light_n and_o example_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n and_o in_o so_o do_v perform_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o this_o place_n and_o entitle_v himself_o to_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o whereas_o every_o one_o deviate_a from_o this_o rule_n and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v moral_a or_o religious_a action_n become_v a_o spot_n in_o this_o light_n a_o exception_n to_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o church_n against_o unbeliever_n he_o defeat_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a advantage_n which_o christ_n propose_v to_o produce_v in_o sound_v of_o a_o church_n and_o thereby_o become_v guilty_a not_o only_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o also_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o all_o those_o infidel_n or_o profane_a person_n who_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o discover_v that_o exemplariness_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o have_v convince_v they_o if_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n 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way_n to_o unlawful_a passion_n these_o will_v lose_v even_o all_o sense_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o practice_v what_o they_o see_v their_o superior_n the_o suppose_a judge_n of_o decency_n and_o lawfulness_n without_o fear_n to_o pursue_v if_o they_o conscientious_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o religion_n even_o respect_v to_o their_o person_n will_v engage_v other_o in_o the_o same_o course_n of_o piety_n as_o be_v general_o persuade_v that_o those_o who_o be_v great_a and_o wise_a than_o themselves_o be_v more_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v true_a happiness_n thus_o every_o good_a man_n fit_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v he_o for_o be_v a_o example_n to_o they_o become_v a_o public_a blessing_n he_o enter_v not_o into_o heaven_n alone_o but_o carry_v with_o he_o the_o welcome_a attendance_n of_o those_o who_o his_o example_n have_v draw_v thither_o with_o he_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o in_o the_o power_n of_o all_o man_n to_o fit_v themselves_o for_o such_o exemplar_n yet_o most_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o as_o be_v superior_a to_o some_o other_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v rule_n of_o direction_n from_o they_o and_o not_o a_o few_o be_v place_v in_o such_o eminent_a station_n as_o derive_v exceed_v influence_n upon_o all_o those_o who_o be_v seat_v under_o they_o and_o such_o if_o careless_a of_o their_o duty_n become_v a_o snare_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o destruction_n to_o all_o those_o who_o by_o their_o example_n be_v betray_v into_o sin_n they_o fall_v not_o alone_o but_o like_o lucifer_n seat_v on_o a_o eminent_a throne_n draw_v legion_n of_o apostate_n angel_n with_o they_o into_o hell_n for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o all_o who_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v and_o can_v plead_v as_o do_v those_o sinner_n who_o act_n in_o the_o low_a sphere_n that_o thereby_o they_o hurt_v themselves_o alone_o rather_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n ruin_v by_o their_o ill_a example_n will_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o be_v revenge_v on_o they_o it_o be_v frequent_o add_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o jeroboam_n as_o the_o utmost_a aggravation_n of_o his_o crime_n that_o he_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o a_o single_a apostasy_n but_o draw_v the_o whole_a nation_n into_o idolatry_n by_o his_o power_n and_o example_n we_o need_v look_v no_o far_o than_o the_o history_n of_o that_o and_o other_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o great_a example_n for_o as_o often_o as_o those_o introduce_v idolatry_n or_o restore_v true_a religion_n so_o often_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n fall_v into_o apostasy_n or_o return_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o reward_n of_o those_o pious_a prince_n will_v receive_v infinite_a increase_n from_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o their_o example_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o the_o other_o will_v be_v heighten_v from_o the_o infection_n communicate_v to_o other_o by_o their_o wickedness_n and_o what_o prince_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o subject_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o same_o be_v all_o superior_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o inferior_n whether_o in_o authority_n riches_n or_o knowledge_n the_o piety_n of_o a_o master_n reform_v or_o his_o dissoluteness_n corrupt_v a_o whole_a family_n the_o exemplariness_n of_o a_o rich_a man_n instruct_v or_o his_o wickedness_n debauch_v all_o his_o poor_a dependent_n the_o religious_a conduct_n of_o a_o know_a man_n correct_v or_o his_o unwary_a behaviour_n pervert_v all_o his_o admirer_n and_o all_o such_o shall_v certain_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o their_o exemplary_a piety_n or_o if_o their_o conduct_n be_v contrary_a the_o punishment_n of_o their_o private_a sin_n will_v be_v much_o
