for_o many_o year_n and_o yet_o be_v as_o solicitous_a about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o many_o age_n we_o own_o that_o the_o duration_n of_o this_o life_n be_v even_o nothing_o if_o compare_v to_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o next_o and_o yet_o every_o trifle_a pleasure_n can_v persuade_v we_o to_o exchange_v eternity_n for_o this_o nothing_o if_o we_o review_v all_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n defer_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n till_o another_o life_n we_o shall_v find_v abundant_a cause_n careful_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o undergo_v it_o if_o god_n in_o mercy_n await_v our_o repentance_n even_o till_o the_o last_o scene_n of_o our_o life_n how_o dreadful_a may_v we_o imagine_v those_o punishment_n to_o be_v which_o he_o will_v not_o inflict_v till_o the_o sinner_n have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o iniquity_n and_o by_o die_v impenitent_a declare_v himself_o to_o be_v absolute_o incorrigible_a and_o worthy_a to_o undergo_v the_o utmost_a fury_n of_o a_o enrage_a god_n if_o he_o rather_o suffer_v his_o providence_n and_o justice_n to_o be_v traduce_v in_o this_o world_n than_o consent_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o erroneous_a imagination_n of_o man_n it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v reserve_v a_o unerring_a judgement_n to_o the_o last_o time_n when_o he_o will_v infallible_o return_v to_o every_o one_o the_o true_a reward_n of_o their_o action_n and_o discover_v the_o most_o secret_a fault_n of_o every_o individual_a criminal_a make_v their_o demerit_n as_o public_a as_o their_o punishment_n if_o in_o this_o life_n punishment_n can_v be_v impose_v with_o sufficient_a severity_n how_o rigorous_a and_o terrible_a how_o much_o exceed_v all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n must_v be_v the_o torment_v prepare_v hereafter_o if_o the_o high_a and_o most_o admire_a enjoyment_n here_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v confer_v as_o a_o reward_n to_o a_o pious_a christian_a we_o may_v conclude_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v inconceivable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v powerful_o insluence_v by_o the_o hope_n of_o they_o if_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v execute_v upon_o earth_n because_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o more_o noble_a and_o christian_a virtue_n we_o may_v be_v then_o convincâ—…_n how_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o judgement_n hereafter_o last_o if_o god_n will_v not_o inflict_v the_o deserve_a punishment_n on_o sinner_n here_o lest_o he_o shall_v represent_v a_o hell_n on_o earth_n and_o affright_v even_o good_a man_n with_o so_o dismal_a a_o spectacle_n how_o dreadful_a must_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v which_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n even_o make_v the_o spectator_n miserable_a such_o powerful_a and_o force_a argument_n have_v we_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o careful_a practice_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o can_v scarce_o induce_v we_o even_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o neither_o the_o certain_a assurance_n of_o death_n can_v move_v nor_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n affright_v we_o nor_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n allure_v we_o nor_o the_o dread_a of_o future_a judgement_n arrest_v we_o and_o then_o what_o if_o none_o of_o all_o these_o have_v be_v if_o neither_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n death_n or_o judgement_n have_v attend_v we_o if_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o we_o have_v be_v permit_v to_o live_v immortal_a sinner_n what_o sin_n shall_v we_o then_o have_v scruple_v at_o what_o violence_n shall_v we_o not_o then_o have_v commit_v so_o that_o even_o the_o final_a decree_n of_o death_n upon_o all_o man_n be_v no_o small_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n and_o far_o from_o be_v repine_v at_o aught_o to_o be_v grateful_o receive_v by_o we_o at_o least_o let_v we_o take_v care_n to_o improve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o decree_n to_o a_o real_a advantage_n by_o continual_o preserve_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n oppose_v it_o to_o all_o temptation_n and_o act_v under_o a_o constant_a sense_n of_o it_o so_o shall_v we_o not_o need_v to_o fear_v the_o judgement_n which_o shall_v follow_v it_o but_o shall_v patient_o a_o wait_v it_o bold_o encounter_v it_o and_o joyful_o receive_v it_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v february_n 10._o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n i._n 17._o now_o unto_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v of_o such_o excellent_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o tend_v so_o high_o to_o beget_v and_o preserve_v true_a notion_n of_o religion_n in_o we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v choose_v frequent_o and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o inculcate_v it_o in_o holy_a writ_n st._n paul_n in_o this_o place_n break_v out_o in_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n and_o then_o return_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o in_o these_o word_n word_n so_o admirable_o frame_v that_o they_o express_v not_o only_o the_o extreme_a gratitude_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o powerful_o entice_v we_o also_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o doxology_n to_o god_n by_o represent_v and_o brief_o enumerate_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v adore_v by_o we_o and_o indeed_o in_o this_o chief_o consist_v the_o difference_n between_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n that_o in_o the_o one_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v entertain_v and_o worship_n found_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o other_o erroneous_a and_o mean_a conception_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v take_v up_o and_o religious_a adoration_n pay_v upon_o reason_n which_o will_v not_o warrant_v it_o religion_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v place_v upon_o such_o foundation_n as_o may_v secure_v the_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o god_n have_v indeed_o out_o of_o his_o abundantmercy_o andlove_n to_o mankind_n provide_v many_o other_o argument_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o fear_v he_o to_o love_v he_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o yield_v submission_n to_o he_o he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o 15_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o wonderful_a a_o benefit_n may_v engage_v we_o to_o gratitude_n he_o show_v forth_o his_o long_a suffering_n to_o they_o which_o believe_v and_o to_o they_o which_o do_v both_o believe_v and_o actagreeable_o to_o their_o belief_n he_o promise_v everlasting_a life_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o matter_n will_v indeed_o strike_v we_o with_o a_o lively_a concern_v we_o can_v but_o love_v the_o author_n of_o these_o signal_n benefit_n admire_v his_o goodness_n and_o fear_v to_o displease_v he_o lest_o by_o his_o displeasure_n we_o forfeit_v the_o reward_n propose_v by_o he_o these_o be_v indeed_o powerful_a argument_n to_o we_o to_o be_v religious_a but_o yet_o we_o find_v nothing_o whereon_o to_o place_v the_o most_o essential_a act_n of_o religion_n worship_n and_o adoration_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o form_n it_o nor_o to_o who_o to_o give_v it_o till_o we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o perfection_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n till_o we_o begin_v to_o reflect_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n and_o then_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n also_o to_o he_o be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o word_n therefore_o present_v we_o with_o these_o two_o consideration_n of_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o discourse_n i._o the_o reason_n why_o religious_a worship_n and_o adoration_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v and_o pay_v to_o god_n by_o we_o namely_o because_o he_o be_v our_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n ii_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o religious_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o he_o to_o he_o be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n first_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o worship_n and_o adoration_n ought_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n be_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n or_o attribute_n that_o these_o belong_v to_o god_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o very_a first_o notion_n which_o all_o man_n conceive_v of_o a_o deity_n that_o he_o possess_v
execution_n of_o judgement_n till_o after_o death_n and_o not_o dispense_n the_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v but_o after_o that_o and_o not_o before_o the_o judgement_n the_o continual_a infirmity_n and_o temptation_n incident_a to_o mankind_n the_o daily_a sin_n commit_v by_o we_o and_o the_o fatal_a example_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n adam_n not_o able_a to_o retain_v his_o primitive_a innocence_n under_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a advantage_n evident_o cause_v we_o to_o perceive_v that_o few_o or_o rather_o none_o will_v ever_o attain_v to_o happiness_n if_o that_o be_v bestow_v in_o reward_n to_o unsinning_a obedience_n only_o that_o therefore_o to_o make_v any_o considerable_a part_n of_o mankind_n partaker_n of_o this_o reward_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v proclaim_v a_o universal_a pardon_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n and_o forego_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o former_a sin_n if_o a_o earnest_a abhorrencâ—…_n of_o they_o and_o true_a reformation_n of_o life_n do_v succeed_v if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o high_a demonstration_n of_o repeat_v mercy_n and_o frequent_a pardon_n of_o sin_n our_o saviour_n still_o assure_v we_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v which_o find_v it_o how_o unaccessible_a will_v it_o be_v if_o every_o single_a act_n of_o disobedience_n defeat_v the_o hope_n of_o it_o and_o lay_v we_o open_a to_o the_o utmost_a execution_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n if_o therefore_o we_o desire_v that_o this_o merciful_a deal_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o we_o if_o a_o covenant_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v establish_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v dispense_v in_o this_o life_n for_o if_o a_o proportionate_a punishment_n shall_v immediate_o follow_v the_o commission_n of_o every_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n how_o can_v god_n be_v say_v to_o pardon_v our_o offence_n and_o await_v our_o amendment_n or_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o attend_v it_o how_o can_v exemplary_a justice_n be_v execute_v here_o since_o we_o suppose_v it_o not_o to_o be_v execute_v hereafter_o or_o if_o god_n shall_v present_o crown_v every_o good_a action_n with_o as_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o happiness_n as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n will_v receive_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v when_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v exchange_v his_o piety_n for_o vice_n or_o wickedness_n or_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o temporal_a happiness_n shall_v not_o be_v inseparable_o annex_v to_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n how_o can_v god_n be_v say_v to_o reward_v virtue_n in_o this_o life_n must_v god_n as_o often_o change_v the_o scene_n of_o human_a life_n as_o man_n change_v the_o inclination_n of_o his_o will_n assure_o such_o a_o inconstant_a proceed_n will_v derogate_v as_o much_o from_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n as_o the_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n or_o must_v god_n await_v the_o last_o scene_n of_o every_o man_n life_n wherein_o to_o display_v either_o his_o favour_n or_o anger_n to_o he_o when_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o remain_a time_n defeat_v the_o possession_n of_o any_o great_a reward_n and_o rescues_z the_o delinquent_n from_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o punishment_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o dispense_v the_o reward_n and_o inflict_v the_o punishment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n but_o where_o reward_n and_o happiness_n be_v annex_v to_o unsinning_a obedience_n only_o again_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o only_o unpracticable_a but_o unuseful_a even_o for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v common_o propose_v namely_o to_o manifest_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o vindicate_v the_o innocence_n of_o man_n to_o deter_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o to_o allure_v they_o to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n for_o such_o be_v the_o dissimulation_n of_o man_n so_o secret_a be_v many_o of_o the_o most_o enormous_a sin_n so_o usual_a be_v it_o to_o palliate_v the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n and_o not_o only_o to_o conceal_v they_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o create_v a_o contrary_a opinion_n of_o holiness_n and_o integrity_n that_o no_o discrimination_n can_v be_v make_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n which_o may_v conduce_v to_o any_o of_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v hypocrite_n be_v no_o less_o odious_a to_o god_n than_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o debauch_a sinner_n and_o be_v perhaps_o in_o no_o less_o number_n now_o as_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o bestow_v any_o reward_n upon_o these_o lest_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o suffer_v appearant_a virtue_n to_o pass_v unrewarded_a so_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o hinder_v man_n from_o censure_v the_o divine_a dispensation_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o while_o they_o retain_v a_o false_a opinion_n of_o their_o suppose_a merit_n how_o many_o innocent_a and_o worthy_a person_n be_v oppress_v calumniate_v and_o general_o esteem_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n who_o if_o god_n shall_v therefore_o refuse_v to_o reward_v his_o justice_n will_v be_v destroy_v if_o he_o reward_v they_o while_o labour_v under_o these_o false_a suspicion_n the_o opinion_n of_o his_o justice_n will_v perish_v if_o then_o piety_n and_o wickedness_n