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v corrupt_v according_a to_o the_o second_o interpretation_n christ_n be_v raise_v from_o a_o painful_a death_n to_o a_o opposite_a state_n to_o a_o condition_n of_o glory_n happiness_n power_n and_o immortality_n the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n so_o lively_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a office_n of_o the_o last_o week_n we_o can_v forget_v and_o over_o all_o these_o he_o eminent_o triumph_v in_o his_o resurrection_n upon_o this_o day_n he_o be_v then_o make_v subject_n to_o death_n but_o be_v now_o become_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o set_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o death_n for_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 rom._n vi_o 9_o he_o then_o bear_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o man._n he_o now_o dispense_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n grant_v to_o men._n he_o be_v then_o subject_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o own_o creature_n appear_v as_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o malefactor_n he_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n raise_v above_o the_o earth_n seat_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a unto_o he_o 1_o pet._n iii_o 22._o the_o word_n explain_v in_o their_o three_o sense_n infer_v the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o death_n effect_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n of_o his_o death_n burial_n and_o resurrection_n be_v as_o it_o be_v express_v hebr._n ii_o 14._o that_o he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n to_o do_v this_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o life_n contribute_v he_o convert_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n he_o confute_v the_o mistake_v of_o the_o seduce_v world_n he_o found_v a_o church_n wherein_o open_a enmity_n shall_v be_v profess_v to_o the_o devil_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o death_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o all_o this_o dispensation_n he_o glorious_o finish_v in_o his_o resurrection_n therein_o he_o literal_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o death_n he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a baffle_v the_o opposition_n and_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v vain_o imagine_v that_o by_o procure_v the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n to_o be_v give_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o redeemer_n his_o design_n and_o attempt_v promote_v that_o very_a end_n which_o he_o so_o much_o dread_v he_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n that_o christ_n shall_v both_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o to_o perfect_v our_o salvation_n that_o he_o be_v for_o a_o while_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n but_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o iii_o this_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o discourse_n of_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o christ_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o death_n the_o apostle_n found_v the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o in_o this_o place_n upon_o the_o determination_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o here_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a just_a or_o convenient_a as_o it_o be_v say_v matth._n ix_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n to_o mourn_v as_o long_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o fit_a or_o convenient_a in_o this_o sense_n than_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a or_o convenient_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n because_o he_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n the_o divine_a be_v unite_v to_o his_o humane_a nature_n it_o will_v have_v appear_v surprise_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o little_a affection_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v suffer_v that_o very_a body_n which_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v join_v to_o his_o own_o nature_n wherein_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a to_o continue_v in_o hell_n in_o the_o common_a state_n of_o mortality_n or_o to_o see_v corruption_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o divinity_n shall_v suffer_v that_o nature_n to_o be_v corrupt_v or_o lie_v neglect_v among_o the_o dead_a to_o which_o itself_o continue_v to_o be_v unite_v even_o in_o the_o grave_a this_o we_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v believe_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v oppose_v this_o wonderful_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n his_o very_a resurrection_n will_v convince_v their_o error_n for_o to_o raise_v a_o dead_a body_n to_o life_n again_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o work_n of_o omnipotence_n that_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o god_n alone_o yet_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o raise_v up_o his_o own_o body_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o jew_n john_n ii_o 19_o destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o in_o three_o day_n i_o will_v raise_v it_o up_o speak_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n as_o the_o evangelist_n subjoin_v and_o again_o john_n x._o 18._o no_o man_n take_v my_o life_n from_o i_o but_o i_o lay_v it_o down_o of_o myself_o i_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o i_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o again_o our_o lord_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o to_o glorify_v he_o will_v never_o have_v claim_v this_o power_n have_v it_o not_o be_v inherent_a in_o himself_o he_o therefore_o by_o his_o own_o power_n reunite_v his_o soul_n to_o his_o body_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o exclusion_n to_o the_o other_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n who_o all_o concur_v therein_o for_o power_n be_v a_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n continue_v undivided_a in_o the_o person_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o the_o father_n be_v say_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o have_v raise_v up_o his_o son_n since_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a person_n in_o that_o bless_a trinity_n
therein_o than_o he_o do_v before_o scarce_o any_o man_n however_o have_v plentiful_o enjoy_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n if_o his_o life_n can_v be_v renew_v to_o he_o upon_o condition_n of_o live_v again_o in_o the_o same_o and_o in_o no_o other_o manner_n than_o he_o do_v before_o will_v esteem_v it_o any_o great_a benefit_n he_o may_v perhaps_o accept_v it_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n because_o he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o die_v but_o for_o the_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o it_o he_o will_v hardly_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v desirable_a such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n consider_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o what_o great_a excellency_n can_v be_v discover_v in_o all_o this_o which_o may_v nourish_v our_o pride_n or_o enlarge_v our_o pretence_n so_o inconsiderable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v mankind_n and_o then_o shall_v so_o mean_v a_o be_v vie_n with_o god_n require_v the_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v overrule_v for_o his_o sake_n become_v swell_v with_o pride_n think_v himself_o more_o worthy_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o continual_o aspire_v to_o great_a privilege_n than_o be_v at_o first_o assign_v to_o he_o alas_o poor_a mortal_n however_o thou_o may_v advance_v thy_o pretence_n and_o flatter_v thyself_o with_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o thy_o own_o greatness_n that_o body_n which_o thou_o carry_v about_o with_o thou_o and_o can_v not_o shake_v off_o that_o very_a body_n upon_o which_o and_o the_o dependence_n of_o it_o thou_o so_o much_o valu_a thyself_o proclaim_v thy_o imperfection_n if_o i_o shall_v call_v thou_o dust_n and_o ash_n thy_o end_n will_v manifest_v thou_o to_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o will_v only_o express_v thy_o infirmity_n i_o want_v a_o word_n to_o express_v the_o vanity_n of_o thy_o mind_n if_o i_o shall_v call_v thou_o nothing_o thyself_o have_v often_o confess_v thyself_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o nothing_o when_o amid_o the_o cross_n of_o fortune_n or_o torment_n of_o disease_n thou_o have_v often_o wish_v to_o become_v nothing_o for_o to_o avoid_v they_o and_o will_v once_o again_o wish_v it_o after_o death_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o correct_v thy_o foolish_a arrogance_n so_o little_a reason_n have_v man_n in_o general_a to_o value_v himself_o upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o as_o to_o the_o divers_a pretension_n beforementioned_a have_v yet_o much_o less_o if_o atheist_n pretend_v a_o independent_a existence_n from_o god_n let_v they_o demonstrate_v it_o by_o continue_v their_o existence_n for_o ever_o if_o they_o can_v at_o first_o bestow_v existence_n upon_o themselves_o they_o may_v by_o the_o same_o power_n always_o continue_v it_o if_o this_o exceed_v their_o ability_n much_o more_o will_v the_o other_o if_o deist_n assert_v the_o action_n of_o man_n to_o be_v uncontrolled_a by_o god_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v whole_o neglect_v by_o he_o let_v they_o 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almost_o all_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o use_n of_o man_n that_o god_n have_v not_o deny_v to_o we_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o may_v indeed_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n man_n be_v create_v for_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o woman_n for_o the_o man_n that_o be_v not_o for_o that_o end_n alone_o but_o for_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n and_o thus_o even_o the_o angel_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o man_n be_v send_v forth_o as_o minister_a spirit_n to_o such_o as_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n but_o to_o imagine_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v only_o for_o the_o use_n and_o the_o sake_n of_o man_n have_v no_o appearance_n of_o truth_n to_o affirm_v that_o of_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o be_v so_o far_o superior_a to_o we_o in_o dignity_n will_v be_v a_o intolerable_a arrogance_n and_o to_o assert_v it_o even_o of_o other_o create_a being_n will_v be_v a_o vain_a presumption_n perhaps_o not_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v visible_a to_o we_o and_o then_o what_o be_v we_o concern_v in_o so_o many_o vast_a orb_n as_o be_v beyond_o our_o heaven_n i_o know_v many_o have_v imagine_v they_o to_o have_v be_v create_v for_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reception_n of_o our_o glorify_a body_n after_o the_o resurrection_n but_o that_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o conceit_n to_o need_v any_o refutation_n even_o in_o the_o visible_a world_n no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n lay_v undiscovered_a and_o not_o a_o little_a of_o what_o we_o know_v be_v whole_o unuseful_a to_o we_o it_o become_v we_o rather_o with_o reverence_n to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o subjection_n to_o god_n our_o common_a creator_n than_o endeavour_n to_o set_v ourselves_o before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o flatter_v ourselves_o into_o a_o ambitious_a opinion_n of_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o ascribe_v so_o much_o excellency_n to_o our_o nature_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n ought_v to_o be_v violate_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o be_v a_o pride_n exceed_v all_o comparison_n as_o if_o the_o petty_a interest_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n than_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a