brightness_n shall_v the_o moon_n give_v light_a unto_o thou_o but_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v unto_o thou_o a_o everlasting_a light_n and_o thy_o god_n the_o glory_n and_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o this_o ix_o 2._o the_o people_n which_o sit_v in_o darkness_n see_v great_a light_n and_o to_o they_o which_o sit_v in_o the_o region_n and_o shadow_n of_o death_n light_n be_v spring_v up_o which_o prophecy_n st._n matthew_n observe_v to_o have_v be_v exact_o fulfil_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o iu_o 16._o of_o his_o gospel_n after_o so_o many_o magnificent_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o extraordinary_a light_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o messiah_n we_o can_v but_o raise_v our_o apprehension_n and_o expect_v somewhat_o more_o than_o humane_a knowledge_n to_o be_v communicate_v by_o he_o to_o the_o world_n somewhat_o more_o than_o humane_a light_n to_o be_v dispense_v by_o he_o nor_o shall_v we_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o expectation_n the_o light_n communicate_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o the_o world_n be_v so_o universal_a in_o the_o extent_n so_o resplendent_a in_o the_o nature_n so_o constant_a in_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o that_o it_o in_o no_o way_n fall_v short_a of_o those_o glorious_a prediction_n which_o go_v before_o concern_v it_o and_o just_o give_v to_o our_o lord_n the_o author_n and_o conveyer_n of_o it_o the_o title_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n this_o will_v appear_v evident_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o i._o the_o doctrine_n or_o ii_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n upon_o both_o which_o account_n he_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n i._o then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n give_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n by_o remove_v the_o error_n of_o it_o and_o teach_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n which_o may_v point_v out_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n to_o conceive_v the_o better_a the_o happy_a effect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v as_o in_o the_o beginning_n darkness_n to_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o mankind_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o revelation_n and_o even_o they_o have_v corrupt_v and_o almost_o effaced_a the_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v to_o they_o by_o false_a gloss_n and_o gross_a interpretation_n they_o have_v forsake_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o even_o those_o who_o be_v most_o conscientious_a among_o they_o busy_v themselves_o whole_o in_o observe_v such_o trivial_a ceremony_n as_o themselves_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n form_v by_o mistake_a interpretation_n but_o the_o infinite_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o word_n they_o have_v entire_o lose_v those_o reveal_v notion_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o their_o forefather_n immediate_o after_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v so_o far_o corrupt_v that_o their_o worship_n be_v downright_a impiety_n and_o all_o their_o religious_a action_n so_o many_o gross_a superstition_n in_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n all_o notion_n of_o morality_n and_o a_o natural_a law_n be_v entire_o lose_v and_o it_o be_v a_o brutish_a fear_n only_o which_o keep_v up_o any_o sort_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o which_o after_o all_o be_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v their_o great_a crime_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o most_o stupid_a idolatry_n in_o the_o more_o polite_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o retain_v civility_n and_o pretend_a to_o letter_n the_o natural_a law_n indeed_o be_v keep_v up_o among_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o they_o but_o even_o by_o they_o so_o mistake_v and_o corrupt_v that_o they_o allow_v as_o lawful_a the_o practice_n of_o some_o enormous_a vice_n which_o to_o convince_v of_o unlawfulness_n need_v no_o more_o than_o to_o consult_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n as_o fornication_n sodomy_n practise_v the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o country_n although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n convince_v of_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o self-murder_n and_o many_o other_o vice_n which_o the_o most_o refine_a of_o their_o philosopher_n defend_v to_o be_v lawful_a as_o for_o the_o common_a people_n their_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o the_o public_a religion_n of_o the_o country_n infuse_v into_o they_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o unworthy_a of_o a_o deity_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v such_o as_o patronise_v all_o the_o crime_n they_o can_v commit_v provide_v they_o violate_v not_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n for_o by_o these_o corruption_n no_o notion_n of_o morality_n be_v leave_v among_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a than_o what_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n imprint_v in_o they_o they_o can_v not_o but_o imagine_v that_o such_o action_n be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o their_o chief_a god_n have_v practise_v although_o their_o inconvenience_n to_o the_o public_a have_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v forbid_v in_o a_o word_n conceive_v a_o people_n ignorant_a both_o of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o nature_n desirous_a of_o happiness_n but_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v it_o and_o pursue_v method_n direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o grope_v in_o darkness_n without_o the_o least_o ray_n of_o light_n and_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n to_o rescue_v the_o world_n from_o this_o miserable_a