may_v be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n if_o contrary_a judgement_n may_v be_v so_o easy_o and_o so_o often_o frame_v of_o their_o merit_n and_o demerit_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n appear_v in_o dispense_n reward_n or_o punishment_n to_o they_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v thence_o frame_v in_o favour_n of_o virtue_n or_o diminution_n of_o vice_n until_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n be_v disclose_v and_o lay_v open_a which_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o this_o life_n will_v not_o permit_v not_o only_o be_v the_o execution_n of_o judgement_n in_o this_o life_n incongruous_a to_o the_o mercy_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v bestow_v or_o inflict_v and_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o punishment_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o life_n proportionate_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o demerit_n every_o single_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n of_o god_n by_o a_o creature_n and_o dependant_a of_o his_o own_o be_v of_o a_o infinite_a gild_n and_o therefore_o in_o justice_n require_v a_o not_o inferior_a degree_n of_o punishment_n whereas_o a_o infinite_a punishment_n can_v be_v suffer_v in_o this_o life_n and_o then_o how_o shall_v a_o sinner_n answer_v for_o ten_o thousâ—…nd_a sin_n of_o equal_a guilt_n if_o we_o place_v the_o execution_n of_o punishment_n in_o destroy_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o sinner_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v terrible_a that_o many_o have_v place_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o happiness_n in_o indolence_n or_o a_o insensible_a state_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o destruction_n and_o then_o since_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reprieve_v from_o a_o immature_n death_n be_v no_o less_o subject_n to_o sickness_n danger_n and_o violence_n what_o a_o horrible_a confusion_n of_o justice_n will_v it_o be_v that_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a shall_v undergo_v the_o same_o punishment_n and_o not_o be_v diâ—…tinguished_v in_o their_o end_n or_o if_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v place_v in_o insupportable_a torment_n continual_a cross_n and_o dreadful_a pain_n what_o a_o slight_a matter_n will_v this_o be_v to_o a_o infinite_a gild_n which_o deserve_o call_v for_o eternal_a torment_n the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o pain_n in_o hell_n will_v be_v that_o the_o wicked_a will_v be_v assure_v they_o shall_v have_v no_o end_n and_o will_v be_v thereby_o cast_v into_o the_o most_o extreme_a despair_n whereas_o in_o this_o case_n the_o sinner_n will_v comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o approach_a death_n which_o may_v end_v their_o torment_n and_o their_o life_n together_o nay_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o rescue_v themselves_o from_o punishment_n and_o escape_v the_o divine_a anger_n by_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o themselves_o which_o they_o will_v not_o fear_v to_o do_v when_o not_o awe_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o any_o ensue_a punishment_n after_o death_n and_o after_o all_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n can_v only_o respect_v precedent_a sin_n how_o then_o shall_v a_o sinner_n satisfy_v for_o those_o more_o dreadful_a sin_n which_o will_v escape_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o pain_n such_o as_o blasphemy_n malice_n and_o unrepentance_n shall_v god_n suffer_v these_o to_o go_v unpunished_a or_o not_o rather_o reserve_v they_o to_o judgement_n in_o another_o world_n but_o if_o judgement_n can_v
and_o not_o break_v loose_a from_o the_o chain_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o state_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n be_v indeed_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o high_a confusion_n without_o any_o consolation_n or_o apparent_a possibility_n of_o recovery_n yet_o much_o great_a be_v the_o misery_n of_o a_o unrepentant_a sinner_n who_o suffer_v all_o this_o through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o until_o he_o be_v regenerate_v see_v no_o approach_a delivery_n from_o all_o these_o calamity_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o church_n be_v rescue_v by_o his_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o from_o all_o these_o misery_n be_v unhappy_a man_n deliver_v by_o his_o regeneration_n our_o lord_n by_o his_o resurrection_n vindicate_v his_o honour_n from_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v argue_v against_o his_o divinity_n from_o the_o seem_a imperfection_n of_o his_o suffering_n overthrow_v the_o design_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n endeavour_v to_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o his_o mission_n by_o the_o ignominy_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o that_o disgrace_n and_o despair_n which_o it_o have_v by_o his_o death_n incur_v such_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n resurrection_n and_o no_o less_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o rise_v with_o christ_n from_o sin_n unto_o a_o new_a life_n which_o remove_v that_o stain_n and_o imperfection_n introduce_v into_o our_o nature_n by_o sin_n restore_v it_o to_o that_o primitive_a glory_n which_o it_o obtain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n rescue_v we_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n repair_v the_o honour_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o render_v we_o infinite_o happy_a by_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n for_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o argument_n which_o enhance_v the_o glory_n os_fw-la christ_n resurrection_n that_o god_n by_o interpose_v in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n in_o his_o behalf_n evident_o manifest_v how_o dear_a he_o be_v unto_o he_o who_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v in_o hell_n in_o a_o state_n of_o disgrace_n nor_o suffer_v to_o see_v corruption_n this_o raise_v he_o beyond_o the_o degree_n of_o all_o mortal_a and_o corruptible_a man_n and_o place_v he_o in_o such_o a_o height_n of_o glory_n as_o can_v be_v resemble_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o regeneration_n of_o a_o christian_a wherein_o god_n interpose_v by_o his_o power_n not_o so_o visible_o indeed_o but_o no_o less_o miraculous_o convert_v assist_v and_o confirm_v he_o by_o his_o grace_n without_o which_o this_o admirable_a change_n can_v be_v effect_v a_o change_n which_o however_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n declare_v the_o power_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o produce_v habit_n of_o the_o most_o exalt_a virtue_n in_o a_o soul_n before_o overwhelm_v with_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n for_o resurrection_n denote_v not_o only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o calamity_n of_o death_n and_o corruption_n but_o also_o a_o enable_v any_o one_o to_o renew_v a_o active_a course_n of_o life_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o bare_o content_a to_o rescue_v his_o body_n from_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o insult_v of_o his_o enemy_n but_o he_o carry_v it_o with_o he_o triumphant_o into_o heaven_n and_o there_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n employ_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o mediate_v continual_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n if_o then_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n we_o must_v manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o resurrection_n by_o vital_a action_n proper_a to_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o spiritual_a virtue_n and_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o new_a society_n with_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v far_o a_o bare_a recovery_n of_o life_n deserve_v not_o the_o title_n of_o a_o resurrection_n for_o then_o the_o intermediate_v death_n will_v have_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n at_o least_o it_o reach_v not_o the_o illustrious_a example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n who_o after_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o far_o more_o glorious_a state_n than_o before_o his_o death_n before_o his_o crucifixion_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n sin_n only_o except_v after_o his_o resurrection_n exempt_v from_o they_o all-before_a his_o passion_n subject_a to_o change_v and_o decay_n after_o his_o resurrection_n instate_v in_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a possession_n of_o glory_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n amplify_v this_o very_a matter_n rom._n vi_o 9_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o his_o life_n precede_v and_o follow_v his_o resurrection_n be_v infinite_o different_a that_o contemptible_a and_o mean_a this_o glorious_a and_o terrible_a that_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n this_o exalt_a above_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n converse_v not_o open_o among_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o from_o that_o time_n a_o new_a and_o different_a state_n of_o life_n be_v to_o commence_v never_o any_o more_o to_o be_v alter_v or_o relinquish_v whence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o express_v it_o near_o in_o our_o life_n we_o ought_v to_o exceed_v what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o improve_v our_o obedience_n far_o than_o be_v exact_v of_o we_o in_o a_o state_n wherein_o no_o more_o than_o temporary_a reward_n be_v promise_v at_o least_o that_o after_o our_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a life_n after_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n we_o walk_v invariable_o whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o we_o suffer_v not_o ourselves_o to_o relapse_n into_o our_o former_a state_n which_o we_o relinquish_v bydy_v with_o christ_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o partake_v in_o his_o resurrection_n by_o a_o similitude_n in_o this_o life_n which_o may_v otherwise_o secure_v to_o we_o a_o near_a imitation_n of_o he_o by_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n in_o the_o next_o of_o this_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n without_o that_o signal_n confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n man_n will_v have_v be_v prone_a to_o disbelieve_v they_o it_o seem_v a_o matter_n incredible_a both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o god_n shall_v after_o many_o age_n recollect_v the_o scatter_a part_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o reunite_a they_o into_o their_o former_a frame_n once_o more_o animate_v they_o with_o a_o live_a soul_n this_o to_o some_o seem_v impossible_a to_o other_o improbable_a but_o both_o be_v refute_v by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n which_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n always_o urge_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o preach_v and_o be_v employ_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o the_o chief_a argument_n against_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o the_o 1_o epist._n xv._n chapter_n god_n have_v promise_v as_o well_o to_o raise_v up_o mankind_n at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n on_o the_o three_o day_n and_o the_o certain_a completion_n of_o this_o latter_a promise_n secure_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o former_a there_o be_v no_o more_o effectual_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o future_a benefit_n than_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o how_o all_o precede_a promise_n be_v infallible_o perform_v and_o thus_o in_o some_o sense_n all_o mankind_n may_v be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ_n inasmuch_o as_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v become_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v 1_o cor._n xv._n 20._o that_o as_o the_o whole_a mass_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n so_o all_o mankind_n receive_v a_o earnest_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v their_o resurrection_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n but_o then_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o proper_a manner_n all_o faithful_a christian_n may_v be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ._n there_o be_v a_o resurrection_n to_o death_n as_o well_o as_o life_n a_o terrible_a as_o well_o as_o a_o desirable_a resurrection_n to_o rise_v therefore_o with_o christ_n be_v the_o happy_a resurrection_n and_o that_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o epist._n i._n 4._o be_v to_o rise_v to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o all_o good_a and_o pious_a christian_n the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v sufficient_a assurance_n to_o they_o to_o such_o christ_n be_v a_o head_n