order_n and_o therein_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o earth_n and_o heaven_n which_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n direct_v by_o the_o author_n of_o it_o bestow_v on_o we_o but_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v overturn_v and_o the_o general_a law_n of_o its_o government_n be_v reverse_v for_o we_o yet_o this_o unreasonable_a expectation_n general_o seize_v man_n in_o affliction_n when_o all_o the_o hard_a word_n which_o they_o heap_v upon_o adverse_a fortune_n be_v direct_v against_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o impartial_a execution_n of_o which_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o little_a interest_n of_o private_a man_n produce_v that_o diversity_n of_o accident_n which_o be_v general_o call_v fortune_n far_o to_o murmur_v at_o the_o divine_a administration_n of_o the_o world_n because_o no_o more_o excellent_a or_o more_o certain_a happiness_n be_v assign_v to_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o unreasonable_a ambition_n of_o be_v more_o noble_a creature_n than_o we_o real_o be_v for_o while_o we_o be_v a_o compound_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n endue_v with_o gross_a organ_n of_o sense_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o our_o pleasure_n shall_v be_v other_o than_o gross_a and_o adapt_v to_o the_o organ_n of_o their_o reception_n that_o be_v our_o sense_n we_o may_v tire_v ourselves_o in_o hunt_v after_o new_a method_n of_o happiness_n and_o afflict_v ourselves_o in_o the_o disappointment_n of_o they_o but_o while_o our_o nature_n continue_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v and_o the_o same_o order_n be_v preferve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v any_o other_o than_o what_o they_o be_v that_o be_v mean_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o duration_n to_o propose_v the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o life_n of_o a_o absolute_a imperturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o constant_a infallibility_n be_v no_o less_o vain_a and_o to_o boast_v of_o such_o perfection_n as_o some_o have_v do_v little_o less_o than_o madness_n our_o present_a nature_n admit_v no_o such_o improvement_n which_o while_o we_o be_v content_a to_o own_o we_o must_v also_o own_o those_o
his_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n at_o that_o time_n the_o soldier_n send_v to_o break_v his_o leg_n while_o hang_v on_o the_o cross_n that_o so_o they_o may_v hasten_v his_o death_n who_o they_o suppose_v not_o yet_o to_o have_v expire_v find_v he_o already_o dead_a joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o the_o devout_a woman_n which_o follow_v he_o take_v he_o down_o from_o the_o cross_n lay_v he_o in_o his_o grave_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v then_o dead_a his_o disciple_n who_o if_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v offer_v will_v not_o easy_o believe_v he_o dead_a from_o who_o they_o then_o expect_v a_o temporal_a kingdom_n yet_o be_v so_o far_o persuade_v of_o it_o that_o at_o his_o first_o appear_v to_o they_o they_o be_v affright_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n to_o these_o proof_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v add_v to_o evince_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o death_n a_o evidence_n which_o be_v want_v to_o all_o the_o relation_n of_o man_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a oppose_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o allege_v from_o plato_n the_o story_n of_o eris_n lie_v for_o many_o day_n among_o the_o dead_a body_n and_o after_o that_o recover_a life_n again_o and_o pretend_v that_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n who_o they_o set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n have_v raise_v a_o certain_a person_n to_o life_n but_o the_o first_o be_v not_o relate_v by_o any_o for_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o the_o fact_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o case_n the_o heathen_a historian_n confess_v that_o he_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o person_n be_v true_o dead_a nor_o after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v it_o less_o evident_a that_o christ_n be_v true_o alive_a invest_v with_o soul_n and_o body_n all_o the_o action_n of_o life_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o real_a body_n meet_v in_o he_o he_o be_v see_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v such_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o which_o prove_v his_o body_n not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a phantasm_n or_o aerial_a apparition_n he_o talk_v and_o reason_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o demonstrate_v that_o body_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o rational_a soul_n he_o appeal_v to_o their_o sense_n of_o feeling_n command_v they_o to_o handle_v he_o say_v to_o unbelieving_a thomas_n reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n and_o behold_v my_o hand_n and_o reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n which_o manifest_v that_o the_o body_n which_o he_o then_o offer_v to_o that_o trial_n be_v that_o very_a body_n which_o have_v suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o still_o retain_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o spear_n that_o this_o same_o body_n and_o soul_n reunite_v be_v also_o join_v to_o the_o divinity_n as_o before_o his_o passion_n appear_v from_o his_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v after_o his_o resurrection_n thus_o we_o have_v a_o true_a proper_a and_o real_a resurrection_n and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n first_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n the_o faith_n of_o who_o although_o so_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v die_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a of_o these_o the_o pious_a woman_n be_v first_o bless_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o reward_n of_o their_o maintain_v their_o love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o when_o his_o apostle_n have_v forsake_v he_o or_o that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o garden_n where_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v immediate_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o before_o he_o be_v yet_o depart_v out_o of_o it_o they_o see_v he_o know_v he_o and_o salute_v he_o hold_v he_o by_o the_o foot_n and_o worship_v he_o the_o apostle_n be_v advertise_v of_o it_o by_o they_o haste_v to_o see_v their_o master_n and_o receive_v not_o only_o a_o transient_a view_n of_o he_o but_o converse_v with_o he_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o afterward_o he_o appear_v to_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o and_o at_o last_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o friend_n we_o will_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o enemy_n which_o in_o all_o case_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n the_o soldier_n who_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o watch_v his_o sepulchre_n plain_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n which_o accompany_v his_o resurrection_n although_o be_v astonish_v and_o confound_v at_o such_o unusual_a prodigy_n they_o do_v not_o well_o perceive_v it_o or_o perhaps_o be_v not_o suffer_v by_o their_o fear_n to_o stay_v till_o christ_n shall_v proceed_v out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n they_o feel_v the_o earthquake_n which_o remove_v the_o stone_n roll_v to_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n they_o see_v the_o countenance_n of_o a_o angel_n like_o lightning_n and_o his_o raiment_n white_a as_o snow_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v shake_v and_o become_v as_o dead_a man_n and_o come_v into_o the_o city_n show_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v as_o we_o read_v matth._n xxviii_o ii_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n have_v before_o join_v with_o man_n in_o celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o here_o concur_v in_o witness_v his_o resurrection_n the_o woman_n come_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n betimes_o in_o the_o morning_n present_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o look_v for_o the_o body_n of_o their_o belove_a lord_n in_o the_o sepulchre_n find_v there_o two_o angel_n in_o white_a sit_v one_o at_o the_o head_n the_o other_o at_o the_o foot_n where_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n have_v lie_v who_o say_v to_o they_o why_o seek_v you_o the_o dead_a among_o the_o live_n he_o be_v not_o here_o he_o be_v rise_v come_v see_v the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n lie_v last_o if_o we_o shall_v imagine_v both_o his_o friend_n and_o enemy_n the_o report_n of_o sense_n ofttimes_o repeat_v to_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o resurrection_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o it_o this_o he_o have_v do_v not_o only_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n comfort_v enable_v and_o encourage_v the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n but_o also_o in_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n with_o concurrent_a miracle_n as_o it_o be_v act_v iu_o 33._o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n they_o open_o affirm_v it_o upon_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o then_o in_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o affirmation_n wrought_v sign_n and_o miracle_n which_o to_o the_o spectator_n do_v as_o full_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v it_o do_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v exert_v his_o omnipotent_a power_n in_o work_a miracle_n for_o the_o attestation_n of_o a_o lye_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o reality_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o the_o ii_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n express_v in_o those_o word_n have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n which_o be_v various_o interpret_v some_o maintain_v that_o they_o imply_v only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o death_n and_o rescue_v from_o the_o grave_a other_o that_o they_o point_v out_o the_o dolorous_a suffering_n by_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o grave_a and_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o a_o state_n opposite_a to_o that_o humiliation_n a_o three_o sort_n understanding_n by_o they_o a_o destruction_n of_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o death_n all_o these_o opinion_n be_v support_v with_o great_a reason_n nor_o will_v it_o here_o be_v proper_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a examination_n which_o of_o they_o rather_o be_v to_o be_v embrace_v they_o be_v all_o rational_a consonant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o significative_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n i_o will_v therefore_o apply_v they_o all_o the_o first_o opinion_n include_v only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o death_n that_o be_v a_o reunion_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n separate_v by_o death_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o chief_o refer_v to_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o here_o allege_v by_o the_o apostle_n david_n have_v be_v often_o bring_v
