we_o behold_v our_o lord_n cast_v out_o devil_n do_v it_o not_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o have_v power_n over_o the_o dark_a kingdom_n and_o that_o if_o we_o will_v submit_v to_o his_o gracious_a law_n he_o will_v at_o last_o bruise_v satan_n under_o our_o foot_n when_o we_o see_v he_o by_o his_o command_v and_o all-powerful_a word_n raise_v the_o dead_a it_o can_v but_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o trust_n in_o he_o that_o though_o we_o die_v and_o our_o place_n know_v we_o no_o more_o yet_o his_o power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n unto_o itself_o can_v and_o will_v recover_v we_o again_o to_o life_n and_o at_o last_o swallow_v up_o death_n in_o victory_n thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o imitate_v our_o saviour_n in_o those_o action_n wherein_o he_o stand_v as_o a_o public_a person_n nor_o in_o those_o which_o he_o perform_v chief_o to_o show_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o 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likewise_o the_o suitableness_n strength_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n we_o shall_v now_o as_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o show_v that_o christianity_n be_v high_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o better_a way_n for_o any_o person_n to_o live_v happy_o in_o this_o world_n than_o by_o a_o due_a and_o sincere_a observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o this_o may_v appear_v easy_a and_o natural_a we_o need_v but_o take_v a_o inventory_n of_o all_o those_o good_a thing_n that_o this_o our_o earthly_a state_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o christ_n command_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n both_o for_o their_o acquisition_n and_o continuance_n the_o blessing_n then_o of_o this_o life_n be_v such_o as_o either_o relate_v to_o the_o public_a or_o 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in_o your_o member_n and_o solomon_n assure_v we_o prov._n 13.10_o that_o it_o be_v only_o by_o pride_n contention_n come_v here_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o mankind_n now_o groan_v under_o for_o when_o man_n lust_n and_o passion_n become_v exorbitant_a they_o raise_v unequal_a and_o convulsive_a motion_n in_o the_o body_n politic_a as_o the_o undue_a fermentation_n of_o the_o humour_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n often_o produce_v dangerous_a effect_n it_o be_v man_n unbridled_a appetite_n which_o religion_n come_v to_o correct_v that_o make_v they_o murmur_v and_o repine_v against_o the_o present_a settlement_n of_o the_o nation_n though_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o we_o can_v hope_v for_o here_o both_o for_o ourselves_o and_o our_o posterity_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v derive_v from_o hence_o these_o unruly_a
a_o false_a foundation_n for_o the_o great_a argument_n bring_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 15.15_o say_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o have_v be_v no_o better_a than_o so_o many_o false-witness_n of_o god_n abuse_v his_o name_n for_o the_o countenance_v a_o imposture_n which_o their_o preach_a have_v certain_o be_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o act_v 1.3_o that_o jesus_n show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o death_n to_o his_o disciple_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n i._n e._n such_o evidence_n wherein_o there_o can_v be_v no_o mistake_n be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o diligent_o 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inducement_n can_v they_o have_v to_o broach_v a_o delusion_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o perhaps_o they_o may_v do_v it_o to_o have_v the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o new_a sect._n this_o indeed_o may_v please_v the_o light_n and_o frothy_a humour_n of_o some_o vainglorious_a person_n but_o the_o sedate_n and_o compose_a spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v far_o from_o any_o such_o poor_a design_n but_o to_o answer_v to_o this_o more_o particular_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o shall_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o a_o mere_a cheat._n there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o lie_v or_o fraud_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o we_o know_v that_o nemo_n gratis_o fit_a malus_fw-la it_o be_v rare_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v wicked_a for_o nothing_o they_o seek_v not_o themselves_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v persecute_v disgrace_v and_o suffer_v exqusite_a torture_n for_o 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of_o his_o nation_n for_o his_o vigorous_a persecution_n of_o the_o christian_n this_o man_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o damascus_n with_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o high-priest_n to_o bring_v they_o bind_v to_o jerusalem_n that_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v