who_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n without_o any_o preparation_n of_o learning_n or_o interest_n proceed_v in_o it_o with_o quiet_a and_o simplicity_n and_o in_o treat_v with_o the_o jew_n choose_v rather_o to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n than_o amaze_v their_o senfe_v rather_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o wonderful_a miracle_n although_o those_o be_v not_o want_v upon_o just_a occasion_n such_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la conceive_v by_o the_o jew_n against_o christianity_n which_o occasion_v and_o continue_v their_o illusion_n they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v arrive_v to_o happiness_n that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n to_o propose_v matter_n of_o belief_n and_o practise_v not_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n and_o thus_o far_o they_o proceed_v in_o the_o right_a way_n but_o then_o the_o aforemention_v prejudices_fw-la be_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o their_o way_n which_o occasion_v their_o fall_n and_o hinder_v any_o far_a progress_n the_o gentile_a philosopher_n for_o against_o they_o and_o not_o the_o more_o unlearned_a sort_n of_o heathen_n the_o apostle_n here_o argue_v conceive_v yet_o deep_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n account_v it_o foolishness_n and_o deride_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o perfect_a knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o ability_n to_o obtain_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o believe_v it_o therefore_o unnecessary_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o which_o they_o can_v discover_v by_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o industry_n or_o if_o god_n shall_v put_v himself_o to_o this_o unnecessary_a trouble_n they_o vain_o suppose_v that_o no_o person_n be_v so_o fit_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o it_o as_o themselves_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o acquire_v learning_n or_o at_o least_o not_o the_o apostle_n of_o all_o man_n who_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o secular_a learning_n and_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v and_o which_o mighty_o add_v to_o their_o prejudice_n be_v by_o birth_n and_o education_n barbarian_n who_o the_o greek_n be_v wont_a to_o treat_v as_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n devoid_a of_o reason_n and_o not_o much_o superior_a to_o brute_n and_o then_o as_o to_o therevelation_n itself_o the_o christian_a religion_n seem_v to_o they_o to_o be_v naked_a and_o homely_a and_o which_o they_o account_v a_o great_a indecency_n fit_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o man_n not_o the_o contemplation_n of_o themselves_o only_o as_o not_o consist_v of_o abstruse_a mystery_n and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o by_o their_o intricacy_n and_o difficulty_n may_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o sublimity_n and_o a_o divine_a original_a but_o make_v up_o of_o easy_a natural_a and_o unaffected_a truth_n equal_o obvious_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o man_n equal_o concern_v all_o and_o dispense_n the_o knowledge_n of_o her_o mystery_n to_o all_o such_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o such_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o cause_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_n to_o these_o the_o apostle_n give_v one_o general_a answer_n in_o the_o 25._o verse_n because_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n a_o answer_n which_o invincible_o overthrow_v the_o plea_n of_o these_o opposer_n of_o christianity_n as_o who_o proceed_v upon_o a_o arrogant_a opinion_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o comprehension_n whereas_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o age_n may_v have_v convince_v they_o how_o unsuccessful_o mankind_n have_v ever_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n by_o its_o own_o power_n matter_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v almost_o universal_o mistake_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o hope_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n can_v be_v full_o discover_v by_o we_o we_o all_o find_v in_o ourselves_o the_o defect_n of_o knowledge_n we_o acknowledge_v our_o error_n by_o change_v our_o opinion_n daily_o and_o may_v discover_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n even_o from_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n for_o every_o degree_n add_v to_o it_o manifest_v a_o precedent_a degree_n of_o ignorance_n and_o that_o somewhat_o be_v still_o want_v to_o render_v our_o knowledge_n complete_a so_o difficult_a nay_o even_o impossible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o discover_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n on_o they_o he_o may_v easy_o perceive_v indeed_o whether_o any_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o carry_v that_o sacred_a stamp_n be_v contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o include_v a_o contradiction_n and_o may_v thence_o certain_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a but_o may_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v admit_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o conveniency_n or_o inconveniency_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n this_o be_v too_o high_a a_o presumption_n and_o intrench_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v always_o what_o be_v most_o convenient_a and_o know_v it_o do_v effect_v it_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o put_v plausible_a colour_n upon_o this_o or_o that_o model_n of_o religion_n recommend_v it_o with_o abundant_a argument_n and_o pompous_o describe_v the_o convenience_n of_o it_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o 1_o cor._n iii_o 19_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n or_o in_o comparison_n of_o his_o great_a and_o infinite_a wisdom_n who_o see_v all_o thing_n and_o their_o tendency_n or_o subservience_n to_o procure_v the_o end_n he_o design_v so_o that_o to_o be_v teach_v or_o command_v by_o he_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a argument_n of_o convenience_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v not_o only_o do_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n appear_v from_o this_o argument_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o revelation_n of_o it_o in_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v before_o object_v against_o be_v no_o less_o manifest_a for_o first_o as_o to_o the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o this_o be_v so_o far_o srom_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o if_o just_o consider_v it_o ought_v rather_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o consider_v person_n be_v the_o most_o express_a character_n of_o divinity_n which_o can_v be_v confer_v on_o any_o system_fw-la of_o religion_n whatsoever_o as_o bear_v thereby_o a_o great_a resemblance_n to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o object_n of_o it_o this_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v only_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o spiritual_a worship_n oppose_v their_o own_o more_o gross_a and_o corporeal_a worship_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o defeat_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o promise_a messiah_n who_o they_o expect_v will_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n settle_v they_o in_o a_o quiet_a and_o perpetual_a possession_n of_o all_o temporal_a happiness_n it_o seem_v to_o they_o absurd_a that_o the_o glorious_a messiah_n shall_v live_v a_o obscure_a despise_a and_o ignominious_a life_n and_o at_o last_o die_v a_o shameful_a and_o a_o painful_a death_n a_o error_n indeed_o into_o which_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o religion_n depend_v upon_o temporal_a promise_n and_o reward_n do_v almost_o natural_o lead_v they_o but_o which_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v if_o they_o will_v have_v wise_o consider_v either_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o condition_n of_o man._n from_o the_o first_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o a_o spiritual_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v far_o more_o noble_a please_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o if_o their_o former_a religion_n induce_v they_o to_o different_a sentiment_n god_n have_v take_v abundant_a care_n to_o prevent_v their_o mistake_n by_o frequent_a foretell_v to_o they_o in_o the_o prophet_n his_o intention_n of_o change_v their_o religion_n dis-burthening_a they_o of_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o reâ—…ining_v it_o into_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n by_o describe_v the_o condition_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n acquaint_v with_o grief_n bear_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n heal_v they_o by_o his_o stripe_n and_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o transgressor_n then_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o childish_a fancy_n to_o
be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o dissent_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la with_o they_o man_n perhaps_o profess_v christianity_n may_v imagine_v this_o to_o be_v impossible_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o take_v no_o care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o if_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o have_v be_v often_o seduce_v by_o they_o if_o not_o to_o a_o desertion_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o to_o a_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n a_o stumling-block_n to_o the_o jew_n because_o defeat_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n and_o worldly_a happiness_n and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o tempt_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o withdraw_v our_o obedience_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v he_o as_o often_o as_o man_n prefer_v their_o worldly_a interest_n to_o the_o least_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o often_o as_o by_o too_o anxious_a a_o diligence_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n they_o neglect_v the_o care_n of_o another_o they_o give_v just_a reason_n to_o other_o to_o suspect_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o error_n of_o place_v all_o their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o dis-believing_a the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n do_v the_o jew_n often_o unreasonable_o and_o importunate_o require_v a_o sign_n and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o induce_v to_o distrust_v providence_n and_o murmur_v against_o the_o divine_a goodness_n as_o often_o as_o god_n deferr_v to_o rescue_v we_o from_o imminent_a danger_n and_o calamity_n and_o immediate_o engage_v not_o his_o miraculous_a power_n in_o our_o assistance_n do_v not_o man_n call_v in_o question_n the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n because_o god_n refuse_v to_o violate_v the_o establish_a law_n of_o his_o government_n and_o sometime_o permit_v the_o good_a to_o pass_v unrewarded_a and_o the_o wicked_a to_o escape_v unpunished_a in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o christian_a religion_n foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n because_o propose_v by_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n and_o have_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v deplore_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n while_o man_n puff_v up_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o ordinary_a pastor_n scorn_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o rude_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o do_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n despise_v christianity_n because_o plain_a and_o simple_a easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o be_v not_o we_o often_o betray_v by_o a_o like_a pre_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o neglect_v our_o duty_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a thing_n how_o many_o christian_n be_v at_o this_o day_n displease_v with_o a_o sober_a and_o rational_a form_n of_o worship_n either_o because_o it_o be_v not_o fraught_v with_o pompous_a and_o unuseful_a ceremony_n or_o because_o it_o be_v devoid_a of_o enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o unintelligible_a impertinency_n so_o that_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v no_o less_o concern_v in_o the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o my_o text_n than_o be_v former_o either_o jew_n or_o greek_n to_o conclude_v if_o the_o most_o certain_a truth_n and_o most_o holy_a religion_n be_v notwithstanding_o liable_a to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n if_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n be_v find_v to_o be_v unjust_a and_o false_a let_v we_o neither_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o opposition_n of_o her_o enemy_n nor_o draw_v into_o like_a mistake_v with_o they_o either_o by_o passion_n or_o inadvertency_n let_v we_o give_v most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o send_v his_o son_n as_o at_o this_o time_n into_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v we_o and_o reveal_v to_o we_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n let_v we_o adore_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n who_o have_v contrive_v such_o excellent_a method_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o revelation_n may_v with_o sufficient_a certainty_n be_v transmit_v to_o all_o age_n improve_n the_o happiness_n of_o our_o knowledge_n by_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o in_o a_o careful_a practice_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v here_o with_o comfort_n hold_v fast_o and_o hereafter_o with_o glory_n obtain_v the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o seven_o sermon_n preach_v january_n 20_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n hebr._n ix_o 27._o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n i_o intend_v not_o from_o these_o word_n to_o prove_v the_o mortality_n of_o mankind_n or_o show_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o that_o fatal_a doom_n the_o experience_n of_o almost_o six_o thousand_o year_n may_v abundant_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v ourselves_o to_o be_v particular_o exempt_v from_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o mankind_n that_o decay_n which_o we_o find_v in_o our_o body_n and_o those_o frequent_a infirmity_n to_o which_o we_o be_v all_o subject_n permit_v we_o not_o to_o entertain_v any_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a privilege_n the_o necessity_n of_o end_v this_o life_n be_v so_o apparent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v trifle_v to_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o however_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o necessity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o which_o may_v just_o require_v the_o most_o serious_a reflection_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n nor_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n wherein_o be_v express_v the_o divine_a determination_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mortality_n and_o future_a judgement_n of_o man_n and_o the_o order_n of_o they_o namely_o that_o god_n have_v decree_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v once_o die_v and_o that_o after_o death_n they_o shall_v receive_v either_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o their_o action_n now_o however_o the_o secret_a decree_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o however_o a_o curious_a desire_n of_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o may_v be_v rash_a and_o fruitless_a yet_o in_o these_o which_o so_o immediate_o and_o universal_o concern_v mankind_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o great_a object_n of_o our_o religion_n no_o enquiry_n can_v be_v unnecessary_a or_o unuseful_a the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v obvious_a and_o satisfactory_a such_o as_o may_v not_o only_o be_v discover_v by_o we_o but_o even_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o nothing_o tend_v more_o effectual_o to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o induce_v we_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o decree_n than_o a_o entire_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v necessary_a in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o respect_v we_o how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o grand_a decree_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o from_o whence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_n upon_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a decreâ—…_n of_o death_n to_o all_o men._n it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v ii_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v execute_v after_o death_n and_o not_o in_o this_o life_n but_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n first_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n nothing_o can_v appear_v more_o just_a than_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o impose_v a_o necessity_n of_o die_v upon_o all_o men._n god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o existence_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n may_v just_o dispose_v of_o or_o dispense_v either_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o man_n to_o have_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n without_o expect_v a_o perpetual_a and_o invariable_a conservation_n of_o that_o existence_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v mortal_a and_o then_o sure_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a in_o god_n to_o permit_v