darkness_n to_o restore_v light_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v a_o noble_a undertake_n and_o worthy_a the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o undertake_n which_o as_o it_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o most_o happy_o effect_v by_o he_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n john_n xii_o 46._o his_o design_n be_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o coloss._n i._n 13._o a_o design_n first_o begin_v by_o himself_o in_o person_n and_o afterward_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n to_o this_o day_n by_o his_o command_n and_o through_o his_o power_n who_o he_o send_v as_o st._n paul_n describe_v his_o commission_n act_v xxvi_o 18._o to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o gentile_n or_o the_o ignorant_a and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n himself_o while_o conversant_a on_o earth_n busy_v himself_o in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o detect_v the_o false_a explication_n of_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v of_o equal_a obligation_n to_o all_o mankind_n in_o discover_v the_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a integrity_n and_o not_o content_v only_o to_o discover_v the_o error_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v common_o object_v to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n that_o they_o can_v easy_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o one_o another_o but_o can_v establish_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o he_o plain_o reveal_v their_o whole_a duty_n to_o they_o teach_v they_o even_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n that_o so_o man_n may_v no_o more_o be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v in_o it_o to_o this_o he_o add_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n which_o concern_v either_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n annex_v to_o this_o law_n which_o may_v reinforce_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o or_o the_o future_a felicity_n of_o man_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o or_o the_o mean_n of_o pardon_n in_o case_n of_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v this_o light_n to_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o corner_n to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o a_o few_o it_o be_v to_o be_v make_v true_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o easiness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o man_n fit_v it_o for_o such_o a_o universal_a communicaon_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v actual_o communicate_v he_o abundant_o provide_v by_o proclaim_v it_o himself_o to_o all_o while_n on_o earth_n by_o establish_v a_o numerous_a order_n of_o disciple_n who_o shall_v propagate_v it_o successive_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n by_o inspire_v holy_a writer_n to_o commit_v it_o plain_o and_o entire_o to_o writing_n by_o sound_v a_o church_n the_o member_n of_o which_o shall_v by_o certain_a solemn_a rite_n or_o sacrament_n oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o contrive_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o might_n
imperfection_n which_o necessary_o do_v attend_v it_o error_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v yet_o much_o more_o dangerous_a and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o unreasonable_a because_o not_o found_v in_o internal_a perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o in_o extraneous_a advantage_n such_o as_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o unaccountable_a favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o prefer_v some_o man_n before_o other_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o either_o a_o easy_a way_n indeed_o of_o gain_v heaven_n and_o as_o what_o flatter_v the_o ambition_n of_o man_n be_v common_o acceptable_a to_o they_o a_o please_a delusion_n but_o such_o man_n be_v to_o know_v that_o although_o themselves_o proceed_v herein_o without_o any_o other_o principle_n than_o a_o strong_a imagination_n prompt_v by_o a_o vehement_a pride_n yet_o that_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n never_o act_v without_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v sway_v by_o any_o 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commandment_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a a_o proposition_n which_o may_v perhaps_o appear_v incredible_a to_o any_o one_o who_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o obedience_n require_v and_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o every_o action_n of_o our_o life_n be_v limit_v and_o regulate_v by_o it_o that_o it_o extend_v not_o to_o the_o outward_a act_n alone_o but_o include_v the_o most_o secret_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n that_o it_o enjoin_v man_n to_o forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o quit_v his_o dear_a affection_n to_o renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o occasion_n even_o life_n itself_o that_o therefore_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 and_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o continual_a war_n against_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n these_o 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perfect_a and_o exalt_v his_o nature_n the_o sum_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o conserve_v a_o reverend_a conception_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v his_o authority_n and_o prefer_v it_o to_o all_o other_o reason_n to_o exercise_v a_o constant_a