punish_v jesus_n meet_v he_o in_o the_o way_n in_o a_o light_n bright_a than_o the_o sun_n tell_v he_o who_o he_o be_v and_o warn_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v no_o long_o persecute_v his_o disciple_n upon_o this_o the_o apostle_n turn_v christian_a and_o become_v a_o zealous_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o before_o he_o persecute_v now_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o fraud_n or_o deceit_n in_o this_o can_v we_o imagine_v st._n paul_n will_v so_o confident_o appeal_v to_o it_o and_o tell_v king_n agrippa_n that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n do_v in_o a_o corner_n where_o there_o be_v no_o body_n to_o attest_v it_o if_o therefore_o we_o believe_v st._n paul_n to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n we_o can_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v have_v quit_v all_o the_o favour_n and_o encouragement_n he_o may_v have_v have_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o run_v himself_o into_o certain_a danger_n even_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o very_a life_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o jesus_n be_v alive_a and_o able_a to_o make_v good_a all_o he_o say_v 2._o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n be_v man_n of_o great_a integrity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o exemplary_a humility_n and_o hearty_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o believe_v that_o such_o person_n as_o those_o will_v not_o set_v on_o foot_n a_o falsehood_n and_o such_o a_o
that_o if_o they_o will_v recant_v what_o they_o have_v say_v to_o jesus_n and_o leave_v off_o speak_v any_o more_o in_o his_o name_n they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o ease_n and_o quiet_v and_o perhaps_o have_v some_o reward_n into_o the_o bargain_n but_o if_o they_o will_v persist_v and_o go_v on_o they_o must_v look_v for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o persecution_n which_o indeed_o these_o holy_a man_n meet_v withal_o almost_o in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v now_o have_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v only_o a_o feign_a story_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o have_v combine_v to_o spread_v it_o abroad_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o while_o they_o meet_v with_o no_o hazard_n nor_o danger_n they_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o cheat_n yet_o when_o life_n lie_v at_o stake_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o think_v that_o any_o one_o will_v die_v for_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o untruth_n but_o here_o we_o find_v in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o apostle_n free_o and_o joyful_o venture_v their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o actual_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o it_o now_o he_o must_v be_v of_o a_o very_a easy_a and_o credulous_a nature_n and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o that_o can_v believe_v so_o many_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n and_o sound_a understanding_n will_v die_v for_o a_o story_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o which_o their_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v they_o be_v a_o notorious_a falsehood_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v as_o high_a and_o full_a a_o testimony_n give_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o this_o be_v put_v out_o of_o doubt_n there_o can_v be_v no_o scruple_n leave_v for_o any_o of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o same_o person_n that_o attest_v the_o one_o do_v likewise_o assure_v to_o the_o world_n the_o other_o that_o be_v the_o same_o argument_n which_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n do_v likewise_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n neither_o do_v i_o know_v what_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n be_v object_v against_o this_o unless_o man_n out_o of_o a_o obstinate_a humour_n will_v rather_o adhere_v to_o that_o poor_a subterfuge_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o the_o spread_a abroad_o of_o which_o they_o give_v large_a money_n to_o the_o soldier_n viz._n that_o his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o while_o the_o watch_n sleep_v which_o because_o by_o it_o they_o intend_v to_o discredit_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o disciple_n who_o flee_v from_o he_o when_o he_o be_v take_v and_o the_o stout_a of_o they_o deny_v he_o shall_v now_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a venture_v to_o steal_v his_o body_n from_o a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n 2._o how_o improbable_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o watch_n shall_v be_v asleep_a at_o one_o time_n 3._o if_o they_o be_v all_o asleep_a how_o can_v they_o tell_v that_o the_o disciple_n take_v he_o away_o and_o not_o that_o he_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v 4._o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v