they_o and_o when_o neglect_v their_o duty_n punish_v they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o he_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o prophet_n amos_n chap._n iii_o ver._n 2._o you_o only_o have_v i_o know_v of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o you_o beyond_o other_o will_n i_o punish_v for_o all_o your_o iniquity_n and_o if_o god_n require_v a_o great_a return_n of_o obedience_n in_o proportion_n to_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o more_o signal_n obligation_n we_o must_v conclude_v ourselves_o far_o more_o near_o concern_v than_o be_v the_o jew_n as_o in_o the_o divine_a favour_n so_o in_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n argument_n hebr._n x._o he_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n such_o be_v our_o relation_n to_o god_n consider_v as_o a_o king_n but_o then_o the_o apostlc_n imply_v yet_o somewhat_o further_o by_o call_v he_o a_o king_n eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v on_o their_o interpretation_n who_o suppose_v by_o the_o term_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v mean_v all_o other_o immaterial_a being_n of_o what_o dignity_n soever_o that_o so_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o heathenphilosopher_n and_o many_o ancient_a heretic_n may_v be_v exclude_v who_o introduce_v many_o immaterial_a being_n coordinate_a to_o god_n and_o not_o subject_a to_o he_o this_o interpretation_n even_o although_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a be_v too_o nice_a for_o a_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o more_o natural_a and_o useful_a importance_n of_o this_o word_n be_v that_o as_o god_n have_v be_v our_o king_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n so_o he_o will_v continue_v his_o government_n for_o ever_o and_o exercise_v it_o not_o only_o till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o present_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o long_o as_o any_o immaterial_a being_n shall_v exist_v that_o be_v through_o all_o age_n a_o consideration_n which_o can_v but_o powerful_o incline_v we_o to_o adore_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o strike_v we_o with_o a_o reverent_a awe_n of_o he_o while_o we_o remember_v that_o even_a death_n can_v rescue_v we_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o government_n and_o execution_n of_o his_o wrath_n if_o we_o shall_v have_v deserve_v it_o earthly_a prince_n can_v maintain_v their_o power_n no_o long_o than_o their_o life_n and_o reach_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereas_o god_n be_v our_o king_n not_o only_o in_o this_o life_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n not_o only_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v join_v to_o the_o body_n here_o but_o after_o death_n while_o it_o continue_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n and_o after_o the_o resurrection_n also_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v again_o rejoyned_n to_o the_o body_n how_o then_o ought_v we_o to_o revere_a how_o to_o adore_v that_o god_n to_o who_o government_n we_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o all_o eternity_n from_o who_o dominion_n not_o even_a death_n can_v rescue_v we_o and_o in_o who_o hand_n be_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n further_o while_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n over_o we_o to_o all_o age_n we_o can_v but_o remember_v and_o prepare_v for_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v if_o he_o be_v then_o also_o our_o king_n he_o will_v certain_o exert_v his_o power_n in_o a_o severe_a trial_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o in_o dispense_n reward_n and_o punishment_n when_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o constitution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o own_o most_o wise_a decree_n shall_v permit_v a_o impartial_a judgement_n to_o be_v exercise_v that_o be_v after_o death_n it_o be_v the_o comfort_n ancient_o of_o brave_a spirit_n among_o the_o heathen_n by_o who_o self-murder_n be_v general_o though_o erroneous_o believe_v in_o many_o case_n to_o be_v lawful_a that_o they_o can_v easy_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o threat_n and_o oppression_n of_o a_o tyrant_n by_o a_o voluntary_a death_n and_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o we_o christian_n that_o we_o can_v baffle_v and_o overthrow_v all_o the_o design_n of_o the_o most_o outrageous_a violence_n at_o least_o by_o a_o generous_a death_n but_o who_o can_v rescue_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v his_o judgement_n if_o he_o be_v our_o governor_n after_o death_n also_o to_o all_o age_n the_o king_n eternal_a the_o next_o attribute_n ascribe_v to_o god_n in_o my_o text_n be_v immortality_n which_o however_o it_o may_v seem_v coincident_a with_o the_o former_a attribute_n be_v very_o different_a from_o it_o that_o denote_v the_o eternity_n of_o his_o government_n this_o either_o the_o eternity_n or_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o original_a imply_v both_o and_o both_o mighty_o conduce_v to_o raise_v in_o we_o a_o extraordinary_a dread_n and_o veneration_n of_o god_n eternity_n consider_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o most_o transcendent_a and_o essential_a of_o all_o the_o perfection_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o indeed_o the_o fountain_n of_o they_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v eternal_a that_o be_v independent_a of_o any_o other_o cause_n include_v a_o necessity_n of_o existence_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o give_v a_o be_v to_o itself_o but_o whatsoever_o can_v give_v a_o be_v to_o itself_o can_v add_v all_o other_o perfection_n so_o that_o no_o be_v can_v be_v eternal_a which_o be_v not_o infinite_o and_o supreme_o perfect_a from_o hence_o all_o other_o being_n derive_v their_o perfection_n which_o be_v various_o and_o obscure_o divide_v among_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v all_o unite_a and_o concentre_v in_o the_o creator_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o our_o finite_a soul_n to_o comprehend_v the_o fullness_n of_o this_o infinite_a perfection_n we_o can_v only_o entertain_v a_o faint_a resemblance_n of_o it_o and_o compare_v it_o to_o the_o several_a excellency_n of_o create_a being_n imagine_v it_o yet_o somewhat_o great_a than_o they_o all_o we_o admire_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o can_v without_o astonishment_n view_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n we_o revere_v the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o have_v sometime_o be_v amaze_v at_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o men._n the_o nature_n of_o angel_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a and_o their_o perfection_n more_o refine_v these_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n but_o alas_o imperfect_a pattern_n which_o hold_v no_o correspondence_n with_o the_o original_a yet_o if_o we_o can_v but_o admire_v these_o how_o glorious_a and_o far_o exceed_v all_o imagination_n must_v the_o fountain_n of_o they_o be_v of_o which_o these_o be_v no_o other_o than_o minute_n stream_n or_o obscure_a ray_n to_o so_o glorious_a so_o infinite_o perfect_v a_o be_v what_o adoration_n be_v not_o due_a what_o sacrifice_n less_o than_o of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n can_v be_v proportionate_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o reflect_v that_o this_o so_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a a_o be_v have_v admit_v we_o to_o a_o near_a participation_n of_o himself_o in_o this_o life_n and_o promise_v to_o we_o a_o much_o near_o in_o the_o next_o that_o he_o have_v entail_v unconceivable_a reward_n on_o the_o faithfulobserver_n of_o his_o command_n and_o threaten_v the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n to_o the_o violator_n of_o they_o and_o then_o that_o all_o this_o will_v be_v most_o certain_o perform_v that_o his_o nature_n and_o decrecs_n be_v immutable_a that_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n neither_o shadow_n of_o change_n we_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n annex_v to_o these_o reward_n as_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o success_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o because_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a have_v promise_v the_o next_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v invisibility_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o precedent_a perfection_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n visible_a or_o material_a shall_v be_v infinite_o perfect_a or_o eternal_a for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 2_o cor._n iu_o 18._o this_o former_o distinguish_v the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n from_o heathen_n and_o idolater_n who_o frame_v to_o themselves_o visible_a god_n and_o be_v not_o without_o use_n even_o
present_a joy_n and_o in_o this_o will_v consist_v our_o future_a reward_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o perform_v continual_a act_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o heaven_n to_o be_v urge_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o action_n in_o this_o life_n ought_v rather_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o anticipation_n of_o those_o future_a joy_n than_o a_o imposition_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o happiness_n in_o angel_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o continual_a act_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o a_o infinite_a favour_n to_o we_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o same_o office_n it_o be_v now_o at_o least_o some_o degree_n of_o happiness_n to_o perform_v that_o imperfect_o which_o we_o shall_v then_o complete_o and_o so_o much_o the_o great_a degree_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o be_v intent_n on_o it_o but_o then_o that_o we_o may_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o with_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o give_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n when_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v rank_v among_o those_o of_o who_o god_n complain_v that_o they_o honour_v he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o we_o must_v take_v especial_a care_n that_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n we_o pay_v to_o god_n be_v real_a and_o unfeigned_a the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v sincere_a in_o this_o duty_n by_o affix_v a_o amen_n to_o the_o end_n of_o these_o word_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v indeed_o or_o may_v it_o be_v so_o may_v man_n sincere_o and_o in_o earnest_n give_v honour_n and_o glory_n unto_o god_n may_v their_o heart_n agree_v with_o their_o mouth_n and_o their_o action_n with_o their_o declaration_n otherwise_o instead_o of_o honour_v we_o shall_v but_o vilify_v and_o affront_n god_n and_o deny_v his_o attribute_n of_o omniscience_n vain_o imagine_v that_o our_o hypocrisy_n be_v conceal_v from_o he_o and_o undiscerned_a by_o he_o and_o indeed_o no_o deliberate_a sin_n can_v be_v commit_v without_o overthrow_v our_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o efface_v or_o at_o least_o for_o a_o while_n cloud_v all_o notion_n of_o religion_n arise_v from_o they_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o such_o sin_n we_o disow_v he_o to_o be_v our_o king_n withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o his_o government_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o his_o law_n we_o set_v up_o to_o ourselves_o and_o pursue_v a_o different_a end_n from_o that_o appoint_a by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o creation_n we_o wrest_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o price_n of_o who_o blood_n we_o be_v redeem_v and_o deliver_v ourselves_o to_o his_o and_o our_o profess_a enemy_n the_o devil_n we_o deny_v he_o thereby_o to_o be_v a_o king_n eternal_a who_o continue_v his_o government_n even_o after_o death_n and_o exercise_v severe_a judgement_n upon_o sinner_n for_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n we_o disbelieve_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o will_n and_o fond_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v in_o our_o favour_n reverse_v his_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n pronounce_v against_o obstinate_a and_o deliberate_a sinner_n we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o escape_v his_o knowledge_n and_o be_v hide_v from_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n so_o fatal_a and_o erroneous_a be_v every_o deliberate_a sin_n that_o it_o either_o destroy_v or_o debase_v for_o a_o time_n all_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o thereby_o become_v a_o temporary_a apostasy_n that_o we_o therefore_o may_v escape_v the_o danger_n of_o that_o unhappiness_n let_v we_o constant_o keep_v in_o mind_n the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o they_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n our_o king_n and_o our_o redeemer_n that_o he_o will_v after_o death_n take_v a_o exact_a and_o impartial_a account_n of_o our_o action_n that_o he_o have_v decree_v damnation_n to_o all_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o will_v not_o recall_v his_o sentence_n that_o he_o know_v