the_o miscarriage_n of_o either_o if_o it_o concern_v matter_n of_o obedience_n to_o himself_o or_o of_o ordinary_a duty_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v no_o less_o fatal_a or_o criminal_a to_o pervert_v the_o understanding_n than_o to_o corrupt_v the_o will_n and_o then_o to_o plead_v ignorance_n or_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n will_v be_v no_o more_o allow_v than_o to_o plead_v drunkenness_n for_o crime_n commit_v in_o that_o absence_n of_o right_a reason_n there_o be_v not_o in_o all_o history_n a_o more_o enormous_a sin_n to_o be_v find_v than_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o messiah_n by_o they_o none_o so_o severe_o brand_v in_o scripture_n or_o punish_v with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o judgement_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o our_o saviour_n hang_v on_o the_o cross_n declare_v that_o those_o his_o persecutor_n know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o although_o he_o then_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o charity_n intercede_v for_o their_o pardon_n yet_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n will_v not_o grant_v it_o much_o less_o continue_v to_o they_o the_o former_a favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o such_o will_v have_v be_v the_o visible_a and_o public_a preach_v of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n far_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v herein_o nor_o be_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n reason_n do_v require_v and_o all_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v pass_v through_o a_o double_a state_n that_o be_v of_o humiliation_n and_o glory_n in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n before_o his_o death_n he_o have_v undergo_v all_o the_o misery_n ignominy_n and_o calamity_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v subject_a he_o be_v press_v with_o the_o want_n of_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n be_v afflict_v with_o the_o insult_v provocation_n and_o injury_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v deliver_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v treat_v at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o these_o meritorious_a suffering_n be_v to_o ensue_v a_o state_n of_o glory_n wherein_o christ_n shall_v be_v place_v far_o above_o the_o rank_n and_o the_o power_n of_o mortal_a man_n shall_v be_v exempt_v from_o the_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n and_o enter_v upon_o a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n this_o state_n of_o exaltation_n be_v begin_v in_o his_o resurrection_n perfect_v by_o his_o ascension_n and_o continue_v without_o interruption_n to_o all_o age_n it_o be_v not_o then_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a honour_n that_o the_o sacred_a body_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n now_o exalt_v to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n shall_v be_v again_o subject_v to_o the_o attempt_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n and_o reduce_v to_o his_o former_a mean_a condition_n yet_o all_o this_o can_v not_o have_v be_v avoid_v if_o christ_n have_v appear_v public_o among_o the_o people_n after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o same_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n will_v have_v return_v unless_o he_o have_v please_v by_o a_o miracle_n to_o rescue_v his_o body_n from_o their_o attempt_n a_o miracle_n indeed_o be_v no_o less_o easy_a to_o his_o almighty_a power_n than_o any_o other_o ordinary_a operation_n yet_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v not_o to_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o great_a reason_n and_o the_o impiety_n of_o that_o people_n deserve_v not_o to_o have_v a_o miracle_n confer_v on_o they_o or_o have_v christ_n appear_v open_o among_o they_o even_o although_o he_o can_v have_v be_v secure_v from_o their_o persecution_n it_o must_v either_o have_v be_v in_o his_o former_a meek_a and_o humble_a habit_n and_o as_o such_o they_o will_v have_v despise_v he_o or_o what_o they_o greedy_o expect_v as_o a_o glorious_a prince_n arm_v with_o power_n and_o temporal_a greatness_n and_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o design_n who_o declare_v his_o kingdom_n not_o to_o be_v of_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o this_o respect_n only_o be_v the_o public_a appear_v of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n contrary_a to_o his_o design_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o have_v then_o public_o manifest_v himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o have_v remove_v the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n will_v have_v be_v to_o have_v continue_v his_o prophetical_a office_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n for_o therein_o do_v his_o prophetical_a or_o ministerial_a office_n consist_v in_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o preach_v of_o repentance_n in_o convert_v of_o sinner_n this_o office_n be_v to_o expire_v with_o his_o life_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n his_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o therewith_o his_o regal_a office_n be_v to_o commence_v upon_o which_o account_n himself_z when_o ready_a to_o expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n say_v it_o be_v finish_v all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n be_v now_o full_o complete_v not_o to_o be_v personal_o renew_v again_o he_o have_v perform_v all_o that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v determine_v to_o be_v effect_v by_o he_o in_o person_n towards_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o rest_n he_o be_v to_o commit_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n himself_o be_v no_o long_a to_o remain_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n which_o he_o have_v take_v on_o he_o but_o enter_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n which_o he_o by_o his_o former_a preach_v and_o death_n have_v found_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n namely_o ii_o that_o even_o if_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v appear_v and_o converse_v public_o it_o will_v yet_o have_v fail_v to_o produce_v a_o universal_a conviction_n and_o remove_v all_o doubt_n this_o be_v undeniable_o manifest_a in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o for_o who_o we_o be_v most_o concern_v and_o of_o all_o age_n subsequent_a to_o that_o time_n for_o allow_v that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v ocular_a witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n yet_o all_o other_o person_n both_o of_o that_o and_o all_o succeed_a age_n will_v have_v have_v no_o other_o proof_n than_o what_o we_o now_o have_v that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n all_o other_o even_o in_o that_o case_n will_v have_v equal_o want_v the_o demonstration_n of_o sense_n and_o must_v have_v depend_v upon_o the_o relation_n of_o other_o so_o that_o all_o the_o certainty_n which_o any_o can_v have_v of_o matter_n see_v and_o relate_v by_o other_o we_o have_v unless_o we_o imagine_v that_o five_o hundred_o can_v as_o certain_o judge_v of_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o so_o many_o million_o and_o even_o if_o so_o many_o million_o have_v see_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v expect_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v several_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n and_o so_o testify_v it_o to_o we_o we_o must_v still_o have_v rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o few_o historian_n and_o that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o number_n of_o ocular_a witness_n be_v then_o confine_v to_o five_o hundred_o we_o who_o be_v not_o bless_v with_o that_o sight_n have_v the_o same_o evidence_n of_o it_o as_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n then_o live_v have_v see_v it_o whatever_o force_n therefore_o the_o objection_n may_v have_v in_o that_o age_n it_o have_v none_o in_o we_o we_o have_v sufficient_a argument_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o equal_a and_o even_o superior_a to_o those_o upon_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o ourselves_o do_v not_o see_v and_o if_o we_o reject_v these_o argument_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o even_a demonstration_n will_v move_v we_o if_o it_o can_v be_v have_v for_o whatever_o man_n may_v pretend_v in_o excuse_n of_o their_o infidelity_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v what_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o upon_o reasonable_a although_o '_o but_o probable_a motive_n will_v not_o even_o yield_v to_o demonstration_n if_o the_o truth_n propose_v oppose_v his_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o doubt_n which_o unreasonable_a man_n produce_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o unbelief_n it_o will_v be_v too_o gross_a and_o shameless_a to_o assign_v the_o true_a cause_n and_o allege_v that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o check_v their_o vice_n restrain_v their_o lust_n forbid_v the_o gratification_n of_o many_o belove_a passion_n they_o
without_o control_v dare_v to_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n vilify_v his_o person_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n but_o now_o they_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o contestable_a proof_n from_o heaven_n that_o his_o person_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a his_o doctrine_n divine_a and_o themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a wickedness_n in_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n have_v suffer_v aspersion_n in_o not_o revenge_v the_o suffering_n and_o reward_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o son_n but_o now_o this_o be_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o the_o jew_n convince_v that_o neither_o their_o wickedness_n shall_v pass_v unpunished_a nor_o his_o merit_n unrewarded_a the_o devil_n have_v triumph_v in_o his_o suppose_a conquest_n over_o christ_n and_o his_o imagination_n of_o have_v baffle_v the_o design_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o procure_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o his_o arrogant_a pretension_n be_v henceforth_o to_o be_v check_v his_o hope_n to_o be_v defeat_v his_o empire_n to_o be_v dissolve_v all_o these_o advantage_n be_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o all_o these_o our_o lord_n sum_v up_o and_o promise_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n in_o which_o word_n we_o may_v inquire_v i._o in_o what_o sense_n all_o these_o effect_n and_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ii_o how_o far_o these_o promise_a effect_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o mission_n be_v perform_v as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o word_n reprove_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o original_a be_v take_v from_o judicial_a proceed_n and_o signify_v a_o confutation_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n by_o such_o proof_n and_o testimony_n as_o 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this_o conviction_n not_o only_o by_o their_o gift_n receive_v and_o labour_n perform_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n but_o by_o all_o their_o miracle_n sermon_n and_o preach_v perform_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o ministry_n all_o these_o action_n be_v equal_o direct_v to_o the_o same_o end_n the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o in_o virtue_n of_o those_o ability_n which_o they_o receive_v upon_o this_o day_n all_o their_o gift_n and_o labour_n be_v sole_o owe_v to_o his_o power_n and_o derive_v from_o his_o grant_n their_o knowledge_n to_o his_o inspiration_n their_o courage_n and_o constancy_n to_o his_o support_n their_o speak_v to_o his_o impulse_n their_o miracle_n to_o his_o power_n their_o success_n to_o his_o blessing_n so_o that_o all_o which_o they_o perform_v aught_o true_o and_o proper_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o the_o miracle_n action_n and_o prophecy_n of_o their_o lord_n before_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o the_o 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truth_n of_o they_o so_o that_o however_o many_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n can_v not_o but_o be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o his_o divinity_n yet_o the_o universal_a conviction_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o courage_n and_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o proclaim_v his_o action_n and_o doctrine_n to_o all_o man_n and_o if_o need_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o other_o no_o less_o extraordinary_a miracle_n second_o the_o chief_a note_n affix_v by_o god_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o prophet_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o completion_n of_o his_o prophecy_n thus_o in_o deut._n xviii_o when_o moses_n assure_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o god_n shall_v raise_v they_o up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o himself_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n he_o give_v they_o this_o token_n whereby_o to_o judge_v between_o the_o true_a and_o any_o false_a messiah_n if_o the_o prediction_n of_o he_o who_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v real_o come_v to_o pass_v then_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o almost_o only_a prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o can_v serve_v as_o sign_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o age_n be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o resurrection_n of_o himself_o after_o three_o day_n imprisonment_n in_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o that_o generation_n shall_v pass_v away_o the_o first_o be_v happy_o accomplish_v upon_o this_o day_n when_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n