come_v just_a at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o they_o be_v all_o asleep_a 5._o how_o can_v they_o go_v so_o silent_o to_o work_v as_o to_o roll_v away_o the_o stone_n and_o to_o take_v out_o the_o body_n all_o which_o will_v have_v make_v some_o noise_n and_o take_v up_o some_o time_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o the_o watch_n hear_v they_o beside_o there_o be_v another_o circumstance_n which_o can_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o haste_n and_o fear_v these_o poor_a disciple_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o in_o such_o a_o attempt_n and_o that_o be_v that_o care_n which_o be_v take_v to_o lay_v the_o linen_n clothes_n by_o themselves_o in_o the_o sepulchre_n luke_n 24.12_o and_o yet_o the_o napkin_n that_o be_v about_o his_o head_n do_v not_o lie_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o linen_n clothes_n but_o be_v wrap_v together_o in_o a_o place_n by_o itself_o joh._n 20.7_o which_o be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v be_v so_o curious_a in_o sort_v the_o linen_n which_o they_o will_v either_o have_v take_v away_o with_o the_o body_n or_o at_o least_o not_o have_v spend_v time_n to_o wrap_v it_o so_o careful_o together_o 6._o last_o suppose_v they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o body_n quid_fw-la ex_fw-la cadavere_fw-la emolumenti_fw-la what_o benefit_n can_v they_o hope_v from_o a_o dead_a carcase_n will_v that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o forsake_v their_o dear_a relation_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v educate_v and_o instruct_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o thousand_o vexatious_a reproach_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o vile_a and_o ignominious_a death_n and_o all_o to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o a_o person_n that_o have_v so_o gross_o frustrate_v their_o expectation_n sure_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v such_o thing_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v offer_v the_o great_a violence_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o his_o own_o but_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o now_o we_o can_v but_o see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o infidelity_n that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o a_o very_a crooked_a and_o untoward_a education_n or_o a_o obstinate_a base_a and_o perverse_a spirit_n that_o carry_v man_n with_o so_o much_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o if_o these_o person_n be_v ask_v upon_o what_o account_n they_o give_v credit_n to_o thucydides_n history_n of_o the_o peloponnesian_a war_n or_o plutarch_n life_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_a historian_n they_o must_v say_v that_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a have_v all_o along_o determine_v those_o person_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n and_o that_o they_o be_v person_n of_o credit_n and_o veracity_n and_o be_v it_o not_o mere_a frowardness_n humour_n and_o fantastickness_n to_o reject_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n hand_v down_o successive_o for_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_o concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n let_v they_o but_o have_v the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o retain_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o forementioned_a historian_n and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n confess_v that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o as_o many_o and_o as_o weighty_a motive_n of_o credibility_n for_o that_o as_o possible_o can_v be_v excogitated_a for_o these_o moreover_o according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v different_a way_n of_o probation_n and_o no_o man_n will_v expect_v a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n to_o prove_v a_o moral_a proposition_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o every_o ingenuous_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v as_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n as_o the_o matter_n can_v bear_v hence_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o have_v see_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v with_o a_o man_n be_v own_o eye_n yet_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o have_v not_o see_v 20.29_o and_o yet_o have_v believe_v intimate_v that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o generous_a faith_n to_o believe_v unsuspected_a witness_n upon_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v constrain_v and_o as_o it_o be_v necessitate_v by_o ocular_a demonstration_n hence_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 12.32_o and_o whosoever_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o whosoever_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v he_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n neither_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o to_o believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n after_o he_o have_v give_v such_o manifest_a proof_n of_o it_o by_o his_o numerous_a and_o stupendous_a miracle_n yet_o the_o sin_n be_v not_o come_v to_o its_o height_n because_o there_o want_v yet_o further_o evidence_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o yet_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o this_o the_o