temperance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o pleasure_n a_o universal_a charity_n in_o relation_n to_o our_o fellow-member_n to_o be_v just_a and_o true_a to_o oppress_v none_o to_o defraud_v none_o to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o these_o be_v the_o great_a line_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n to_o these_o indeed_o must_v be_v add_v to_o complete_a a_o christian_n faith_n in_o christ_n reliance_n on_o his_o merit_n communion_n with_o he_o in_o those_o external_a sacrament_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v to_o declare_v the_o mutual_a union_n between_o himself_o and_o we_o whereby_o we_o visible_o join_v ourselves_o to_o he_o put_v ourselves_o under_o his_o command_n declare_v confirm_v and_o reiterate_v our_o resolution_n of_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o follow_v his_o direction_n yet_o can_v these_o latter_a scarce_o be_v account_v any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n since_o simple_o consider_v they_o include_v no_o difficulty_n no_o restraint_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o will_v not_o even_o by_o the_o most_o sensual_a person_n be_v account_v any_o yoke_n or_o burden_n but_o as_o they_o be_v so_o many_o mark_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n by_o every_o christian_n to_o observe_v those_o primary_n duty_n which_o we_o before_o mention_v these_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o create_v be_v he_o owe_v obedience_n to_o god_n as_o possess_v the_o use_n of_o freewill_n and_o reason_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o direct_v his_o action_n according_a to_o those_o rule_n which_o reason_n prescribe_v to_o he_o from_o the_o light_n of_o this_o reason_n he_o be_v easy_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o exercise_v all_o those_o virtue_n we_o before_o mention_v that_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o his_o duty_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o oppose_v the_o direction_n of_o his_o reason_n which_o ought_v to_o guide_v he_o and_o over_o turn_v that_o order_n and_o decorum_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o body_n the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o mind_n force_v he_o to_o confess_v his_o dependence_n upon_o some_o great_a be_v convince_v he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o world_n to_o follow_v blind_o the_o inclination_n of_o his_o own_o will_n but_o to_o conform_v himself_o to_o those_o rule_n of_o government_n which_o the_o common_a author_n of_o all_o creature_n have_v establish_v among_o they_o if_o when_o he_o undertake_v any_o action_n or_o form_v any_o resolution_n he_o consult_v his_o reason_n it_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o this_o be_v his_o duty_n that_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o this_o be_v decent_a that_o unfit_a for_o he_o this_o become_v that_o dishonour_v his_o nature_n nay_o whether_o he_o take_v council_n from_o reason_n or_o not_o it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o suggest_v to_o he_o in_o every_o action_n what_o be_v good_a just_a and_o honourable_a what_o impious_a injust_a and_o disgraceful_a to_o he_o now_o all_o these_o natural_a suggestion_n of_o reason_n be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o very_a duty_n which_o make_v up_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ._n the_o action_n and_o rule_n of_o conduct_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o the_o only_a difference_n lie_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n and_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o every_o action_n be_v to_o proceed_v for_o whereas_o nature_n direct_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v perform_v because_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n that_o omit_v because_o repugnant_a to_o it_o christianity_n require_v that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v do_v the_o other_o forbear_v chief_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o conformity_n to_o his_o will_n and_o in_o gratitude_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o redemption_n however_o the_o act_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o do_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o man_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o obedience_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a to_o god_n that_o whatsoever_o oppose_v his_o will_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o denial_n of_o dependence_n on_o he_o that_o the_o appetite_n passion_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o more_o noble_a faculty_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v this_o which_o constitute_v a_o man_n and_o distinguish_v his_o conduct_n from_o that_o of_o beast_n that_o to_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o these_o lust_n to_o gratify_v any_o of_o they_o without_o the_o assent_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o pervert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o violate_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n that_o to_o be_v just_a true_a and_o charitable_a be_v what_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n require_v to_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o conform_v himself_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o it_o that_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o defraud_v or_o injure_v any_o other_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o he_o be_v unworthy_a to_o continue_v his_o station_n among_o man_n all_o this_o natural_a reason_n