those_o future_a good_a thing_n which_o be_v promise_v under_o the_o gospel_n a_o kind_n of_o rude_a draught_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a institution_n which_o be_v design_v and_o at_o last_o finish_v and_o perfect_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o legal_a rite_n and_o observance_n col._n 2._o 16_o 17._o let_v nb_a maâ—â—_n judge_v you_o in_o meat_n or_o in_o drink_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o holy_a day_n or_o of_o the_o new_a moon_n or_o of_o the_o sabbath_n day_n which_o be_v a_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v bâ—t_v the_o body_n be_v of_o christ_n that_o be_v he_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o reality_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v shadow_v and_o figure_v by_o those_o legal_a observance_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o heb._n call_v the_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n the_o example_n and_o shadow_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n chap._n 8._o 5._o and_o so_o chap._n 10._o 1._o the_o law_n have_v a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v and_o not_o the_o very_a image_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v be_v but_o a_o obscure_a type_n and_o not_o a_o perfect_a representation_n of_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o now_o have_v in_o truth_n and_o reality_n now_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n concern_v these_o type_n and_o shadow_n be_v only_o to_o continue_v till_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v of_o no_o long_o use_v when_o that_o more_o perfect_a institution_n which_o be_v figure_v by_o they_o shall_v take_v place_n and_o then_o they_o will_v expire_v and_o become_v void_a of_o themselves_o because_o the_o reason_n and_o use_v of_o they_o cease_v they_o must_v necessary_o fall_v but_o they_o do_v not_o expire_v immediate_o upon_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o himself_o submit_v to_o these_o law_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o force_n he_o be_v circumcise_a and_o present_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o perform_v all_o other_o rite_n require_v by_o the_o law_n that_o first_o covenant_n to_o which_o these_o law_n and_o ordinance_n belong_v continue_v in_o force_n till_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o these_o law_n expire_v or_o rather_o be_v fulfil_v and_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o make_v all_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o rite_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n needless_a and_o of_o no_o use_n for_o the_o future_a christ_n have_v by_o this_o one_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 10._o 14._o so_o that_o christ_n do_v not_o proper_o abrogate_v and_o repeal_v those_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o they_o have_v continue_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v design_v to_o do_v and_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o they_o they_o abate_v and_o cease_v of_o themselves_o and_o that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o time_n of_o their_o expiration_n because_o then_o the_o new_a covenant_n take_v place_n st._n paul_n express_o tell_v we_o eph._n 2._o 15._o have_v abolish_v or_o void_v in_o his_o flesh_n the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n and_o this_o v_o 16._o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v by_o his_o cross_n and_o more_o plain_o col._n 2._o 14._o blot_v out_o the_o hand-writing_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v against_o we_o and_o take_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o even_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o abrogate_a by_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n but_o rather_o have_v its_o accomplishment_n and_o attain_v its_o end_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o the_o eternal_a efficacy_n of_o it_o to_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o purify_n of_o our_o conscience_n have_v make_v all_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o wash_n and_o other_o rite_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o ever_o needless_a and_o superfluous_a three_o but_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o those_o precept_n which_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o come_v either_o to_o dissolve_v or_o to_o lessen_v and_o slacken_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o i_o tell_v you_o our_o saviour_n do_v principal_o if_o not_o sole_o speak_v here_o in_o the_o text_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v attentive_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o sermon_n he_o promise_v blessing_n to_o those_o and_o those_o only_o who_o be_v endow_v with_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v require_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o comprehend_v in_o they_o and_o then_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o christian_n must_v be_v very_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a for_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o v_o 16._o 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 and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o then_o he_o caution_n they_o not_o to_o entertain_v any_o such_o imagination_n as_o if_o he_o intend_v to_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o free_a man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n which_o probable_o some_o may_v have_v suggest_v against_o he_o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o can_v entertain_v any_o such_o conceit_n if_o you_o consider_v that_o the_o precept_n which_o i_o inculcate_v upon_o you_o and_o those_o virtue_n the_o practice_n whereof_o i_o recommend_v to_o you_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n so_o that_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o cross_v the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o moral_a duty_n enjoin_v by_o the_o jewish_a religion_n that_o i_o come_v purposely_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n to_o further_a perfection_n to_o give_v a_o more_o perfect_a and_o clear_a law_n and_o to_o give_v a_o great_a enforcement_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n these_o be_v always_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n the_o ultimate_a design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o discharge_v man_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n that_o i_o come_v to_o bind_v they_o more_o strong_o upon_o you_o and_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o be_v i_o solemn_o declare_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v man_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n