jesus_n christ_n who_o take_v our_o flesh_n and_o blood_n upon_o he_o part_v with_o his_o own_o life_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o a_o inevitable_a danger_n which_o will_v have_v undo_v we_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o recompense_n of_o this_o great_a love_n he_o desire_v we_o only_o to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a by_o take_v upon_o we_o his_o easy_a yoke_n and_o light_a burden_n and_o can_v we_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a as_o to_o slight_v he_o for_o it_o and_o forget_v his_o command_n what_o band_n or_o cord_n can_v tie_v soul_n near_o together_o than_o that_o love_n which_o be_v strong_a than_o death_n or_o what_o word_n make_v deep_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n than_o those_o that_o be_v speak_v by_o their_o die_a friend_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o expel_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o more_o conduce_v to_o the_o further_a of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v no_o sin_n of_o his_o own_o to_o satisfy_v for_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o weakness_n frailty_n and_o drudgery_n of_o our_o mortal_a state_n and_o endure_v such_o deep_a agony_n of_o spirit_n as_o force_v he_o to_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n and_o after_o suffer_v a_o inglorious_a and_o painful_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o this_o mere_o upon_o our_o account_n and_o out_o of_o a_o mighty_a sense_n of_o compassion_n for_o our_o misery_n be_v so_o astonish_v a_o love_n as_o must_v needs_o thaw_v our_o icy_a heart_n and_o dissolve_v they_o into_o tear_n and_o a_o ready_a conformity_n to_o his_o will._n how_o can_v any_o man_n go_v on_o and_o continue_v in_o sin_n when_o he_o consider_v that_o his_o saviour_n come_v for_o this_o only_a end_n into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o present_v all_o man_n a_o glorious_a church_n to_o god_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n whatever_o sin_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o assault_v thy_o soul_n present_a unto_o it_o thy_o die_a saviour_n who_o with_o his_o outstretch_v arm_n on_o the_o cross_n sue_v for_o admittance_n into_o thy_o strong_a affection_n be_v thou_o ensnare_v with_o pride_n how_o can_v thou_o look_v upon_o thyself_o without_o watery_a eye_n when_o thou_o behold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n bear_v a_o helpless_a infant_n of_o a_o poor_a virgin_n subject_n to_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o sinless_a infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o at_o last_o breathe_v out_o his_o innocent_a soul_n on_o the_o cross_n for_o his_o bitter_a enemy_n be_v thou_o covetous_a and_o too_o desirous_a of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n then_o remember_v judas_n and_o consider_v what_o a_o heinous_a and_o bloody_a act_n his_o covetousness_n betray_v he_o to_o even_o the_o deliver_n up_o his_o harmless_a lord_n and_o master_n to_o the_o malicious_a and_o implacable_a jew_n and_o whoever_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o the_o world_n he_o do_v with_o judas_n sell_v his_o saviour_n thus_o you_o may_v see_v of_o what_o great_a usefulness_n this_o one_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o the_o gospel_n every_o where_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v express_v his_o death_n on_o the_o cross_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o our_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o crucify_a all_o our_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o affection_n 4._o another_o powerful_a mean_n by_o which_o man_n be_v draw_v off_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o engage_v in_o holiness_n be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o holy_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o life_n and_o action_n be_v therefore_o careful_o write_v by_o his_o disciple_n that_o man_n may_v learn_v of_o he_o and_o follow_v his_o step_n and_o that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o discover_v wherein_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o action_n which_o our_o lord_n do_v as_o a_o public_a person_n invest_v with_o authority_n from_o heaven_n as_o likewise_o those_o action_n of_o he_o which_o he_o do_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n we_o must_v distinguish_v these_o i_o say_v from_o those_o wherein_o he_o be_v set_v as_o a_o example_n for_o we_o to_o imitate_v 1._o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o action_n which_o he_o perform_v as_o a_o public_a person_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v that_o