suggest_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man._n these_o draw_v not_o their_o original_a from_o any_o reveal_v religion_n but_o be_v only_o enforce_v by_o it_o it_o have_v be_v pretend_v indeed_o by_o some_o patron_n of_o atheism_n though_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v believe_v that_o themselves_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o that_o all_o these_o notion_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o precedent_a impression_n of_o some_o reveal_v or_o supposed_o reveal_v religion_n on_o the_o contrary_a all_o age_n and_o nation_n all_o order_n of_o man_n have_v agree_v in_o these_o common_a notion_n which_o can_v possible_o proceed_v from_o 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just_o to_o be_v account_v laudable_a for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a line_n and_o main_a part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o direct_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o action_n which_o by_o all_o the_o world_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a to_o be_v laudable_a and_o divine_a such_o as_o be_v justice_n sobriety_n devotion_n and_o charity_n it_o be_v not_o among_o christian_n alone_o that_o such_o action_n be_v esteem_v praiseworthy_a all_o party_n of_o sober_a man_n as_o well_o heathen_n as_o those_o profess_v reveal_v religion_n have_v agree_v in_o this_o common_a sentiment_n in_o the_o veneration_n and_o praise_n of_o all_o such_o virtue_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o even_o when_o the_o heathen_n deride_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o cross_n they_o still_o acknowledge_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o person_n who_o profess_v it_o they_o also_o be_v convince_v that_o all_o those_o moral_a virtue_n be_v the_o 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the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o more_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o natural_o infer_v in_o the_o twenty_o verse_n except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v the_o exact_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o legal_a institution_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n of_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o other_o ceremony_n which_o abstract_v from_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n have_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o to_o see_v the_o jew_n kill_v their_o sacrifice_v beast_n wash_v their_o body_n often_o or_o circumcise_n themselves_o be_v no_o motive_n of_o holiness_n or_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o religion_n they_o discern_v nothing_o laudable_a in_o all_o this_o and_o be_v rather_o prompt_v to_o pity_v the_o slavery_n than_o to_o imitate_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o service_n whereas_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o christianity_n impose_v be_v amiable_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n ever_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o commendation_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o spectator_n thus_o our_o lord_n fit_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v fail_v of_o its_o design_a end_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o improve_v it_o to_o its_o right_a use_n and_o therein_o have_v lead_v the_o way_n by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o confine_v not_o himself_o to_o a_o desert_n as_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o converse_v in_o their_o city_n and_o more_o frequent_v meeting_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o constant_a piety_n goodness_n and_o charity_n which_o attend_v all_o his_o action_n be_v instruct_v by_o they_o and_o draw_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o he_o indulge_v his_o conversation_n to_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v they_o first_o to_o a_o love_n of_o his_o person_n and_o then_o to_o a_o imitation_n of_o his_o virtue_n he_o disdain_v not_o the_o company_n of_o any_o who_o may_v receive_v advantage_n from_o his_o doctrine_n or_o example_n and_o that_o he_o may_v fit_v his_o life_n for_o a_o universal_a pattern_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n he_o engage_v not_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o extraordinary_a austerity_n as_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o amid_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o strict_a exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n allow_v to_o himself_o the_o innocent_a pleasure_n and_o entertainment_n of_o the_o world_n he_o refuse_v not_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o those_o who_o invite_v he_o to_o splendid_a entertainment_n as_o with_o levi_n and_o zacheus_n nor_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o marriage-feast_n at_o other_o time_n he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v hunger_n and_o cold_a contempt_n and_o the_o vile_a injury_n to_o undergo_v long_o watch_v in_o prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o so_o it_o behove_v he_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o to_o perform_v all_o righteousness_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o grand_a exemplar_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n not_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o method_n of_o life_n lest_o thereby_o his_o example_n shall_v become_v deficient_a to_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v engage_v in_o another_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o more_o ordinary_a action_n and_o