all_o our_o thought_n and_o see_v our_o most_o private_a motion_n let_v we_o frequent_o call_v these_o thing_n to_o mind_n and_o act_n as_o if_o we_o have_v they_o continual_o before_o our_o eye_n so_o shall_v we_o give_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o our_o life_n so_o may_v we_o without_o the_o check_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n confess_v his_o glorious_a attribute_n with_o our_o mouth_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v admit_v to_o sing_v glory_n and_o honour_n to_o he_o eternal_o in_o heaven_n which_o god_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n the_o nine_o sermon_n preach_v march_v 17_o 1688_o 9_o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n psal._n xcv_o 7_o 8._o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_n not_o your_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o mankind_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n no_o full_a demonstration_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o flesh_n over_o the_o spirit_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o complain_v than_o the_o wilful_a omission_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n allow_v to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n this_o happiness_n all_o man_n earnest_o desire_v and_o none_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o be_v repentance_n and_o obedience_n all_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v high_o reasonable_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a yet_o all_o find_v and_o deplore_v in_o themselves_o a_o continual_a aversion_n to_o set_v immediate_o upon_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o these_o condition_n they_o flatter_v themselves_o indeed_o with_o some_o hope_n at_o least_o of_o attain_v the_o propose_a happiness_n and_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o this_o support_n themselves_o whensoever_o they_o give_v their_o soul_n leave_v to_o entertain_v any_o serious_a reflection_n the_o scripture_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n tell_v they_o that_o these_o hope_n be_v vain_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o unrepentance_n yet_o they_o defer_v their_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o fond_o imagine_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v too_o late_o to_o set_v upon_o it_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o fix_v the_o time_n of_o this_o necessary_a duty_n and_o say_v to_o their_o soul_n hitherto_o thou_o have_v serve_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n henceforward_o from_o this_o very_a moment_n abandon_v they_o and_o devote_v thyself_o too_o god_n wise_o therefore_o have_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n set_v apart_o a_o solemn_a time_n in_o every_o year_n which_o we_o call_v lend_v wherein_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v teach_v and_o oblige_v to_o attend_v more_o diligent_o upon_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o be_v exhort_v to_o begin_v a_o resolute_a opposition_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n by_o inure_v themselves_o to_o a_o severe_a exercise_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n by_o deny_v to_o gratify_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o its_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o untameable_a to_o reduce_v it_o by_o maceration_n or_o other_o sober_a austerity_n by_o this_o mean_n sinner_n be_v induce_v to_o bethink_v themselves_o in_o earnest_n of_o their_o forlorn_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o what_o they_o be_v always_o unwilling_a to_o fix_v themselves_o the_o time_n of_o their_o repentance_n be_v appoint_v for_o they_o and_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v assist_v by_o this_o excellent_a discipline_n of_o thâ—…_n church_n and_o then_o that_o we_o may_v not_o neglect_v it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v immediate_a repentance_n to_o be_v unnecessary_a that_o we_o may_v not_o omit_v either_o to_o fix_v a_o time_n to_o it_o ourselves_o or_o to_o embrace_v the_o time_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n wherein_o all_o the_o faithful_a do_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n apply_v themselves_o to_o exercise_v act_n of_o repentance_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o yet_o at_o least_o god_n have_v set_v a_o time_n wherein_o he_o expect_v our_o repentance_n and_o beyond_o which_o he_o will_v not_o await_v to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_n upon_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n enjoin_v in_o those_o word_n harden_n not_o your_o heart_n ii_o the_o term_n prefix_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v do_v immediate_o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v etc._n etc._n i._o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n enjoin_v which_o be_v fit_o express_v by_o these_o word_n harden_n not_o your_o heart_n for_o if_o we_o
promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o repentance_n because_o these_o ought_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o affect_v we_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o concern_v we_o the_o reward_n propose_v to_o the_o jew_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o temporary_a possession_n of_o a_o fruitful_a country_n to_o which_o perhaps_o some_o man_n will_v not_o value_v their_o title_n that_o they_o may_v gratify_v their_o lusts._n yet_o it_o be_v record_v as_o a_o heinous_a aggravation_n of_o the_o impiety_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o think_v scorn_n of_o that_o pleasant_a land_n and_o give_v no_o credence_n unto_o his_o word_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o noble_a reward_n be_v propose_v reward_n with_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v stand_v in_o competition_n and_o yet_o all_o bestow_v upon_o this_o single_a condition_n of_o repentance_n which_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o reward_n itself_o be_v despise_v how_o then_o shall_v god_n oblige_v man_n to_o his_o service_n if_o this_o be_v ineffectual_a he_o propofe_v eternal_a felicity_n they_o prefer_v temporal_a satisfaction_n a_o satisfaction_n so_o far_o beneath_o true_a happiness_n that_o it_o carry_v no_o contentment_n along_o with_o it_o and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n become_v nauseous_a he_o grant_v this_o upon_o easy_a condition_n and_o yet_o man_n think_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o bestow_v that_o easy_a labour_n he_o bestow_v it_o upon_o sinful_a man_n who_o be_v thereby_o his_o profess_a enemy_n and_o yet_o they_o think_v not_o themselves_o oblige_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o it_o they_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o these_o powerful_a impression_n and_o suffer_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v mollify_v by_o the_o most_o endear_n kindness_n man_n may_v perhaps_o imagine_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v too_o late_o to_o undertake_v the_o acquisition_n of_o this_o reward_n that_o it_o may_v be_v secure_o neglect_v till_o the_o last_o scene_n of_o life_n but_o sure_o it_o can_v but_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a even_o to_o endanger_v the_o hope_n of_o so_o great_a a_o purchase_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o worldly_a pleasure_n which_o so_o infinite_o transcend_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o this_o life_n can_v afford_v not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o preserve_v any_o true_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o life_n without_o a_o probable_a assurance_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o the_o next_o man_n may_v for_o a_o while_n stifle_v the_o natural_a desire_n and_o notion_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o cloud_v the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n yet_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o sometime_o free_a itself_o from_o this_o affect_a stupidity_n and_o be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n assure_v of_o its_o own_o immortal_a nature_n look_v forward_o into_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o be_v folicitous_a of_o its_o future_a state_n it_o will_v then_o perceive_v that_o that_o future_a state_n be_v a_o abyss_n of_o time_n in_o comparison_n to_o this_o present_a life_n and_o remember_v the_o distinction_n of_o bliss_n and_o misery_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o the_o depart_a soul_n of_o good_a or_o wicked_a men._n what_o a_o dismal_a prospect_n will_v it_o then_o be_v to_o a_o soul_n employ_v in_o these_o meditation_n to_o consider_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o state_n be_v most_o certain_a but_o the_o application_n of_o either_o of_o they_o to_o themselves_o most_o uncertain_a unless_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n be_v secure_v by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n not_o to_o say_v that_o that_o soul_n can_v appear_v before_o god_n without_o extreme_a astonishment_n which_o god_n by_o all_o his_o glorious_a promise_n can_v not_o induce_v to_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n when_o the_o devil_n can_v tempt_v it_o by_o petty_a lust_n and_o foolish_a pleasure_n to_o its_o own_o destruction_n if_o then_o the_o proposition_n make_v by_o god_n to_o penitent_a christian_n be_v infinite_o more_o persuasive_a than_o all_o the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n sure_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v they_o till_o we_o can_v sin_n no_o more_o be_v a_o most_o foolish_a and_o deplorable_a obduration_n further_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n manifest_v the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n by_o contemn_v the_o dreadful_a punishment_n denounce_v by_o god_n against_o he_o and_o in_o this_o beyond_o other_o argument_n consist_v that_o execrable_a obduration_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o impenitence_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n pharaoh_n be_v chief_o say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n that_o when_o he_o have_v feel_v the_o most_o terrible_a punishment_n inflict_v upon_o himself_o and_o his_o nation_n and_o see_v other_o yet_o more_o grievous_a ready_a to_o be_v execute_v upon_o he_o after_o so_o many_o plague_n and_o threat_n employ_v for_o his_o correction_n he_o continue_v yet_o obstinate_a and_o as_o it_o be_v defy_v god_n or_o that_o i_o may_v come_v near_o to_o my_o text_n the_o most_o wicked_a aggravation_n of_o the_o obduration_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v their_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a punishment_n to_o they_o the_o high_a punishment_n be_v a_o temporal_a death_n and_o although_o by_o natural_a reason_n they_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o judgement_n and_o more_o impartial_a execution_n attend_v sinner_n in_o another_o life_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o they_o to_o who_o as_o no_o more_o than_o temporal_a reward_n be_v promise_v so_o no_o other_o than_o temporal_a punishment_n be_v threaten_v god_n have_v give_v frequent_a and_o terrible_a instance_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o this_o kind_n by_o destroy_v the_o most_o notorious_a delinquent_n among_o they_o by_o sword_n pestilence_n earthquake_n fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o many_o other_o way_n yet_o far_o from_o be_v terrify_v by_o these_o and_o discourage_v from_o displease_v god_n when_o their_o foolish_a desire_n be_v not_o gratify_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n they_o fear_v not_o open_o to_o declare_v their_o contempt_n of_o his_o punishment_n and_o themselves_o rather_o willing_a to_o undergo_v they_o than_o submit_v to_o his_o command_n as_o when_o they_o cry_v out_o numb_a fourteen_o 2._o will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v die_v in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n or_o will_v god_n we_o have_v die_v in_o this_o wilderness_n and_o more_o remarkable_o numb_a xx._n 3._o will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v die_v when_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v core_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n die_v before_o the_o lord_n a_o sober_a man_n may_v perhaps_o imagine_v it_o impossible_a to_o parallel_v so_o enormous_a a_o obstinacy_n do_v not_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o christian_n confute_v his_o supposition_n who_o dare_v withstand_v the_o threat_n of_o eternal_a fire_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o any_o impression_n from_o they_o it_o may_v perhaps_o not_o be_v unaccountable_a that_o resolute_a and_o desperate_a person_n shall_v despise_v a_o temporal_a death_n when_o not_o affright_v with_o any_o succeed_a judgement_n but_o to_o slight_v a_o punishment_n extreme_a in_o its_o sharpness_n and_o perpetual_a in_o its_o duration_n be_v such_o a_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o although_o acccompany_v with_o no_o other_o crime_n may_v just_o deserve_v to_o undergo_v the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o the_o punishment_n for_o the_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o god_n provide_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n not_o only_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a after_o death_n but_o also_o for_o the_o correction_n of_o all_o in_o this_o life_n that_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o they_o they_o may_v be_v affright_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n and_o even_o enforce_v to_o repentance_n if_o a_o most_o stupid_a obduration_n of_o mind_n do_v not_o intervene_v to_o all_o these_o aggravation_n of_o impenitence_n i_o shall_v be_v unwilling_a to_o add_v that_o none_o of_o the_o least_o or_o less_o usual_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a unbelief_n of_o the_o revelation_n promise_n or_o threat_v of_o god_n all_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v unwilling_a that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o belief_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o this_o cause_n who_o cite_v the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n hebr._n iii_o and_o exaggerate_v the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o jew_n ascribe_v it_o chief_o to_o their_o unbelief_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n have_v before_o warn_v all_o christian_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v consist_v with_o a_o wilful_a continuance_n in_o impenitence_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v real_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n prepare_v for_o man_n in_o another_o life_n both_o infinite_a and_o inexpressible_a