opinion_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a happiness_n himself_o in_o order_n recount_v his_o dignity_n and_o they_o admire_v they_o he_o report_v the_o favour_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o they_o extol_v they_o he_o boast_v of_o his_o grandeur_n and_o riches_n and_o they_o proclaim_v he_o happy_a yet_o himself_o who_o best_o know_v what_o happiness_n he_o receive_v from_o thence_o declare_v himself_o unhappy_a and_o all_o this_o to_o avail_v he_o nothing_o last_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o haman_n whilst_o yet_o in_o full_a favour_n with_o his_o prince_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v great_a demonstration_n of_o it_o he_o suffer_v no_o apprehension_n of_o lose_v his_o present_a enjoyment_n such_o thought_n indeed_o distract_v a_o worldly_a man_n embitter_v all_o his_o pleasure_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o rest_v content_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o he_o to_o relish_v any_o delight_n while_o afflict_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n while_o despair_v to_o retain_v his_o present_a 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of_o his_o speech_n ver._n 12._o for_o he_o say_v moreover_o yea_o esther_n the_o queen_n do_v let_v no_o man_n come_v in_o with_o the_o king_n unto_o the_o banquet_n that_o she_o have_v prepare_v but_o myself_o and_o to_o morrow_n be_o i_o invite_v unto_o she_o also_o with_o the_o king_n far_o from_o fear_v the_o loss_n of_o his_o present_a greatness_n he_o probable_o hope_v the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o conclude_v that_o all_o this_o avail_v he_o nothing_o if_o then_o haman_n under_o all_o these_o circumstance_n miss_v of_o his_o desire_a end_n of_o be_v make_v happy_a by_o worldly_a enjoyment_n we_o may_v reasonable_o suspect_v some_o defect_n to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o neither_o haman_n can_v nor_o any_o other_o can_v receive_v any_o real_a happiness_n from_o thence_o and_o this_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o in_o some_o few_o consideration_n first_o then_o nothing_o on_o this_o side_n heaven_n be_v able_a to_o satiate_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o however_o temporal_a benefit_n may_v at_o a_o distance_n ravish_v the_o imagination_n and_o create_v extraordinary_a conception_n of_o their_o own_o excellency_n yet_o when_o obtain_v they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v empty_a and_o trifle_a unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o fill_v its_o capacity_n they_o be_v like_o the_o fruit_n of_o sodom_n which_o by_o their_o external_a beauty_n attract_v the_o eye_n but_o when_o touch_v crumble_v into_o ash_n while_o they_o be_v yet_o only_a object_n of_o desire_n man_n frame_v to_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v system_n of_o happiness_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o they_o no_o soon_o do_v they_o become_v object_n of_o fruition_n but_o the_o meanness_n of_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o after_o a_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o man_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v this_o be_v not_o that_o he_o desire_v that_o which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o he_o be_v never_o enable_v by_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o to_o say_v i_o be_o now_o complete_o happy_a i_o here_o terminate_v my_o desire_n he_o be_v force_v to_o carry_v his_o desire_n yet_o far_o and_o seek_v true_a felicity_n somewhere_o else_o which_o while_o constant_a to_o his_o principle_n he_o can_v place_v no_o where_o else_o than_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o happiness_n this_o therefore_o he_o earnest_o pursue_v yet_o never_o attain_v that_o degree_n if_o he_o fix_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o degree_n he_o may_v indeed_o arrive_v at_o that_o but_o when_o arrive_v find_v himself_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o remove_v from_o true_a happiness_n he_o turmoil_v and_o distract_v himself_o experience_v the_o vanity_n of_o former_a project_n invent_v new_a method_n of_o happiness_n until_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o life_n and_o design_n together_o the_o great_a of_o these_o worldly_a enjoyment_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v riches_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o latter_a be_v common_a even_o to_o beast_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o sense_n no_o less_o strong_a and_o lively_a than_o men._n and_o then_o sure_o none_o will_v so_o far_o debase_v his_o nature_n as_o to_o level_v himself_o with_o beast_n by_o propose_v to_o himself_o a_o felicity_n of_o which_o they_o be_v no_o less_o capable_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v indeed_o that_o as_o we_o consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n god_n intend_v happiness_n to_o each_o part_n that_o he_o put_v we_o into_o this_o world_n to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a even_o in_o this_o life_n but_o then_o as_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o constitute_v but_o one_o person_n the_o pleasure_n of_o either_o must_v be_v such_o as_o consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o as_o the_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o body_n by_o impose_v on_o it_o unnecessary_a rigour_n and_o mortification_n so_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v debase_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o body_n a_o limit_v use_n of_o pleasure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o body_n but_o then_o that_o very_a limitation_n suppose_v a_o better_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n of_o man_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o be_v limit_v and_o after_o all_o the_o real_a happiness_n of_o such_o limit_a pleasure_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o report_n of_o the_o sense_n enjoy_v they_o as_o in_o the_o reflex_n thought_n of_o the_o soul_n form_v to_o its_o self_n a_o act_n of_o complacency_n for_o have_v limit_v they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o unlimited_a use_n of_o these_o pleasure_n instead_o of_o confer_v a_o real_a benefit_n involve_v man_n in_o trouble_n and_o anxiety_n in_o care_n and_o danger_n and_o when_o enjoy_v endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n no_o long_o than_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n continue_v when_o expire_v leave_v only_o a_o weariness_n and_o nauseousness_n behind_o they_o so_o then_o sensual_a pleasure_n conduce_v little_a to_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o man_n unless_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o to_o be_v the_o utmost_a happiness_n of_o man_n which_o render_v he_o happy_a but_o for_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o then_o as_o to_o riches_n the_o natural_a use_n of_o they_o be_v subordinate_v to_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o the_o conveniency_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o can_v bestow_v nothing_o beyond_o they_o if_o any_o imagine_v as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o too_o many_o do_v that_o the_o very_a satisfaction_n of_o possess_v riches_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o bear_v any_o part_n in_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n this_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o unmanly_a a_o conception_n as_o nothing_o can_v exceed_v the_o wickedness_n of_o it_o nothing_o can_v equal_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o great_a depravation_n of_o nature_n than_o all_o the_o villainy_n of_o sense_n or_o sin_n of_o violence_n and_o if_o no_o punishment_n attend_v it_o hereafter_o will_v rather_o deserve_v our_o scorn_n than_o envy_n the_o acquisition_n of_o riches_n be_v general_o indeed_o at_o least_o indirect_o refer_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n to_o be_v procure_v by_o they_o and_o as_o such_o can_v carry_v the_o happiness_n of_o they_o no_o far_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o will_v permit_v which_o we_o before_o consider_v not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o riches_n that_o those_o who_o seek_v after_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o set_v bound_n to_o their_o desire_n and_o although_o in_o the_o acquire_n of_o they_o they_o general_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o command_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v obtain_v they_o yet_o they_o seldom_o begin_v in_o earnest_a a_o fruition_n of_o they_o ever_o propose_v a_o end_n to_o themselves_o
mistake_v of_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n which_o i_o propose_v and_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o solve_n this_o difficulty_n every_o one_o of_o they_o form_v a_o different_a opinion_n yet_o all_o come_v short_a of_o truth_n eliphaz_n who_o speak_v first_o assert_v that_o god_n inflict_v temporal_a misfortune_n on_o no_o man_n but_o by_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o some_o enormous_a sin_n and_o therefore_o urge_v job_n to_o confess_v his_o secret_a sin_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v xxii_o 5._o be_v not_o thy_o wickedness_n great_a and_o thy_o iniquity_n infinite_a and_o so_o on_o where_o he_o affirm_v job_n to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n only_o because_o god_n have_v heap_v extraordinary_a calamity_n upon_o he_o bildad_o maintain_v that_o god_n may_v as_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n afflict_v man_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o antecedent_n sin_n but_o than_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o justice_n to_o recompense_v it_o to_o he_o by_o subsequent_a prosperity_n for_o thus_o he_o express_v himself_o viii_o 6_o 7._o if_o thou_o be_v pure_a and_o upright_a sure_o now_o he_o will_v awake_v for_o thou_o and_o make_v the_o habitation_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n prosperous_a though_o thy_o beginning_n be_v small_a yet_o thy_o latter_a end_n shall_v great_o increase_v zophar_n deliver_v his_o opinion_n throughout_o the_o whole_a xi_o chap._n that_o god_n may_v in_o right_n of_o his_o supreme_a power_n lay_v the_o heavy_a affliction_n upon_o man_n without_o any_o respect_n either_o to_o antecedent_n sin_n or_o subsequent_a recompense_n elihu_n think_v that_o god_n may_v afflict_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n indifferent_o but_o that_o if_o good_a man_n receive_v the_o affliction_n humble_o and_o with_o submission_n and_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o and_o if_o bad_a man_n be_v move_v to_o repent_v through_o it_o god_n will_v remove_v the_o affliction_n and_o restore_v