relate_v whole_o to_o his_o office_n as_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a representative_a of_o mankind_n who_o take_v upon_o he_o and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o god._n thus_o he_o give_v new_a law_n of_o life_n to_o man_n and_o forgive_v sin_n by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o public_a victim_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o world_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v his_o fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n his_o lead_v a_o single_a life_n and_o refuse_v all_o earthly_a honour_n and_o dignity_n and_o hitherto_o likewise_o we_o may_v refer_v that_o action_n of_o zeal_n wherewith_o our_o lord_n be_v possess_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o despise_a gentile_n against_o a_o corrupt_a generation_n who_o only_o pretend_v but_o have_v real_o nothing_o of_o true_a zeal_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o they_o when_o as_o st._n matthew_n relate_v it_o chap._n 21.12_o he_o go_v into_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o cast_v out_o all_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o overthrow_v the_o table_n of_o the_o money-changer_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o they_o that_o sell_v dove_n 2._o nor_o be_v we_o call_v to_o follow_v and_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o action_n which_o he_o do_v to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o act_v by_o his_o sole_a authority_n such_o be_v all_o his_o miraculous_a work_n his_o give_a sight_n to_o the_o blind_a speech_n to_o the_o dumb_a and_o hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a his_o command_v the_o wind_n and_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o instant_o obey_v he_o his_o multiply_a bread_n according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n so_o that_o a_o few_o loaf_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v some_o thousand_o of_o eater_n his_o cure_v all_o bodily_a disease_n and_o distemper_n and_o show_v his_o power_n over_o evil_a spirit_n which_o upon_o his_o sole_a command_n and_o word_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v those_o body_n they_o have_v vex_v and_o torment_v but_o above_o all_o his_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n show_v that_o he_o have_v a_o power_n not_o only_o here_o but_o in_o the_o region_n of_o separate_a soul_n likewise_o now_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v we_o call_v to_o imitate_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n but_o though_o we_o be_v not_o enjoin_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o these_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o therefore_o throw_v away_o or_o record_v to_o no_o purpose_n we_o may_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n though_o we_o lie_v under_o no_o necessity_n to_o imitate_v he_o in_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o presumption_n in_o we_o so_o to_o do_v when_o we_o read_v that_o he_o fast_v forty_o day_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o further_o we_o withdraw_v our_o mind_n from_o bodily_a lust_n and_o affection_n we_o be_v in_o a_o great_a forwardness_n and_o better_a disposition_n to_o converse_v with_o god._n when_o we_o hear_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n steadfast_o decline_v all_o earthly_a dignity_n and_o honour_n it_o show_v we_o what_o a_o light_a esteem_n god_n put_v upon_o these_o thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o true_a goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o so_o of_o all_o our_o lord_n be_v miraculous_a action_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o credential_n and_o seal_n from_o heaven_n that_o attest_v and_o verify_v his_o commission_n and_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o he_o act_v there_o be_v something_o still_o that_o we_o may_v draw_v for_o our_o encouragement_n and_o support_v in_o that_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n which_o he_o come_v to_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n when_o we_o find_v he_o by_o a_o miracle_n redress_v the_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n and_o ease_v they_o of_o their_o sorrow_n by_o cure_v their_o bodily_a distemper_n do_v not_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v of_o a_o compassionate_a temper_n to_o sympathize_v with_o other_o in_o their_o misery_n and_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o lend_v our_o assist_a hand_n to_o free_v they_o from_o they_o when_o