and_o withal_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o method_n whereby_o to_o obtain_v the_o one_o or_o escape_v the_o other_o but_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o yet_o with_o this_o belief_n and_o confession_n shall_v continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unrepentance_n or_o if_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v possible_a that_o two_o such_o contrary_a thing_n shall_v consist_v together_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o by_o his_o action_n he_o proclaim_v his_o unbelief_n to_o the_o world_n who_o neglect_v this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o repentance_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o deferr_v to_o perform_v it_o this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o the_o time_n prefix_v by_o god_n to_o our_o repentance_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o hebr._n iii_o 13._o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n which_o may_v either_o import_n the_o term_n of_o our_o natural_a life_n for_o that_o repentance_n will_v take_v no_o place_n after_o death_n agreeable_o to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n john_n ix_o 4._o the_o night_n come_v wherein_o no_o man_n can_v work_v so_o that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o this_o life_n and_o no_o more_o of_o this_o life_n be_v certain_a to_o we_o than_o that_o moment_n which_o we_o now_o enjoy_v it_o ought_v to_o commence_v from_o this_o very_a moment_n or_o else_o which_o seem_v most_o natural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o hebrew_n repent_v to_o day_n that_o be_v immediate_o while_o god_n continue_v his_o offer_n of_o mercy_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a for_o that_o he_o will_v not_o await_v our_o repentance_n till_o we_o please_v nor_o suffer_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v wilful_o slight_v this_o term_n of_o repentance_n fix_v by_o god_n to_o every_o man_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v as_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n when_o that_o conviction_n be_v once_o thorough_o form_v when_o man_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v their_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o they_o know_v withal_o that_o this_o conformity_n consist_v in_o practise_v all_o the_o divine_a precept_n of_o holiness_n justice_n and_o sobriety_n and_o that_o all_o habitual_a sin_n be_v a_o open_a opposition_n to_o it_o when_o they_o be_v asâ—…ured_v that_o god_n have_v proclaim_v his_o pardon_n to_o penitent_a and_o denounce_v his_o wrath_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n then_o be_v life_n and_o death_n true_o set_v before_o they_o then_o be_v it_o commit_v to_o their_o choice_n which_o they_o will_v prefer_v a_o easy_a choice_a one_o will_v imagine_v have_v not_o the_o deplorable_a experience_n of_o so_o many_o obstinate_a sinner_n teach_v we_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o choose_v the_o worse_o even_o under_o conviction_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o miserable_a perverseness_n we_o find_v indeed_o the_o temptation_n to_o which_o mankind_n be_v expose_v to_o be_v very_o violent_a the_o lust_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n of_o a_o bewitch_a nature_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o master_n the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a desire_n of_o true_a happiness_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o do_v not_o a_o unhappy_a mistake_n misguide_v the_o practice_n of_o man_n and_o render_v all_o the_o present_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n ineffectual_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v false_a notion_n from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n that_o the_o term_v prefix_v by_o god_n to_o their_o repentance_n be_v not_o yet_o expire_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v too_o late_o to_o begin_v their_o repentance_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o it_o take_v out_o their_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v we_o in_o the_o aforementioned_a place_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o it_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o some_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v do_v provoke_v verse_n 16._o that_o be_v after_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o power_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o command_n or_o rely_v on_o his_o pomise_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o refusal_n to_o go_v up_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o land_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o relate_v in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o number_n to_o which_o this_o psalm_n particular_o relate_v they_o immediate_o indeed_o repent_v of_o their_o folly_n and_o resolve_v forthwith_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o design_n but_o than_o it_o be_v too_o late_o they_o have_v slip_v their_o time_n and_o god_n refuse_v to_o be_v among_o they_o or_o to_o give_v they_o success_n it_o be_v frivolous_a therefore_o to_o plead_v the_o hope_n of_o continual_a offer_n of_o pardon_n for_o defer_v of_o repentance_n and_o to_o pretend_v that_o if_o they_o exact_o know_v the_o time_n beyond_o which_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v not_o await_v they_o will_v immediate_o begin_v to_o form_v a_o sincere_a repentance_n such_o resolution_n may_v possible_o be_v true_a and_o indeed_o unless_o a_o monstrous_a stupidity_n intervene_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o then_o the_o term_n be_v manifest_a and_o can_v be_v unknown_a to_o any_o be_v the_o moment_n from_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o know_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o obedience_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o irrational_a now_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n be_v found_v either_o in_o the_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o nature_n prone_a to_o yield_v to_o powerful_a temptation_n the_o latter_a suppose_v a_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n and_o piety_n and_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o fix_a and_o resolve_v unrepentance_n for_o then_o every_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o effect_n not_o of_o humane_a infirmity_n but_o of_o resolution_n the_o former_a cause_n vanish_v when_o the_o ignorance_n of_o man_n be_v remove_v by_o a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o athenian_n that_o god_n wink_v indeed_o at_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n but_o now_o after_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o can_v pretend_v a_o ignorance_n of_o our_o duty_n much_o less_o those_o who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n so_o excellent_o constitute_v we_o have_v the_o scripture_n open_v to_o we_o be_v admonish_v and_o incite_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o weekly_a exhortation_n and_o disow_v all_o little_a art_n so_o usual_a in_o other_o church_n of_o procure_v salvation_n without_o a_o strict_a and_o real_a obedience_n there_o remain_v then_o to_o we_o only_o the_o plea_n of_o infirmity_n whereby_o to_o excuse_v our_o sin_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o suppose_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o settle_a course_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o which_o course_n we_o may_v be_v overtake_v with_o temptation_n and_o be_v unaware_o insuare_v by_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v into_o sin_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v cloud_v with_o a_o passion_n and_o by_o violent_a impression_n from_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a object_n have_v scarce_o the_o liberty_n of_o direct_v her_o thought_n aright_o but_o if_o when_o this_o tempest_n be_v allay_v this_o cloud_n remove_v when_o the_o mind_n regain_v its_o perfect_a freedom_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o its_o condition_n it_o entertain_v any_o complacency_n with_o the_o sin_n perform_v or_o be_v willing_a to_o permit_v a_o continuance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v no_o long_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o of_o deliberate_a and_o resolve_a choice_n much_o more_o when_o any_o man_n resolve_v whole_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o proceed_v in_o his_o unrepentance_n although_o but_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n that_o no_o pardon_n be_v promise_v to_o it_o under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o give_v it_o and_o then_o even_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n it_o be_v
be_v increase_v how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o we_o have_v hitherto_o consider_v god_n only_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o reveal_v religion_n which_o we_o profess_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v he_o also_o as_o the_o common_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o office_n nothing_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o a_o impartial_a execution_n of_o justice_n which_o can_v consist_v if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v distribute_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o man_n if_o the_o reward_v propose_v to_o the_o diligent_a observer_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n be_v give_v in_o common_a to_o the_o neglecter_n of_o they_o in_o vain_a then_o will_v good_a man_n employ_v so_o much_o industry_n zeal_n and_o caution_n in_o vain_a shall_v they_o forego_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n deny_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o more_o arduous_a duty_n of_o christianity_n if_o by_o all_o this_o they_o gain_v no_o more_o than_o what_o negligent_a sinner_n may_v secure_v to_o themselves_o and_o yet_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o a_o deprave_a will_n can_v desire_v nor_o can_v we_o account_v for_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v require_v such_o difficult_a duty_n of_o his_o most_o faithful_a servant_n and_o yet_o allow_v the_o same_o reward_n to_o his_o enemy_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o they_o our_o lord_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n indeed_o those_o great_a pretender_n to_o holiness_n that_o the_o sinner_n and_o publican_n go_v into_o heaven_n before_o they_o and_o in_o another_o place_n say_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n but_o then_o those_o sinner_n do_v repent_v which_o the_o pharisee_n refuse_v to_o do_v and_o the_o violence_n offer_v to_o heaven_n be_v there_o no_o other_o than_o prayer_n and_o tear_n without_o those_o the_o supreme_a judge_n will_v continue_v inexorable_a to_o they_o who_o have_v promise_v indeed_o to_o lay_v open_a heaven_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o upon_o no_o other_o condition_n will_v admit_v they_o into_o it_o otherwise_o what_o abraham_n say_v to_o god_n gen._n xviii_o 25._o when_o he_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v involve_v the_o just_a inhabitant_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n in_o the_o univeâ—…sal_a destruction_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o bring_v upon_o those_o city_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v as_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a the_o same_o we_o may_v just_o apply_v if_o god_n communicate_v the_o reward_n of_o just_a man_n such_o as_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o hope_v of_o future_a happiness_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o sar_n be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o imagine_v any_o such_o uneven_a conduct_n in_o god_n who_o from_o the_o in_o variable_a distribution_n of_o pardon_n to_o penitent_a of_o punishment_n to_o unrepent_v sinner_n raise_v the_o proof_n of_o his_o own_o justice_n ezek._n xviii_o 25_o 26_o 27._o hear_v now_o o_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a when_o a_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o it_o for_o his_o iniquity_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v die_v again_o when_o the_o wicked_a turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v save_v his_o soul_n alive_a therefore_o i_o will_v judge_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o head_n that_o i_o have_v little_a time_n leave_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o which_o be_v the_o usefulness_n of_o repentance_n in_o that_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a sincere_a and_o right_o apply_v it_o avert_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n not_o through_o any_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o its_o own_o but_o through_o the_o gracious_a acceptance_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v pardon_n upon_o true_a repentance_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v therefore_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n we_o may_v reflect_v upon_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o repentance_n be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v do_v nothing_o without_o most_o evident_a reason_n god_n therefore_o whensoever_o he_o take_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o caâ—…th_v it_o to_o judgement_n judge_v it_o according_a to_o the_o present_a disposition_n of_o it_o if_o a_o man_n have_v former_o live_v up_o to_o his_o command_n but_o do_v afterward_o apostatise_v from_o they_o and_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o die_v in_o that_o corrupt_a habit_n of_o mind_n he_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o it_o if_o he_o former_o neglect_v his_o duty_n but_o before_o his_o death_n have_v change_v all_o the_o habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o firm_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n into_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o love_n of_o piety_n and_o die_v in_o they_o god_n will_v reward_v he_o according_a to_o that_o prefent_a dispofition_n such_o a_o repentance_n then_o which_o god_n will_v accept_v must_v be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o the_o mind_n not_o a_o slight_a sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n nor_o even_o a_o bitter_a sorrow_n for_o they_o if_o found_v only_o upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o punishment_n attend_v they_o it_o proceed_v not_o to_o change_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o with_o such_o a_o sorrow_n a_o love_n of_o sin_n may_v well_o consist_v nor_o even_o if_o this_o sorrow_n shall_v proceed_v to_o a_o careful_a discharge_n of_o duty_n for_o many_o day_n together_o and_o often_o break_v