prosperity_n to_o they_o especial_o if_o a_o angel_n intercede_v for_o they_o as_o he_o express_v himself_o at_o large_a in_o the_o xxxiii_o chap._n last_o job_n whatever_o his_o opinion_n may_v be_v while_o his_o calamity_n be_v yet_o fresh_a and_o any_o hope_n remain_v of_o the_o speedy_a removal_n of_o it_o or_o however_o he_o may_v alter_v his_o judgement_n after_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o trouble_n when_o the_o disease_n grow_v inveterate_a and_o no_o hope_n of_o delivery_n yet_o appear_v he_o seem_v to_o have_v think_v that_o god_n intermedled_n not_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o world_n and_o reserve_v neither_o reward_n for_o the_o good_a nor_o punishment_n for_o the_o bad_a which_o opinion_n he_o propose_v chief_o in_o the_o xxi_o chap._n all_o these_o opinion_n be_v alike_o erroneous_a and_o yet_o all_o found_v upon_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n those_o of_o eliphaz_n bildad_n and_o elihu_n upon_o his_o justice_n those_o of_o zophar_n and_o job_n upon_o his_o power_n the_o error_n of_o the_o three_o first_o plain_o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o determine_v matter_n above_o their_o knowledge_n confine_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o the_o dispensation_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o this_o life_n only_o have_v this_o which_o they_o all_o suppose_a be_v indeed_o true_a one_o at_o least_o of_o their_o opinion_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v receive_v otherwise_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v clear_v but_o what_o ground_n have_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n exercise_v his_o judgement_n in_o this_o life_n only_o may_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n the_o quality_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o a_o immaterial_a and_o immortal_a soul_n teach_v they_o that_o another_o world_n be_v a_o far_o more_o convenient_a tribunal_n for_o this_o judicature_n or_o if_o they_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n for_o want_n of_o revelation_n yet_o at_o least_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a and_o wherewith_o our_o saviour_n afterward_o convince_v the_o jew_n may_v not_o i_o say_v the_o experience_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o god_n do_v not_o ultimate_o bestow_v his_o reward_n and_o consequent_o not_o his_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n they_o have_v receive_v glorious_a promise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a benefit_n to_o be_v receive_v from_o god_n promise_n which_o may_v just_o make_v they_o expect_v some_o eminent_a advantage_n beyond_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o just_a expectation_n be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o world_n wherein_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n expose_v to_o injury_n and_o trouble_v with_o frequent_a affliction_n and_o that_o till_o death_n a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o god_n reserve_v the_o consummation_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o another_o life_n as_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o zophar_n that_o god_n may_v bring_v affliction_n on_o man_n for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o absolute_a and_o arbitrary_a power_n over_o mankind_n that_o overthrow_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o will_v render_v his_o government_n tyrannical_a and_o even_o like_a to_o that_o of_o hell_n which_o sport_n in_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v a_o most_o wise_a be_v and_o can_v do_v such_o a_o vain_a act_n he_o be_v a_o most_o just_a be_v and_o can_v execute_v such_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n he_o never_o afflict_v or_o prosper_v man_n by_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o this_o life_n but_o either_o for_o their_o reward_n their_o punishment_n or_o their_o correction_n as_o for_o the_o prosperity_n or_o affliction_n which_o may_v befall_v man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v respect_v indeed_o none_o of_o all_o those_o end_n nor_o do_v they_o concern_v our_o present_a case_n last_o the_o opinion_n of_o job_n that_o god_n interpofe_v not_o extraordinary_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n may_v be_v confute_v from_o the_o same_o attribute_n and_o consideration_n for_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v that_o god_n allow_v and_o ratify_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v say_v when_o he_o give_v such_o a_o illustrious_a testimony_n of_o integrity_n to_o he_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v only_o to_o vindicate_v he_o from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o his_o friend_n more_o particular_o eliphas_n and_o elihu_n maintain_v that_o his_o affliction_n have_v befall_v he_o for_o the_o enormity_n of_o his_o antecedent_n sin_n god_n confirm_v not_o his_o speech_n make_v in_o answer_n to_o they_o by_o this_o suffrage_n and_o therefore_o job_n himself_o deplore_v the_o rashness_n of_o his_o opinion_n in_o xlii_o 6._o wherefore_o i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a or_o derogatory_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o honour_n among_o men._n only_a job_n assert_v not_o pertinacious_o as_o his_o friend_n do_v their_o opinion_n he_o conclude_v not_o peremptory_o but_o only_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v not_o discover_v any_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o god_n by_o visible_a effect_n in_o this_o life_n a_o opinion_n indeed_o which_o too_o many_o have_v take_v up_o and_o some_o do_v yet_o maintain_v but_o which_o can_v be_v allow_v without_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o religion_n and_o reason_n also_o for_o do_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o just_a that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o death_n but_o can_v we_o conceive_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_o good_a who_o after_o have_v create_v man_n and_o settle_v he_o in_o the_o world_n take_v no_o far_a care_n of_o he_o abandon_v he_o to_o chance_n and_o there_o stop_v the_o emanation_n of_o his_o goodness_n can_v he_o be_v perfect_o just_a who_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o universal_a calamity_n or_o opression_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v but_o often_o happen_v notwithstanding_o the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o his_o government_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o maintain_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n do_v we_o not_o destroy_v his_o government_n when_o we_o confine_v it_o only_o to_o another_o life_n or_o perhaps_o allow_v it_o no_o place_n in_o either_o since_o god_n have_v create_v the_o world_n the_o government_n of_o it_o have_v become_v necessary_a to_o he_o and_o then_o not_o to_o derive_v at_o any_o time_n any_o extraordinary_a influence_n upon_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o commendable_a than_o for_o a_o temporal_a prince_n to_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v unconcern_v for_o the_o affair_n of_o
holiness_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o thereby_o to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n yet_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o interest_n may_v enforce_v we_o to_o obedience_n this_o obviate_v all_o the_o objection_n even_o of_o worldly_a man_n who_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o labour_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o felicity_n in_o this_o life_n if_o it_o can_v never_o true_o be_v find_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n a_o thorough_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v banish_v all_o sinful_a temptation_n and_o extravagant_a desire_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n for_o man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o deplorable_a and_o irrational_a of_o all_o creature_n if_o they_o prefer_v a_o present_a trifle_n before_o a_o future_a treasure_n and_o voluntary_o quit_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n to_o retain_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v common_a to_o beast_n and_o not_o only_o do_v this_o truth_n hold_v in_o quit_v the_o momentany_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o for_o a_o exchange_n of_o future_a glory_n but_o even_o in_o undergo_a the_o great_a affliction_n of_o this_o life_n and_o embrace_v death_n itself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o our_o saviour_n chief_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o place_n for_o when_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n he_o have_v foretell_v that_o bear_v the_o cross_n shall_v be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o decline_v this_o cross_n and_o save_v his_o life_n by_o a_o denial_n of_o his_o faith_n shall_v thereby_o incur_v a_o much_o great_a punishment_n than_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n he_o subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o system_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v institute_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o enlarge_v or_o satisfy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n but_o to_o increase_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n improve_v its_o faculty_n and_o procure_v to_o it_o a_o happiness_n commensurate_a to_o the_o vastness_n of_o its_o desire_n and_o the_o liberality_n of_o its_o creator_n whosoever_o therefore_o serious_o intend_v to_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o my_o gospel_n must_v prepare_v himself_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o quit_v all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n embrace_v affliction_n and_o not_o decline_v death_n whensoever_o the_o malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o my_o command_n shall_v require_v that_o trial_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v not_o only_o perform_v his_o duty_n but_o secure_a and_o promote_v his_o interest_n for_o those_o who_o shall_v base_o renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o i_o or_o violate_v my_o command_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n and_o avoid_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n shall_v after_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o much_o great_a loss_n and_o punishment_n than_o that_o which_o they_o so_o cowardly_o fear_v and_o ungenerous_o decline_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o shall_v willing_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o slight_v all_o the_o terror_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o preserve_v their_o obedience_n to_o i_o entire_a and_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o gospel_n shall_v be_v certain_o crown_v with_o so_o great_a a_o reward_n that_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n will_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v attain_v by_o it_o this_o be_v your_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o my_o command_n your_o profit_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v quit_v that_o particular_a share_n and_o portion_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n to_o secure_v thereby_o his_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n but_o even_o if_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o world_n be_v â—â—aped_v upon_o one_o single_a man_n or_o can_v be_v all_o obtain_v by_o denial_n of_o my_o religion_n or_o violation_n of_o my_o law_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o so_o great_a a_o crime_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v prevaricate_v upon_o such_o mean_a consideration_n will_v find_v in_o the_o end_n when_o he_o cast_v up_o his_o account_n that_o he_o have_v gain_v nothing_o to_o evince_v illustrate_v and_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o great_a truth_n be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n which_o therefore_o i_o shall_v divide_v into_o these_o two_o head_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n