variety_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o in_o all_o case_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o approve_v and_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o conform_v they_o to_o his_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o doubt_n shall_v arise_v concern_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o example_n both_o the_o observation_n therefore_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v equal_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a engage_v he_o to_o be_v exemplar_n in_o his_o life_n and_o conduct_n and_o thus_o first_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n will_v become_v a_o light_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o each_o other_o our_o lord_n describe_v both_o in_o this_o place_n very_o lively_a you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n verse_n 13._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n will_v remain_v in_o sin_n and_o corruption_n but_o in_o the_o numerous_a society_n which_o i_o shall_v found_v and_o call_v by_o my_o name_n piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a shall_v be_v maintain_v yet_o not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o society_n alone_o but_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v receive_v instruction_n from_o it_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n verse_n 14._o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n remain_v in_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n but_o i_o have_v place_v my_o church_n as_o a_o glorious_a light_n to_o dispel_v this_o darkness_n and_o remove_v this_o ignorance_n that_o so_o all_o who_o do_v but_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n have_v the_o least_o inclination_n to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n may_v there_o discover_v the_o light_n and_o repair_v to_o it_o and_o this_o can_v fail_v to_o take_v effect_n while_o the_o brightness_n of_o this_o light_n shall_v remain_v while_o the_o church_n shall_v continue_v glorious_a and_o unspotted_a while_o the_o member_n of_o it_o shall_v all_o or_o the_o more_o part_n of_o they_o perform_v their_o duty_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v a_o city_n place_v on_o a_o hill_n or_o a_o light_n place_v in_o a_o room_n can_v be_v hide_v if_o indeed_o those_o virtue_n which_o i_o command_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o who_o profess_v my_o name_n if_o justice_n chastity_n beneficence_n and_o other_o mark_n of_o goodness_n be_v indeed_o so_o eminent_o exercise_v by_o so_o numerous_a a_o body_n of_o man_n it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o rest_n 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sharpen_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o unhappy_a influence_n which_o their_o action_n have_v to_o dispose_v othen_fw-ge man_n to_o sin_n the_o duty_n of_o exemplariness_n and_o the_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o require_v it_o of_o his_o follower_n be_v thus_o clear_v i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o head_n to_o consider_v the_o manner_n which_o he_o have_v fix_v whereby_o to_o raise_v this_o example_n that_o be_v by_o good_a work_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n none_o but_o these_o will_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o the_o church_n or_o who_o judge_n right_o and_o none_o but_o these_o will_v avail_v such_o as_o be_v within_o the_o church_n or_o make_v little_a use_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o become_v a_o light_n and_o a_o glorious_a example_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v eminent_a in_o those_o action_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v 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but_o not_o the_o reverence_n of_o other_o men._n judicious_a man_n will_v esteem_v they_o folly_n if_o propose_v as_o matter_n of_o intrinsic_a excellence_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o scorn_n and_o even_o ignorant_a person_n may_v be_v astonish_v at_o they_o yet_o can_v they_o never_o discover_v any_o real_a worth_n in_o they_o or_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o latter_a age_n to_o have_v introduce_v such_o gross_a conception_n instead_o of_o what_o our_o lord_n direct_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n and_o thereby_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v those_o excellent_a end_n which_o he_o intend_v thus_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o her_o latter_a saint_n have_v chief_o respect_v extravagant_a austerity_n and_o the_o report_n of_o foolish_a miracle_n and_o some_o other_o have_v make_v the_o indication_n or_o sign_n of_o saint-ship_n to_o be_v unaccountable_a rapture_n or_o internal_a pretend_a consolation_n or_o union_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o have_v no_o necessary_a external_a effect_n or_o can_v be_v discover_v by_o unbeliever_n or_o if_o discover_v will_v not_o affect_v they_o with_o they_o no_o example_n but_o of_o such_o action_n as_o be_v universal_o allow_v to_o be_v excellent_a namely_o of_o good_a work_n will_v be_v of_o any_o power_n and_o therefore_o our_o most_o wise_a saviour_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o continue_v all_o other_o mean_v of_o continue_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o light_n which_o our_o lord_n propose_v will_v be_v find_v whole_o ineffectual_a and_o as_o to_o those_o without_o so_o also_o to_o those_o within_o the_o church_n but_o need_v the_o direction_n of_o example_n no_o other_o will_v be_v of_o any_o advantage_n the_o benefit_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o