out_o into_o ardent_a ejaculation_n of_o devotion_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o avail_n unless_o the_o will_v be_v firm_o settle_v in_o resolution_n of_o continue_v the_o work_n so_o well_o begin_v and_o take_v off_o from_o all_o complacency_n in_o sin_n as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v sound_n or_o healthful_a although_o it_o have_v now_o and_o then_o some_o interval_n of_o health_n unless_o the_o whole_a crasis_n of_o it_o be_v strong_a and_o uncorrupted_a that_o every_o one_o may_v judge_v of_o himself_o herein_o let_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o the_o great_a temptation_n which_o he_o know_v can_v affect_v he_o let_v he_o imagine_v himself_o secure_a from_o be_v discover_v in_o this_o world_n and_o not_o be_v immediate_o snatch_v away_o to_o judgement_n then_o let_v he_o impartial_o examine_v himself_o whether_o in_o those_o circumstance_n he_o shall_v prefer_v his_o duty_n before_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n if_o he_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o resolution_n therein_o he_o may_v then_o hope_v well_o of_o his_o own_o condition_n but_o because_o man_n in_o such_o examination_n will_v be_v partial_a to_o themselves_o let_v he_o take_v a_o view_n of_o his_o late_a action_n in_o which_o if_o he_o can_v find_v any_o sin_n commit_v deliberate_o after_o consideration_n in_o cool_a blood_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o the_o contrary_a then_o let_v he_o assure_o conclude_v that_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v deprave_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o must_v be_v change_v by_o repentance_n before_o god_n will_v extend_v any_o mercy_n to_o he_o and_o that_o without_o such_o repentance_n he_o be_v for_o ever_o lose_v for_o in_o every_o such_o deliberate_a sin_n man_n real_o choose_v damnation_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o precedent_a deliberation_n of_o it_o his_o conscience_n set_v before_o he_o life_n and_o death_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o command_n of_o god_n the_o authority_n of_o his_o command_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o obedience_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o gild_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n affix_v to_o it_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o his_o will_v be_v overrule_v by_o the_o seem_a pleasure_n of_o vice_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o god_n man_n do_v therein_o make_v a_o absolute_a choice_n of_o damnation_n for_o himself_o and_o do_v as_o true_o renounce_v obedience_n to_o god_n as_o if_o he_o make_v a_o open_a and_o formal_a abjuration_n of_o it_o a_o mind_n therefore_o so_o corrupt_v can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v say_v to_o be_v well_o dispose_v or_o
hope_n by_o mortify_v and_o change_v our_o former_a vicious_a course_n of_o life_n into_o a_o new_a and_o heavenly_a life_n or_o by_o conceive_v firm_a hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v our_o own_o resurrection_n by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n the_o former_a manner_n indeed_o be_v pure_o allegorical_a but_o a_o allegory_n as_o well_o most_o natural_a in_o its_o self_n as_o most_o familiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o treat_v of_o it_o often_o and_o large_o and_o inculcate_n it_o in_o almost_o all_o his_o epistle_n as_o in_o the_o chapter_n precede_v my_o text_n he_o tell_v the_o colossian_n col._n ii_o 12_o 20._o you_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o and_o you_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n galat._n ii_o 20._o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ._n philip._n iii_o 10._o that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n 2_o cor._n iu_o 10._o alwayâ—…_n bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o iii_o and_o ivth_o chapter_n of_o 1_o pet._n and_o rom._n vi_o this_o conformity_n between_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o in_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o be_v at_o large_a explain_v we_o be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n these_o allegorical_a conclusion_n be_v not_o the_o mere_a product_n of_o fancy_n but_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o so_o admirable_o contrive_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o our_o instruction_n than_o his_o precept_n and_o can_v not_o but_o have_v exceed_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n who_o thought_n be_v then_o and_o aught_o now_o to_o be_v chief_o employ_v about_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n they_o be_v excellent_o fit_v to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n when_o both_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o jewish_a doctor_n employ_v themselves_o almost_o whole_o in_o allegorical_a explication_n of_o natural_a or_o divine_a truth_n and_o be_v more_o particular_o adapt_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n consist_v in_o type_n shadow_n and_o symbolical_a representation_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o last_o lest_o we_o shall_v conceive_v any_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n against_o these_o allegorical_a inference_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v recommend_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a penman_n the_o present_a allegory_n draw_v from_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v most_o excellent_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n as_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o more_o full_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o recover_v mankind_n from_o his_o lose_a condition_n free_v he_o from_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o devil_n reform_v his_o life_n and_o fit_v he_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o god_n have_v design_v for_o he_o in_o another_o life_n to_o this_o end_n a_o total_a desertion_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o life_n wherein_o he_o be_v before_o engage_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a as_o well_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v whole_o impossible_a that_o a_o vicious_a soul_n shall_v receive_v that_o reward_n as_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v determine_v not_o to_o grant_v the_o reward_n on_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v his_o follower_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v require_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v relinquish_v all_o those_o temporal_a enjoyment_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n place_v the_o whole_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o life_n in_o these_o unlawful_a enjoyment_n whoever_o renounce_v the_o use_n of_o they_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o promise_n at_o their_o baptism_n solemn_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o a_o new_a life_n institute_v by_o god_n which_o be_v excellent_o represent_v in_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o baptism_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v refer_v wherein_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v whole_o immerge_v in_o the_o water_n so_o that_o the_o immersion_n represent_v his_o resolution_n of_o die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v by_o death_n take_v from_o the_o world_n and_o then_o his_o emersion_n present_o follow_v signify_v his_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n revive_v and_o appear_v after_o death_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a therefore_o to_o mortify_v one_o single_a lust_n or_o to_o give_v up_o this_o or_o that_o sinful_a affection_n in_o exchange_n for_o eternal_a reward_n and_o retain_v the_o rest_n this_o be_v not_o to_o die_v in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o soul_n be_v full_o separate_v from_o his_o body_n and_o continue_v in_o a_o separate_a state_n till_o the_o resurrection_n he_o satisfy_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v endure_v scourge_n reproach_n and_o buffet_n he_o descend_v not_o from_o the_o cross_n after_o he_o have_v endure_v most_o bitter_a torment_n till_o he_o have_v complete_v his_o suffering_n by_o death_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v till_o it_o be_v destroy_v it_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o all_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v annihilate_v if_o then_o we_o be_v real_o baptize_v into_o his_o death_n if_o we_o resolve_v to_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n we_o must_v yield_v up_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o enjoy_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o god_n permit_v to_o we_o we_o must_v absolute_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n suppose_v a_o full_a conviction_n that_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o place_v on_o earth_n and_o that_o his_o great_a concern_v here_o be_v only_o to_o improve_v his_o short_a term_n of_o life_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a and_o more_o durable_a happiness_n hereafter_o from_o this_o persuasion_n it_o will_v easy_o follow_v that_o different_a interest_n from_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pursue_v in_o this_o life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o preparation_n for_o a_o better_a and_o herein_o a_o christian_a true_o imitate_v the_o death_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o best_o of_o all_o manifest_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n by_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n willing_o that_o his_o design_n be_v far_o from_o sound_v a_o empire_n and_o procure_v to_o himself_o worldly_a advantage_n when_o he_o submit_v to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o true_o crucify_a with_o he_o until_o we_o as_o absolute_o forsake_v all_o desire_n and_o inclinaons_n to_o our_o former_a sinful_a life_n as_o if_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o life_n itself_o that_o we_o retain_v not_o the_o least_o claim_n or_o title_n to_o our_o former_a vicious_a satisfaction_n but_o by_o a_o total_a relinquish_a of_o they_o even_o put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o recall_v and_o re-establish_a they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o view_v the_o dreadful_a horror_n and_o anxiety_n under_o which_o our_o saviour_n labour_v while_o he_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n upon_o the_o cross_n if_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o melancholy_a state_n of_o the_o church_n his_o ignominious_a condition_n and_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o infernal_a power_n while_o he_o be_v detain_v in_o the_o grave_a we_o may_v perceive_v the_o desperate_a and_o deplorable_a state_n of_o man_n while_o yet_o detain_v in_o sin_n labour_v under_o the_o just_a displeasure_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n
and_o what_o more_o natural_a than_o for_o the_o member_n to_o follow_v their_o head_n he_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o what_o more_o consistent_a than_o for_o soldier_n to_o follow_v their_o captain_n he_o be_v their_o forerunner_n and_o what_o more_o usual_a than_o for_o traveller_n to_o follow_v their_o leader_n a_o forerunner_n who_o be_v for_o we_o enter_v hebr._n vi_o 20._o that_o be_v to_o take_v possession_n in_o our_o name_n and_o for_o our_o behalf_n agreeable_o to_o what_o himself_o have_v promise_v to_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n that_o he_o depart_v from_o they_o into_o heaven_n only_o to_o prepare_v mansion_n for_o they_o and_o that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o they_o shall_v be_v also_o how_o bless_v and_o desirable_a then_o shall_v the_o state_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v after_o the_o resurrection_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v companion_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o even_o share_v with_o he_o in_o his_o present_a happiness_n a_o happiness_n which_o however_o inconceivable_a in_o this_o life_n be_v excellent_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o latter_a word_n of_o my_o text_n where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o sit_v to_o denote_v the_o permanence_n and_o eternity_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o show_v the_o power_n majesty_n and_o glory_n wherewith_o he_o be_v invest_v such_o be_v the_o glorious_a consequence_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o such_o will_v be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o we_o also_o if_o we_o diligent_o observe_v the_o apostle_n precept_n which_o he_o infer_v from_o our_o rise_n with_o christ_n that_o we_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o châ—…ist_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n our_o lord_n after_o his_o resurrection_n settle_v not_o his_o abode_n upon_o earth_n he_o stay_v no_o long_o than_o to_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v real_o rise_v even_o while_o he_o remain_v upon_o earth_n he_o be_v far_o more_o reserve_v than_o before_o his_o resurrection_n abstain_v from_o a_o public_a and_o ordinary_a conversation_n and_o resume_v not_o the_o common_a office_n of_o mortal_a life_n such_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v but_o only_o to_o convince_v his_o follower_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o resurrection_n not_o but_o that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v continue_v all_o these_o action_n until_o his_o ascension_n with_o the_o same_o innocency_n and_o freedom_n from_o sin_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o his_o whole_a life_n but_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o teach_v we_o thereby_o that_o after_o our_o new_a birth_n and_o spiritual_a resurrection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o employ_v our_o care_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o live_v here_o as_o if_o we_o live_v not_o carry_v our_o thought_n much_o high_o even_o whither_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o and_o fix_v they_o upon_o the_o interest_n of_o eternity_n not_o but_o that_o we_o may_v and_o even_o ought_v to_o take_v a_o prudent_a care_n for_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o world_n while_o we_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o but_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o rest_v here_o or_o make_v this_o our_o ultimate_a end_n but_o make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o secure_v those_o more_o noble_a end_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o society_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n this_o all_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v our_o