ii_o that_o this_o interest_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o soul_n render_v miserable_a by_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i._o that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o this_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o revelation_n and_o command_n of_o god_n under_o the_o first_o head_n may_v be_v comprise_v the_o nature_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o peculiar_a perfection_n and_o reward_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o first_o then_o the_o dignity_n and_o precedence_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o age_n by_o wife_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n nay_o even_o the_o more_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v ever_o firm_o believe_v this_o as_o a_o opinion_n plant_v in_o they_o by_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v suppose_v by_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o least_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o it_o all_o false_a religion_n be_v invent_v by_o man_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n propose_v by_o god_n mere_o for_o the_o improvement_n and_o direction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v it_o be_v this_o only_a which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o the_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o beast_n which_o liken_n we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v we_o little_a inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v this_o whereby_o we_o contemplate_v the_o admirable_a and_o wonderful_a perfection_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a whereby_o we_o form_n habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o do_v any_o thing_n grateful_a to_o our_o creator_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o god_n and_o know_v his_o will._n and_o therefore_o prov._n xx._n 27._o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v call_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o by_o that_o only_o we_o receive_v the_o divine_a illumination_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n this_o dignity_n and_o preference_n of_o the_o soul_n beyond_o the_o body_n may_v be_v at_o large_a demonstrate_v from_o many_o other_o consideration_n but_o i_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o three_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o men._n as_o first_o by_o the_o soul_n alone_o we_o receive_v the_o influence_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n some_o divine_a benefit_n indeed_o belong_v also_o to_o the_o body_n as_o creation_n and_o preservation_n but_o those_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o creature_n and_o belong_v equal_o to_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o create_a being_n whereas_o the_o favour_n grant_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v peculiar_a to_o it_o and_o to_o infinite_o great_a value_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o knowledge_n desire_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o improvement_n all_o the_o superadded_a happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v entire_o bestow_v on_o it_o alone_o all_o revelation_n be_v give_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o noble_a be_v that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n in_o happiness_n to_o who_o it_o be_v little_a inferior_a in_o dignity_n to_o rescue_v this_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o god_n descend_v from_o heaven_n live_v a_o afflict_a life_n and_o die_v a_o shameful_a death_n into_o this_o as_o into_o a_o capacious_a treasure_n be_v all_o the_o divine_a grace_n convey_v grace_n of_o which_o the_o body_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a than_o a_o stock_n or_o
stone_n last_o by_o the_o merit_n or_o gild_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o body_n will_v be_v hereafter_o either_o save_v or_o condemn_v if_o then_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n be_v primary_o bestow_v upon_o the_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a receptacle_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o divine_a grace_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o it_o if_o all_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o the_o body_n depend_v upon_o the_o well-doing_n of_o the_o soul_n certain_o this_o soul_n deserve_v our_o great_a regard_n and_o consideration_n as_o by_o which_o alone_o we_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o by_o imitate_v his_o perfection_n as_o far_o as_o our_o finite_a nature_n will_v permit_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o soul_n alone_o which_o distinguish_v one_o man_n from_o another_o and_o make_v any_o person_n more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n it_o be_v a_o childish_a mistake_n of_o man_n to_o imagine_v that_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o temporal_a greatness_n give_v a_o real_a excellency_n to_o mankind_n or_o confer_v a_o true_a dignity_n upon_o the_o possessor_n of_o they_o since_o all_o these_o outward_a advantage_n be_v common_a to_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o profligate_v of_o man_n who_o as_o they_o be_v most_o miserable_a in_o themselves_o so_o they_o deserve_v no_o other_o than_o the_o slight_a and_o contempt_n of_o all_o who_o know_v they_o not_o to_o say_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frail_a and_o momentany_a of_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v bereave_v in_o a_o hour_n either_o by_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o fortune_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o but_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o our_o wise_a creator_n shall_v assign_v that_o to_o be_v our_o chief_a perfection_n of_o which_o we_o may_v either_o be_v deprive_v or_o defraud_v and_o that_o our_o happiness_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o power_n and_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o another_o man._n in_o that_o case_n we_o shall_v have_v be_v more_o miserable_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o become_v happy_a so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o the_o great_a and_o eminent_a endowment_n of_o his_o soul_n which_o the_o poor_a of_o man_n may_v obtain_v and_o when_o obtain_v can_v by_o no_o art_n or_o fraud_n be_v take_v from_o he_o thus_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o eminent_a perfection_n of_o daniel_n the_o honour_n and_o reverence_n pay_v to_o he_o and_o dignity_n confer_v upon_o he_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v in_o he_o dan._n vi_o 3._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o cause_v he_o to_o surpass_v the_o ordinary_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o make_v he_o the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n not_o that_o a_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a soul_n be_v infuse_v at_o first_o into_o he_o than_o into_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n for_o all_o soul_n be_v create_v equal_a and_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o same_o improvement_n but_o that_o he_o have_v adorn_v it_o with_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o worthy_a the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o esteem_v of_o men._n and_o herein_o clear_o appear_v both_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n that_o all_o these_o improvement_n and_o cultivation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v equal_o possible_a to_o the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a men._n poverty_n and_o temporal_a calamity_n can_v exclude_v we_o from_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o in_o that_o from_o the_o great_a happiness_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n to_o be_v true_o more_o excellent_a than_o his_o rich_a neighbour_n and_o to_o ensure_v to_o himself_o the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n although_o not_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o earth_n thus_o god_n have_v in_o truth_n make_v a_o equal_a distribution_n to_o all_o man_n by_o assign_v to_o all_o soul_n a_o equal_a capacity_n for_o as_o for_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n when_o put_v in_o the_o scale_n with_o piety_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n they_o deserve_v not_o the_o least_o consideration_n there_o be_v some_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n indeed_o which_o be_v not_o common_a and_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o all_o man_n as_o learning_n and_o a_o exquisite_a knowledge_n these_o may_v put_v in_o a_o fair_a plea_n for_o a_o intrinsic_a worth_n and_o excellency_n as_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o soul_n when_o once_o acquire_v of_o infinite_a use_n in_o this_o life_n and_o perhaps_o great_a in_o the_o next_o but_o then_o there_o be_v disadvantage_n attend_v such_o acquire_v knowledge_n which_o may_v just_o take_v off_o the_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o become_v no_o reasonable_a object_n of_o envy_n to_o a_o pious_a unlearned_a christian._n as_o that_o it_o render_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n infinite_o more_o difficult_a to_o the_o possessor_n of_o it_o expose_v they_o to_o many_o and_o great_a temptation_n not_o common_a to_o all_o other_o person_n but_o chief_o because_o more_o and_o great_a duty_n be_v require_v of_o they_o great_a and_o more_o severe_a punishment_n attend_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o in_o the_o more_o unlearned_a sort_n god_n require_v no_o more_o than_o a_o hearty_a sincerity_n belief_n and_o sure_a trust_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o principle_n of_o common_a honesty_n in_o they_o he_o willing_o over-seeth_a small_a and_o trivial_a fault_n and_o impute_v not_o error_n to_o they_o unless_o they_o influence_n and_o corrupt_v their_o practice_n but_o of_o the_o more_o learned_a sort_n of_o christian_n he_o require_v right_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o worthy_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n employ_v their_o knowledge_n to_o the_o good_a of_o other_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o after_o all_o a_o exact_a observation_n of_o the_o most_o minute_n punctilio_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o they_o mistake_n be_v dangerous_a and_o pardon_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v obtain_v if_o indeed_o at_o last_o they_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n they_o will_v shine_v there_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a station_n and_o bright_a glory_n but_o then_o even_o the_o low_a degree_n in_o heaven_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n than_o we_o can_v either_o imagine_v or_o conceive_v thus_o all_o the_o true_o desirable_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v possible_a to_o all_o and_o debar_v from_o none_o those_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n a_o active_a zeal_n to_o his_o service_n a_o strict_a sobriety_n in_o ourselves_o and_o a_o fervent_a charity_n to_o all_o our_o neighbour_n how_o far_o these_o will_v advance_v the_o dignity_n of_o our_o soul_n appear_v hence_o that_o these_o only_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n that_o it_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o uninterrupted_a possession_n of_o these_o which_o make_v angel_n and_o the_o want_n of_o these_o which_o make_v devil_n last_o our_o body_n when_o consider_v alone_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a beyond_o other_o material_a creature_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o improvement_n it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o same_o mass_n of_o matter_n with_o other_o body_n and_o after_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o death_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o same_o corruption_n become_v filth_n and_o rottenness_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o most_o odious_a of_o all_o thing_n nay_o even_o in_o this_o life_n it_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o miserable_a condition_n with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n if_o it_o be_v not_o actuate_v by_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a soul_n which_o rescue_v it_o from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o dull_a and_o vile_a matter_n and_o give_v it_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v join_v to_o and_o be_v the_o companion_n of_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o so_o far_o be_v this_o body_n from_o receive_v new_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n that_o it_o continual_o decay_v till_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o ash_n and_o become_v as_o the_o dung_n of_o the_o earth_n none_o yet_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n can_v give_v beauty_n to_o their_o body_n or_o as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o add_v one_o cubit_n to_o their_o stature_n none_o with_o the_o great_a art_n and_o industry_n can_v make_v their_o sense_n more_o quick_a and_o accurate_a but_o certain_o not_o any_o can_v procure_v immortality_n to_o their_o body_n a_o privilege_n which_o natural_o belong_v