abundance_n yet_o he_o be_v better_a satisfy_v to_o die_v poor_a than_o to_o become_v rich_a by_o the_o spoil_n of_o widow_n and_o orphan_n by_o the_o art_n and_o intrigue_n of_o fraud_n deceit_n and_o circumvention_n of_o other_o which_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o grow_v rich_a in_o the_o world_n however_o it_o remain_v equal_o firm_a that_o the_o good_a honest_a frugal_a and_o diligent_a person_n be_v in_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o prosper_v and_o that_o he_o that_o pursue_v nothing_o as_o his_o ultimate_a end_n but_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n be_v invisible_o make_v successful_a in_o his_o outward_a circumstance_n by_o a_o favourable_a and_o kind_a providence_n by_o this_o deduction_n of_o particular_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o much_o religion_n contribute_v to_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o see_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o true_a christianity_n who_o salutary_a influence_n and_o effect_n we_o experience_v both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o as_o for_o vice_n it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o pitiful_a and_o crazy_a nature_n that_o it_o can_v stand_v upon_o its_o own_o leg_n but_o be_v force_v to_o use_v the_o shadow_n and_o countenance_n of_o virtue_n for_o its_o support_n no_o man_n dare_v to_o own_o or_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o vice_n for_o itself_o but_o evermore_o cover_v it_o with_o some_o sanctimonious_a colour_n and_o disguise_n judge_v then_o what_o worth_a or_o value_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o able_a to_o uphold_v itself_o but_o be_v betray_v by_o its_o very_a weakness_n let_v not_o then_o our_o ungovernable_a appetite_n deprive_v we_o of_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v entail_v upon_o a_o virtuous_a life_n this_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o and_o support_v we_o in_o all_o estate_n it_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o youth_n to_o be_v find_v virtuous_a and_o good_a and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o comfort_n of_o our_o old_a age_n when_o we_o have_v pass_v our_o day_n and_o need_v no_o repentance_n virtue_n make_v the_o best_a provision_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n for_o if_o we_o will_v enjoy_v a_o long_a and_o prosperous_a life_n here_o there_o be_v no_o sure_a way_n to_o it_o than_o through_o the_o path_n of_o holiness_n length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right-hand_a and_o in_o her_o lefthand_n riches_n and_o honour_n will_v we_o transact_v our_o life_n in_o tranquillity_n and_o pleasure_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n so_o last_v no_o pleasure_n so_o pure_a as_o that_o which_o spring_v from_o a_o honest_a heart_n the_o way_n of_o religion_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n indeed_o if_o we_o be_v only_o in_o love_n with_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o make_v it_o our_o whole_a business_n to_o pursue_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o brute_n we_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o any_o grateful_a and_o affect_a relish_n of_o holiness_n because_o virtue_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v see_v with_o corporeal_a eye_n nor_o can_v the_o true_a discriminate_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o outward_a taste_n but_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a sense_n which_o be_v only_o awaken_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o serious_a act_n of_o religion_n that_o give_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o virtue_n and_o affect_v the_o mind_n with_o the_o solid_a pleasure_n of_o religion_n holiness_n be_v of_o a_o permanent_a and_o stable_a nature_n who_o comfortable_a influence_n be_v most_o discernible_a in_o the_o worst_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o never_o leave_v nor_o forsake_v a_o man_n in_o the_o agony_n of_o death_n itself_o but_o alas_o what_o be_v all_o bodily_a delight_n with_o which_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v so_o much_o take_v up_o how_o frail_a and_o evanid_a how_o fleet_a and_o uncertain_a and_o how_o void_a of_o all_o true_a satisfaction_n and_o content_a what_o remain_v then_o but_o that_o we_o serious_o put_v in_o practice_n all_o the_o act_n of_o unfeigned_a piety_n and_o religion_n which_o if_o we_o have_v any_o care_n of_o our_o best_a interest_n we_o be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o for_o whether_o we_o consider_v christianity_n as_o to_o its_o usefulness_n to_o the_o next_o life_n or_o its_o serviceableness_n to_o this_o in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o evident_o appear_v and_o now_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o text_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o this_o that_o christianity_n be_v so_o frame_v in_o all_o its_o part_n that_o no_o man_n have_v any_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o bless_a lord_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o thy_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o in_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n finis_fw-la see_v a_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v a_o letter_n to_o a_o deist_n john_n 20.29_o 1_o tim._n 4.9_o see_v dr._n cudworth_n intel._n sy_v l._n 1._o c._n 4._o p._n 468._o de_fw-fr deo_fw-la socratis_n caesar_n comment_fw-fr mat._n 24.31_o psal_n 4.8_o prov._n 12.21_o prov._n 14.34_o eccles_n 8.1_o