consist_v in_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o such_o who_o be_v incline_v to_o imitate_v the_o action_n of_o those_o who_o they_o admire_v or_o respect_n or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v subject_a which_o action_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o require_v good_a work_n the_o design_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v happy_o effect_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n promote_v their_o salvation_n secure_v the_o reward_n of_o those_o who_o give_v the_o example_n increase_v but_o if_o the_o action_n be_v of_o any_o other_o nature_n they_o be_v either_o unlawful_a or_o indifferent_a not_o worthy_a imitation_n and_o without_o any_o promise_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o three_o place_n our_o lord_n in_o the_o text_n propose_v the_o end_n towards_o which_o these_o exemplary_a good_a work_n shall_v be_v direct_v which_o be_v that_o other_o may_v see_v they_o and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v in_o see_v they_o may_v glorify_v god_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v betray_v into_o pride_n or_o arrogance_n through_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o good_a work_n they_o be_v command_v to_o refer_v all_o not_o to_o their_o own_o but_o to_o the_o divine_a glory_n lest_o they_o shall_v swell_v with_o the_o conceit_n of_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n of_o give_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o action_n of_o other_o man_n by_o their_o own_o conduct_n they_o be_v teach_v that_o all_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v employ_v to_o promote_v their_o own_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o advance_v the_o honour_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n while_o good_a work_n be_v indeed_o direct_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n of_o pride_n shall_v intervene_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o peevish_a and_o morose_a man_n will_v detract_v from_o they_o as_o do_v for_o sinister_a end_n and_o vain_a glory_n our_o lord_n have_v provide_v for_o this_o a_o remedy_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n immediate_o precede_v this_o exhortation_n to_o a_o good_a example_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n nothing_o indeed_o be_v more_o odious_a and_o distasteful_a than_o ostentation_n in_o religion_n or_o more_o to_o be_v avoid_v this_o raise_v the_o indignation_n of_o our_o lord_n against_o the_o pharisee_n and_o still_o excit_v the_o scorn_n of_o all_o judicious_a man_n when_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v form_v on_o purpose_n to_o be_v see_v by_o man_n when_o their_o praise_n and_o applause_n be_v thereby_o court_v and_o studious_o contrive_v but_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o be_v exemplary_a in_o good_a work_n as_o there_o be_v no_o command_n of_o contrive_v the_o ordinary_a performance_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v most_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o man_n so_o there_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n no_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v but_o be_v observe_v whether_o he_o who_o perform_v
whether_o your_o conscience_n do_v not_o instruct_v you_o that_o many_o thing_n you_o ought_v to_o do_v other_o to_o omit_v and_o whether_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o upbraid_v to_o you_o the_o omission_n or_o violation_n of_o your_o duty_n if_o then_o all_o the_o momentous_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v require_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o what_o our_o lord_n exact_v of_o we_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o reason_n will_v have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o if_o no_o revelation_n have_v intervene_v sure_o the_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o christianity_n be_v a_o burden_n very_o easy_a to_o be_v bear_v for_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o practise_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o contrary_a conduct_n be_v a_o force_n of_o nature_n 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agreeableness_n to_o humane_a nature_n than_o that_o a_o grateful_a complacency_n always_o attend_v they_o while_o the_o soul_n congratulate_v to_o herself_o the_o performance_n of_o her_o duty_n the_o conquest_n of_o adverse_a lust_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o she_o own_o faculty_n no_o joy_n can_v be_v conceive_v more_o intense_a than_o this_o none_o more_o serene_a and_o undisturbed_a because_o none_o more_o spiritual_a or_o found_v upon_o better_a reason_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o every_o good_a man_n can_v confirm_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n nor_o do_v even_o bad_a man_n want_v the_o same_o conviction_n for_o none_o almost_o be_v find_v so_o total_o corrupt_v who_o do_v not_o sometime_o practise_v good_a action_n and_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o whether_o they_o receive_v not_o a_o inward_a satisfaction_n from_o the_o conscience_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o degree_n of_o complacency_n be_v find_v in_o they_o who_o through_o disuse_n be_v wont_n little_a to_o relish_v or_o value_v spiritual_a pleasure_n what_o infinite_a satisfaction_n must_v good_a man_n reap_v from_o thence_o who_o by_o a_o well_o fix_a determination_n have_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a virtue_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o present_a happiness_n and_o will_v hereafter_o procure_v