upon_o his_o constant_a guard_n lest_o he_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v surprise_v and_o sure_o a_o surprise_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v avoid_v where_o so_o many_o passage_n must_v be_v guard_v when_o the_o enemy_n may_v enter_v in_o by_o the_o sense_n or_o imagination_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o external_a object_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o internal_a thought_n and_o all_o these_o as_o numerous_a and_o various_a as_o be_v the_o object_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v or_o about_o which_o they_o be_v employ_v scarce_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v we_o not_o discover_v some_o passion_n predominant_a to_o the_o rest_n and_o which_o may_v he_o be_v allow_v to_o indulge_v he_o will_v confident_o undertake_v for_o the_o good_a behaviour_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o this_o liberty_n christianity_n deny_v to_o he_o enjoin_v he_o a_o universal_a conquest_n of_o all_o his_o passion_n a_o general_a performance_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n forbid_v the_o omission_n of_o any_o one_o duty_n upon_o pain_n of_o incur_v the_o gild_n of_o all_o and_o this_o be_v true_o so_o great_a a_o difficulty_n that_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v any_o far_a reason_n why_o the_o best_a christian_n of_o all_o age_n be_v but_o hardly_o save_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o more_o near_o concern_v we_o i_o will_v mention_v but_o two_o 1._o the_o want_n of_o a_o universal_a example_n and_o 2._o the_o want_n of_o miracle_n by_o these_o the_o ancient_a christian_n convert_v the_o heathen_a world_n and_o through_o want_n of_o these_o we_o be_v almost_o return_v to_o heathenism_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o powerful_a argument_n of_o virtue_n to_o all_o ingenuous_a man_n when_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o retain_v the_o character_n they_o have_v undertake_v without_o a_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o piety_n when_o to_o be_v a_o vicious_a christian_a be_v to_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o world_n when_o vice_n be_v a_o singularity_n and_o dissent_n from_o all_o other_o of_o the_o same_o denomination_n whereas_o in_o latter_a age_n the_o whole_a have_v be_v invert_v the_o character_n universal_o retain_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o a_o pious_a christian_a must_v dissent_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n from_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o virtue_n be_v become_v a_o singularity_n inasmuch_o as_o what_o can_v be_v sufficienty_n lament_v many_o ingenuous_a mind_n have_v be_v betray_v to_o sin_n to_o which_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o incline_v lest_o they_o shall_v appear_v uncivil_a and_o morose_a and_o when_o unlawful_a custom_n can_v acquire_v the_o esteem_n of_o civility_n among_o christian_n we_o can_v but_o confess_v a_o extreme_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v of_o example_n in_o general_a that_o they_o have_v more_o influence_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n than_o reason_n or_o argument_n man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n such_o as_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christendom_n take_v their_o measure_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o as_o man_n do_v of_o the_o law_n of_o any_o country_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n and_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o christianity_n be_v so_o severe_a and_o serious_a a_o matter_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n trifle_n with_o it_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o hope_v for_o impunity_n in_o a_o multitude_n to_o fall_v into_o impiety_n when_o no_o shame_n restrain_v they_o when_o a_o prevail_a example_n lead_v they_o as_o for_o man_n of_o more_o raise_v understanding_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v thus_o deceive_v themselves_o about_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o even_o those_o escape_n not_o this_o universal_a contagion_n they_o fear_v to_o be_v account_v singular_a be_v force_v to_o dissemble_v and_o perhaps_o at_o last_o to_o stifle_v their_o knowledge_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o such_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n this_o difficulty_n receive_v yet_o far_o aggravation_n if_o we_o reflect_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o our_o own_o gild_n that_o ourselves_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o apostolic_a age_n be_v pure_o extraneous_a for_o which_o those_o christian_n be_v not_o accountable_a they_o bring_v not_o their_o persecution_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o sin_n commit_v before_o conversion_n can_v not_o afterward_o be_v just_o impute_v to_o they_o as_o christian_n whereas_o this_o disadvantage_n we_o now_o complain_v of_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o sin_n commit_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o have_v contribute_v somewhat_o and_o beside_o the_o internal_a gild_n of_o the_o crime_n commit_v have_v upon_o that_o account_n increase_v our_o sin_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o we_o to_o endeavour_v by_o the_o exemplariness_n of_o our_o future_a conduct_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o remove_v this_o difficulty_n and_o retrieve_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o former_a time_n for_o that_o can_v scarce_o be_v hope_v but_o to_o compensate_a the_o injury_n which_o we_o have_v do_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o our_o sinful_a deportment_n the_o other_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o present_a age_n which_o i_o mention_v the_o want_n of_o miracle_n can_v indeed_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o fault_n of_o we_o nor_o yet_o be_v retrieve_v by_o we_o yet_o a_o sensible_a disadvantage_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v when_o we_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o former_a time_n who_o faith_n and_o zeal_n be_v constant_o awaken_v keep_v up_o and_o enliven_v by_o the_o frequent_a sight_n of_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o they_o expect_v and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v but_o i_o wave_v the_o far_a consideration_n of_o this_o difficulty_n because_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n yet_o this_o use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o it_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o it_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o most_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o have_v so_o contrive_v the_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n that_o both_o of_o they_o have_v very_o near_o equal_a assistance_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o so_o he_o may_v without_o derogation_n to_o his_o justice_n perform_v what_o our_o lord_n promise_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o housholder_n in_o the_o xx._n of_o st._n matthew_n reward_v those_o who_o he_o have_v call_v in_o the_o eleven_o hour_n equal_o with_o those_o who_o he_o have_v hire_v in_o the_o morning_n who_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n which_o the_o father_n general_o expound_v of_o this_o very_a case_n for_o now_o those_o who_o he_o call_v first_o who_o undergo_v such_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o fierce_a persecution_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o faith_n can_v just_o complain_v that_o we_o be_v equal_o reward_v with_o they_o who_o endure_v none_o of_o those_o calamity_n the_o church_n indeed_o in_o latter_a age_n have_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o quiet_n have_v not_o maintain_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o expense_n of_o her_o blood_n so_o neither_o do_v she_o enjoy_v those_o miracle_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o which_o they_o be_v bless_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o eminent_a example_n the_o miracle_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v every_o where_o conspicuous_a the_o apostle_n yet_o alive_a who_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o the_o immediate_a impulse_n of_o god_n and_o even_o after_o their_o death_n the_o same_o gift_n and_o miracle_n be_v continue_v till_o peace_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n all_o these_o advantage_n we_o want_v which_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o security_n we_o have_v which_o be_v deny_v to_o they_o if_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o comparison_n we_o want_v also_o that_o glorious_a example_n of_o universal_a piety_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o their_o day_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o enter_v not_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n with_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o habit_n of_o vice_n with_o which_o they_o do_v they_o feel_v not_o the_o mischief_n of_o a_o ill_a example_n prevail_v among_o christian_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a education_n thus_o god_n have_v most_o wise_o in_o all_o age_n make_v