far_a great_a concern_v and_o then_o sure_o our_o utmost_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o what_o we_o earnest_o love_v we_o can_v but_o diligent_o seek_v it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o desire_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o action_n in_o we_o and_o whatsoever_o we_o perform_v even_o the_o most_o trifle_a action_n arise_v from_o the_o desire_n of_o some_o end_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o it_o so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v say_v so_o much_o as_o to_o desire_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o diligent_o seek_v not_o to_o obtain_v they_o by_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o and_o propose_v by_o god_n if_o we_o retain_v a_o unlawful_a love_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v manifest_a we_o prefer_v the_o satisfaction_n proceed_v from_o they_o before_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o next_o and_o however_o we_o be_v say_v abstract_o to_o desire_n these_o yet_o certain_o in_o that_o case_n we_o desire_v they_o not_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o nay_o we_o even_o quit_v our_o desire_n of_o they_o which_o we_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o reject_v when_o we_o espouse_v a_o interest_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o but_o far_o be_v this_o from_o any_o christian_a to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o lord_n resurrection_n and_o yet_o refuse_v the_o offer_n of_o share_v with_o he_o in_o it_o we_o have_v all_o already_o by_o our_o baptism_n and_o by_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n profess_v to_o die_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o rise_v with_o he_o and_o if_o we_o falsify_v not_o these_o resolution_n we_o can_v but_o set_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o to_o die_v be_v to_o suspend_v or_o to_o cease_v the_o ordinary_a action_n of_o life_n and_o if_o yet_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v retain_v if_o the_o same_o care_n be_v employ_v on_o the_o concern_v of_o it_o which_o be_v before_o any_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a &_o better_a life_n be_v give_v if_o the_o same_o love_n the_o same_o desire_n of_o earthly_a satisfaction_n continue_v such_o a_o person_n can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o have_v die_v to_o the_o world_n than_o a_o body_n to_o be_v natural_o dead_a which_o yet_o continue_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o walk_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o ordinary_a action_n of_o life_n after_o those_o thing_n do_v the_o gentile_n seek_v who_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v hope_v only_o in_o this_o life_n who_o expect_v no_o satisfaction_n but_o what_o they_o reap_v here_o below_o from_o these_o a_o christian_a separate_v himself_o by_o his_o baptism_n profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o a_o different_a society_n which_o proceed_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o found_v his_o interest_n in_o another_o life_n he_o abandon_v his_o pretension_n to_o the_o unlimited_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n crucify_v his_o affection_n and_o die_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v rise_v with_o christ_n rise_v with_o he_o here_o to_o a_o new_a life_n that_o he_o may_v rise_v with_o he_o to_o glory_n hereafter_o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o bless_a hope_n he_o often_o consider_v of_o his_o lord_n resurrection_n he_o celebrate_v the_o mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o comfort_v his_o afflict_a church_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n by_o restore_v to_o her_o the_o presence_n of_o her_o belove_a saviour_n he_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n that_o himself_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v raise_v up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o now_o that_o the_o bodily_a presence_n of_o his_o lord_n be_v after_o his_o ascension_n take_v from_o he_o he_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o confirm_v his_o hope_n by_o the_o frequent_a participation_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o he_o esteem_v these_o sacred_a symbol_n receive_v and_o eat_v by_o he_o as_o a_o infallible_a pledge_n of_o his_o own_o resurrection_n agreeable_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n who_o account_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n deliver_v to_o the_o faithful_a to_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a earnest_n of_o their_o future_a resurrection_n as_o be_v persuade_v that_o as_o god_n permit_v not_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o christ_n to_o see_v corruption_n so_o neither_o will_v he_o suffer_v his_o symbolical_a body_n to_o be_v imprison_v in_o the_o grave_a for_o ever_o by_o the_o reception_n of_o these_o sacred_a element_n we_o be_v incorporate_v with_o christ_n and_o become_v member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o thereby_o obtain_v the_o high_a assurance_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v that_o as_o he_o raise_v up_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o three_o day_n so_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o we_o who_o be_v thereby_o member_n of_o his_o body_n in_o his_o due_a time_n only_o let_v we_o by_o die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o live_n to_o he_o by_o renounce_v the_o inordinate_a affection_n of_o the_o flesh_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o
be_v above_o so_o fit_a ourselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o representative_a body_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o we_o be_v not_o unworthy_a after_o death_n to_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o society_n of_o his_o natural_a and_o now_o glorious_a body_n in_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o he_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n power_n and_o glory_n henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o fourteen_o sermon_n preach_v may_n four_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n joh._n fourteen_o 1._o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o return_n to_o his_o father_n endeavour_v by_o many_o preparatory_a discourse_n to_o confirm_v the_o mind_n and_o dispel_v the_o anxiety_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o begin_v to_o despond_v at_o the_o news_n of_o his_o approach_a departure_n this_o to_o they_o not_o yet_o full_o understand_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v seem_v a_o total_a dereliction_n of_o they_o and_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o world_n they_o have_v forsake_v all_o the_o present_a convenience_n of_o life_n when_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o have_v all_o along_o share_v in_o the_o misery_n and_o hardship_n that_o their_o master_n be_v content_a to_o endure_v on_o earth_n in_o hope_n of_o partake_n at_o last_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o temporal_a kingdom_n which_o they_o fond_o imagine_v he_o will_v found_v on_o earth_n with_o these_o hope_n they_o support_v themselves_o under_o all_o their_o calamity_n and_o busy_v themselves_o in_o propose_v imaginary_a method_n of_o enjoy_v what_o they_o so_o long_o and_o so_o earnest_o expect_v we_o find_v they_o dispute_v who_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a officer_n or_o the_o principal_a favourite_n in_o this_o kingdom_n who_o shall_v sit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o his_o left_a and_o now_o that_o after_o their_o lord_n have_v enter_v into_o jerusalem_n in_o a_o triumphal_a manner_n their_o hope_n be_v enhance_v and_o expectation_n grow_v high_a as_o believe_v the_o completion_n of_o they_o to_o be_v at_o hand_n and_o that_o this_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v immediate_o commence_v when_o on_o a_o sudden_a all_o their_o hope_n be_v dash_v and_o their_o imaginary_a happiness_n overthrow_v by_o a_o free_a and_o open_a declaration_n of_o their_o lord_n concern_v his_o suffering_n and_o ignominous_a death_n which_o now_o draw_v near_o and_o be_v immediate_o to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o what_o confusion_n and_o anxiety_n must_v we_o then_o conceive_v they_o to_o have_v be_v when_o not_o only_o their_o hope_n and_o therein_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n the_o fruit_n and_o reward_n of_o so_o many_o labour_n so_o much_o hardship_n undertake_v and_o endure_v in_o prospect_n of_o their_o preferment_n in_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n to_o be_v found_v by_o their_o master_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n overthrow_v and_o cancel_v when_o not_o only_a themselves_o be_v to_o be_v disperse_v as_o sheep_n have_v no_o shepherd_n expose_v to_o the_o derision_n insult_v and_o persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o as_o our_o lord_n foretell_v shall_v even_o force_v they_o to_o deny_v their_o master_n and_o thereby_o renounce_v all_o title_n to_o any_o share_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o kingdom_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v alone_o without_o any_o head_n to_o direct_v comfort_n and_o protect_v they_o when_o not_o only_o all_o these_o calamity_n be_v to_o come_v upon_o themselves_o but_o also_o their_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o utmost_a indignity_n and_o at_o last_o crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n what_o distraction_n must_v they_o then_o have_v suffer_v when_o so_o many_o contrary_a passion_n love_n of_o their_o master_n and_o fear_v of_o their_o own_o misery_n deprivation_n of_o past_a hope_n and_o despair_v of_o future_a happiness_n wrought_v together_o in_o their_o mind_n they_o retain_v still_o indeed_o some_o faint_a hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o lord_n after_o three_o day_n imprisonment_n in_o the_o grave_a who_o shall_v then_o enter_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n and_o satisfy_v all_o their_o expectation_n but_o alas_o even_o these_o remain_a hope_n be_v dissipate_v by_o our_o saviour_n acquaint_v they_o in_o this_o chapter_n that_o immediate_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o go_v unto_o the_o father_n in_o this_o disconsolate_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n seek_v to_o cheer_v up_o the_o spirit_n and_o remove_v the_o despair_n of_o his_o follower_n by_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o suffer_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v and_o that_o thus_o it_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v by_o give_v they_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o shall_v both_o comfort_n instruct_v and_o guide_v they_o by_o assure_v they_o this_o comforter_n can_v not_o be_v send_v until_o himself_o first_o return_v to_o the_o father_n and_o by_o his_o intercession_n shall_v obtain_v the_o mission_n of_o he_o that_o although_o his_o bodily_a presence_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o good_a and_o that_o he_o will_v ever_o continue_v to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o government_n and_o bless_a spirit_n by_o intercede_v for_o they_o continual_o with_o the_o father_n by_o promote_a their_o request_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n by_o pour_v down_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n on_o they_o and_o watch_v over_o they_o with_o a_o constant_a eye_n of_o providence_n but_o above_o all_o in_o prepare_v mansion_n for_o they_o in_o heaven_n to_o receive_v they_o after_o death_n and_o the_o final_a completion_n of_o their_o labour_n upon_o earth_n upon_o all_o these_o account_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o be_v trouble_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o his_o departure_n and_o the_o temporal_a calamity_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v ensue_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o a_o argument_n of_o consolation_n say_v to_o they_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o cannoâ—…_n deny_v that_o it_o be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o safety_n also_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n consider_v only_o as_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o resign_v up_o your_o will_n to_o his_o difposal_n and_o upon_o firm_a assurance_n that_o he_o both_o know_v and_o will_v what_o be_v best_a for_o you_o rest_v content_v in_o all_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o life_n if_o you_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o your_o religion_n in_o which_o you_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o you_o have_v yet_o much_o great_a reason_n to_o rely_v upon_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n and_o distress_n as_o have_v often_o experience_v his_o peculiar_a kindness_n to_o your_o church_n and_o nation_n in_o many_o and_o wonderful_a instance_n which_o be_v therefore_o at_o first_o record_v that_o you_o may_v from_o thence_o conceive_v assure_v hope_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o providence_n interpose_v in_o your_o behalf_n in_o all_o calamity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lxxviii_o psalm_n he_o give_v israel_n a_o law_n which_o he_o command_v our_o forefather_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o when_o they_o come_v up_o they_o may_v show_v their_o child_n the_o same_o that_o they_o may_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o not_o to_o forget_v the_o work_n of_o god_n if_o for_o these_o reason_n you_o be_v content_a to_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o relief_n in_o your_o affliction_n for_o much_o great_a reason_n you_o ought_v to_o confide_v and_o rely_v upon_o my_o promise_n of_o assistance_n to_o you_o and_o constant_a care_n of_o you_o even_o after_o i_o shall_v be_v remove_v from_o you_o inasmuch_o as_o you_o have_v receive_v from_o i_o more_o manifest_a assurance_n of_o the_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n to_o you_o than_o ever_o be_v indulge_v to_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o patriarch_n or_o the_o jew_n my_o ability_n to_o do_v all_o this_o you_o can_v doubt_v as_o know_v who_o i_o be_o and_o what_o place_n i_o bear_v in_o heaven_n or_o if_o you_o shall_v not_o believe_v this_o mere_o for_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o my_o person_n yet_o believe_v i_o for_o the_o very_a work_n sake_n ver._n 11._o be_v convince_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n as_o i_o have_v wrought_v for_o your_o satisfaction_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o perform_v whatsoever_o i_o promise_v to_o you_o and_o then_o for_o my_o willingness_n to_o do_v it_o you_o have_v