yet_o more_o noble_a enjoyment_n on_o the_o contrary_a all_o vicious_a action_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o no_o less_o constant_a dissatisfaction_n and_o regret_n of_o mind_n raise_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n only_o for_o who_o can_v be_v impious_a or_o disobedient_a to_o god_n and_o not_o conceive_v indignation_n at_o his_o own_o ingratitude_n who_o ever_o reflect_v upon_o any_o inordinate_a lust_n commit_v by_o he_o and_o do_v not_o afterward_o vex_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o command_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o can_v not_o overcome_v a_o foolish_a desire_n who_o ever_o yield_v to_o drunkenness_n and_o do_v not_o at_o the_o return_n of_o his_o wit_n conclude_v that_o he_o have_v do_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o himself_o thus_o in_o all_o other_o sin_n reason_n do_v not_o fail_v to_o upbraid_v to_o man_n that_o he_o pervert_v the_o design_n of_o his_o nature_n degrade_v his_o soul_n and_o dishonour_v himself_o this_o remorse_n alone_o without_o the_o fear_n of_o future_a punishment_n make_v know_v by_o revelation_n bring_v far_o more_o affliction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o sin_n bring_v pleasure_n to_o it_o these_o expire_v in_o a_o moment_n those_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n remain_v which_o although_o it_o may_v be_v suspend_v by_o violent_a lust_n for_o a_o while_n yet_o will_v certain_o break_v out_o with_o great_a force_n and_o torment_v the_o mind_n with_o inward_a shame_n anxiety_n and_o distrust_n upon_o the_o whole_a a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v most_o agreeable_a most_o easy_a and_o most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n even_o abstract_v from_o the_o obligation_n superad_v by_o revelation_n and_o the_o reward_n promise_v by_o it_o so_o that_o our_o lord_n in_o make_v the_o moral_a virtue_n the_o only_a practical_a duty_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o propose_a reward_n have_v impose_v a_o most_o easy_a and_o most_o desirable_a yoke_n upon_o mankind_n a_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n be_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o which_o reason_n more_o particular_o render_v easy_a that_o most_o arduous_a duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o patient_n endure_v of_o persecution_n affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n employ_v by_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n iu_o 17._o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n facility_n and_o difficulty_n be_v relative_a notion_n and_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o proportion_n which_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o end_n to_o be_v obtain_v bear_v to_o the_o labour_n and_o hazard_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o if_o a_o eminent_a advantage_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o a_o proportionable_a industry_n we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o easy_a condition_n when_o therefore_o the_o great_a happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o upon_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o freewill_n as_o be_v in_o our_o power_n the_o imposition_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o easy_a burden_n when_o it_o procure_v to_o we_o such_o a_o infinite_a reward_n and_o not_o only_o do_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n take_v off_o the_o imputation_n of_o severity_n from_o christ_n impose_v so_o strict_a and_o universal_a holiness_n upon_o we_o but_o be_v also_o a_o effectual_a motive_n to_o we_o of_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o condition_n require_v of_o we_o in_o all_o other_o action_n of_o life_n our_o endeavour_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v more_o or_o less_o vigorous_a as_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o end_n we_o aim_v at_o be_v more_o or_o less_o intense_a the_o fervency_n of_o the_o desire_n be_v always_o proportionable_a to_o our_o esteem_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o conceive_v a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o this_o noble_a end_n and_o be_v thereby_o incite_v to_o use_v a_o suitable_a diligence_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o form_n to_o ourselves_o a_o right_a estimate_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o by_o reflect_v on_o the_o infinite_a duration_n the_o inconceivable_a pleasure_n and_o immutable_a state_n of_o it_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o trifle_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o raise_v the_o thought_n to_o a_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o yet_o great_a than_o can_v be_v now_o conceive_v this_o will_v carry_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n baffle_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o temporal_a affliction_n much_o more_o effectual_o than_o the_o desire_n of_o glory_n the_o ambition_n of_o a_o crown_n or_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o violent_a passion_n have_v engage_v many_o in_o the_o most_o desperate_a undertake_n for_o in_o these_o latter_a case_n the_o acquisition_n of_o the_o end_n be_v never_o ascertain_v to_o the_o undertaker_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o design_n the_o most_o vigorous_a industry_n and_o courage_n be_v in_o they_o subject_a to_o the_o chance_n of_o fortune_n whereas_o in_o the_o former_a case_n there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a conjunction_n between_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n between_o