by_o who_o power_n the_o soul_n of_o christ_n be_v rejoin_v to_o the_o body_n 2._o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o founder_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a not_o convenient_a he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a and_o chief_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o revelation_n so_o clear_a a_o testimony_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o evidence_n thereof_o to_o this_o therefore_o he_o at_o all_o time_n refer_v as_o to_o the_o last_o and_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o mission_n this_o be_v the_o only_a sign_n which_o he_o will_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n demand_v a_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o authority_n that_o as_o ionas_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n so_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o this_o he_o have_v fix_v the_o expectation_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o of_o all_o his_o hearer_n and_o by_o this_o he_o be_v to_o set_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n have_v he_o leave_v his_o body_n in_o the_o grave_a after_o all_o these_o assurance_n the_o jew_n may_v have_v insult_v over_o his_o disciple_n with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o christian_n do_v over_o the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n who_o promise_v to_o rise_v again_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n little_a imagine_v that_o his_o name_n or_o religion_n shall_v continue_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n although_o now_o after_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n expire_v the_o impostor_n still_o lie_v in_o hell_n have_v christ_n not_o rise_v again_o the_o apostle_n confess_v 1_o cor._n xv._n 14._o their_o preach_n have_v be_v vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o vain_a but_o when_o so_o illustrious_a a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a authority_n have_v intervene_v when_o heaven_n itself_o have_v declare_v it_o so_o eminent_o to_o deny_v assent_n will_v be_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o jew_n in_o the_o most_o violent_a execution_n of_o their_o hatred_n and_o malice_n engage_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o if_o he_o will_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o save_v himself_o it_o have_v be_v no_o less_o easy_a for_o our_o bless_a lord_n to_o have_v descend_v from_o the_o cross_n than_o to_o have_v ascend_v from_o the_o grave_a but_o first_o the_o design_n of_o his_o suffering_n do_v not_o permit_v it_o since_o he_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a power_n manifest_v in_o restore_v himself_o to_o life_n to_o labour_v under_o any_o doubt_n have_v he_o descend_v from_o the_o cross_n before_o he_o die_v he_o can_v not_o have_v atone_v for_o the_o gild_n of_o our_o sin_n have_v he_o descend_v immediate_o after_o his_o death_n it_o will_v have_v be_v pretend_v that_o he_o have_v not_o die_v yet_o even_o this_o they_o will_v have_v confess_v to_o be_v miraculous_a but_o perhaps_o refer_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o they_o do_v his_o former_a miracle_n not_o to_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o to_o magical_a operation_n whereas_o this_o pretence_n do_v whole_o vanish_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n since_o no_o magic_a or_o diabolick_a power_n remain_v after_o death_n in_o short_a so_o great_a be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n arise_v from_o his_o resurrection_n so_o undeniable_a the_o fact_n and_o so_o important_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o sermon_n employ_v this_o as_o the_o chief_a argument_n of_o conviction_n and_o when_o they_o choose_v mathias_n to_o the_o apostleship_n describe_v his_o office_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o witness_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n god_n have_v more_o than_o once_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n declare_v he_o by_o voice_n from_o heaven_n by_o constant_a miracle_n to_o be_v his_o son_n yet_o so_o far_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o this_o inferior_a to_o that_o proceed_v from_o his_o resurrection_n that_o he_o be_v in_o many_o place_n say_v to_o have_v then_o adopt_v christ_n for_o his_o son_n because_o he_o then_o eminent_o declare_v to_o he_o be_v so_o as_o act_v xiii_o 33._o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n god_n have_v fulfil_v in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n again_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o psalm_n ii_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o rom._n i._n 4._o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n his_o son_n as_o to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v from_o the_o incarnation_n his_o son_n as_o to_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n chief_o in_o his_o resurrection_n 3._o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v assure_v chief_o that_o we_o also_o shall_v rise_v again_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o death_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o shall_v be_v also_o when_o he_o therefore_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o a_o incorruptible_a state_n of_o glory_n they_o then_o raise_v their_o hope_n and_o conceive_v full_a assurance_n of_o immortality_n till_o then_o mankind_n have_v find_v by_o long_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n from_o the_o grave_a and_o by_o this_o alone_a can_v be_v convince_v that_o either_o their_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o immortality_n or_o that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o confer_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v perceive_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o dissolution_n of_o death_n the_o capacity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o then_o consider_v their_o own_o relation_n to_o christ_n may_v hope_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o what_o more_o natural_a than_o for_o the_o member_n to_o follow_v their_o head_n he_o be_v by_o his_o resurrection_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o himself_o have_v often_o promise_v that_o his_o faithful_a follower_n shall_v be_v coheir_n with_o he_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n entitle_v the_o whole_a mass_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o same_o favour_n only_o it_o be_v require_v and_o that_o just_o if_o that_o we_o desire_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o resurrection_n we_o must_v also_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o death_n for_o so_o the_o promise_n run_v in_o the_o whole_a vi_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o crucify_v our_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v if_o we_o as_o full_o forsake_v all_o vicious_a habit_n as_o he_o who_o die_v be_v bereave_v of_o vital_a action_n if_o far_a we_o imitate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o that_o as_o he_o die_v but_o once_o but_o live_v for_o ever_o so_o we_o henceforward_o be_v dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o righteousness_n than_o we_o may_v reasonable_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o he_o the_o forerunner_n in_o our_o resurrection_n which_o we_o have_v so_o near_o express_v in_o our_o death_n we_o be_v then_o true_o member_n of_o himself_o the_o head_n be_v make_v conformable_a to_o his_o suffering_n we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o gracious_a acceptation_n and_o raise_v up_o of_o he_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v while_o we_o inviolable_o continue_v our_o relation_n to_o he_o other_o indeed_o be_v before_o he_o raise_v from_o dead_a to_o life_n as_o those_o raise_v by_o elijah_n elishah_n and_o by_o christ_n before_o and_o at_o his_o crucifixion_n but_o these_o be_v all_o to_o die_v again_o and_o so_o thereby_o give_v no_o assurance_n of_o immortality_n to_o mankind_n it_o be_v christ_n alone_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o who_o in_o behalf_n of_o mankind_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o immortality_n which_o he_o have_v acquire_v for_o we_o and_o will_v communicate_v to_o we_o unless_o we_o choose_v rather_o to_o imitate_v the_o imperfect_a resurrection_n of_o those_o mortal_a man_n
will_v glad_o be_v esteem_v to_o act_v reasonable_o in_o shake_v off_o this_o encumbrance_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o pretend_v they_o can_v believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o lay_v it_o on_o they_o whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o seldom_o consider_v the_o argument_n recommend_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n lest_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o also_o shall_v return_v into_o their_o mind_n or_o if_o they_o can_v avoid_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o yet_o their_o will_n struggle_v against_o their_o understanding_n they_o will_v esteem_v it_o the_o great_a unhappiness_n which_o can_v befall_v they_o to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o if_o obey_v will_v deprive_v they_o of_o all_o their_o darling_n pleasure_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o here_o advance_v i_o appeal_v to_o your_o own_o experience_n view_v all_o these_o sceptic_n in_o religion_n and_o see_v if_o you_o can_v find_v any_o in_o all_o your_o knowledge_n who_o make_v any_o conscience_n of_o observe_v moral_a virtue_n of_o be_v chaste_a temperate_a and_o just._n it_o be_v the_o imposition_n and_o enforce_v of_o these_o virtue_n which_o have_v make_v the_o christian_a religion_n grievous_a and_o distasteful_a to_o such_o man_n not_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o these_o pretender_n be_v seldom_o of_o such_o raise_a capacity_n as_o to_o discern_v between_o true_a and_o false_a reason_n with_o great_a accuracy_n than_o other_o man_n or_o to_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o a_o argument_n which_o before_o their_o sagacious_a enquiry_n be_v universal_o allow_v they_o wilful_o betray_v their_o judgement_n or_o rather_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o to_o the_o deprave_a inclination_n of_o their_o will_n which_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v they_o be_v content_a to_o undergo_v the_o ignominy_n of_o grope_v at_o noonday_n and_o not_o discover_v a_o truth_n set_v in_o so_o great_a a_o light_n but_o this_o consideration_n be_v more_o general_a i_o dismis_o it_o only_o remind_v you_o how_o unjust_o a_o objection_n be_v raise_v by_o these_o man_n from_o christ_n not_o public_o appear_v after_o his_o resurrection_n since_o if_o he_o have_v so_o do_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o resurrection_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n can_v have_v be_v no_o more_o than_o now_o it_o be_v far_o not_o only_a will_v the_o public_a appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n to_o we_o but_o will_v even_o have_v fail_v of_o convince_a at_o least_o convert_v the_o jew_n who_o shall_v have_v be_v spectator_n of_o it_o the_o jew_n have_v continue_v their_o infidelity_n notwithstanding_o so_o many_o hundred_o miracle_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v hope_v the_o addition_n of_o one_o miracle_n more_o shall_v create_v a_o belief_n among_o they_o they_o have_v reject_v all_o those_o many_o undeniable_a proof_n which_o our_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o offer_v to_o they_o in_o testimony_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o after_o the_o long_a experience_n of_o such_o a_o strange_a perverseness_n it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a that_o the_o resurrection_n alone_o shall_v effect_v what_o all_o other_o argument_n and_o proof_n join_v together_o can_v not_o perform_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o which_o the_o jew_n do_v own_o submission_n all_o the_o prediction_n and_o description_n concern_v the_o messiah_n deliver_v in_o it_o be_v to_o they_o the_o most_o cogent_a argument_n which_o can_v be_v offer_v by_o the_o concurrence_n and_o completion_n of_o all_o these_o prophecy_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n it_o do_v so_o evident_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v it_o without_o proclaim_v at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o disbelief_n of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o then_o as_o our_o lord_n true_o say_v in_o a_o not_o unlike_a case_n if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o have_v be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a although_o himself_o have_v rose_n from_o the_o grave_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n if_o the_o great_a argument_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o their_o mind_n lesser_a proof_n will_v certain_o lose_v their_o force_n however_o because_o it_o may_v with_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v allege_v that_o however_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n in_o his_o person_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o better_a argument_n yet_o that_o miracle_n as_o be_v more_o surprise_v and_o more_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v the_o more_o effectual_a demonstration_n let_v we_o compare_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n wrought_v before_o his_o crucifixion_n with_o the_o evidence_n which_o will_v have_v be_v produce_v by_o his_o resurrection_n if_o he_o have_v be_v please_v visible_o to_o manifest_v it_o 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