enter_v therein_o you_o think_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n very_o pious_a and_o excellent_a man_n and_o to_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o righteousness_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o he_o instance_v in_o several_a precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o especial_o as_o they_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o law_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v very_o much_o short_a of_o that_o righteousness_n and_o perfection_n which_o he_o now_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n so_o that_o his_o whole_a discourse_n be_v about_o precept_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o not_o a_o word_n concern_v the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o make_v i_o very_o prone_a to_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n in_o the_o text_n be_v this_o that_o his_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o thwart_v and_o oppose_v that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n that_o the_o principal_a intention_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o practice_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n by_o strengthen_v the_o obligation_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o give_v we_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o offer_v better_a argument_n and_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o this_o law_n therefore_o for_o the_o full_a explication_n and_o illustration_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v these_o three_o point_n first_o that_o the_o main_a and_o ultimate_a design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o
the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o of_o goat_n shall_v take_v away_o sin_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a namely_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v supply_v all_o the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n but_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o but_o make_v one_o plain_a inference_n from_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v upon_o this_o argument_n if_o our_o saviour_n come_v not_o to_o dissolve_v and_o loosen_v the_o obligation_n of_o moral_a duty_n but_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v it_o and_o to_o enforce_v and_o bind_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n more_o strong_o upon_o we_o than_o they_o do_v wide_o and_o wilful_o mistake_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n who_o teach_v that_o it_o discharge_v man_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a and_o avow_a principle_n of_o the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n but_o direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o perfect_a and_o fulfil_v they_o for_o to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n be_v plain_o to_o destroy_v and_o make_v it_o void_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n solemn_a resolution_n of_o this_o matter_n rom._n 3._o 31._o do_v we_o then_o make_v void_a the_o law_n through_o faith_n that_o be_v do_v the_o gospel_n destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n god_n forbid_v yea_o we_o establish_v the_o law_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o design_v or_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o it_o give_v new_a strength_n and_o force_n to_o it_o but_o sure_o they_o that_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n do_v never_o due_o consider_v that_o terrible_a threaten_n of_o our_o saviour_n after_o the_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o direct_o level_v at_o they_o whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v man_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o how_o can_v man_n more_o effectual_o teach_v the_o violation_n not_o only_o of_o the_o least_o but_o of_o the_o great_a of_o god_n commandment_n than_o by_o declare_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v set_v man_n free_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o christian_n may_v act_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n that_o be_v do_v the_o most_o impious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n without_o any_o offence_n against_o god_n and_o notwithstanding_o this_o continue_v to_o be_v his_o child_n and_o high_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o security_n they_o have_v against_o this_o impious_a consequence_n be_v that_o weak_a and_o slender_a pretence_n that_o gratitude_n and_o love_n to_o god_n will_v preserve_v they_o from_o make_v this_o ill_a use_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n as_o much_o as_o any_o law_n can_v do_v but_o then_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o nonsense_n of_o this_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n if_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v take_v away_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o common_a reason_n likewise_o tell_v we_o so_o that_o the_o law_n be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o all_o action_n become_v indifferent_a and_o one_o thing_n be_v not_o more_o a_o sin_n or_o offence_n against_o god_n than_o another_o and_o what_o then_o be_v it_o they_o mean_v that_o gratitude_n will_v oblige_v man_n to_o or_o preserve_v they_o from_o when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n or_o duty_n as_o please_v or_o offend_v god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o one_o or_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o other_o and_o what_o be_v if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n and_o to_o make_v christian_a liberty_n a_o cloak_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n a_o man_n can_v do_v a_o great_a despite_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n and_o to_o make_v it_o to_o be_v hiss_v out_o of_o the_o world_n than_o to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o lewd_a and_o licentious_a doctrine_n which_o give_v man_n a_o perfect_a discharge_n from_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n and_o oblige_v they_o only_o to_o believe_v confident_o that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o a_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o will_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o term_n and_o no_o other_o they_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n in_o the_o other_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o the_o plain_a result_n of_o the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n and_o most_o direct_o destructive_a of_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n that_o ever_o yet_o be_v broach_v in_o the_o world_n but_o you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n that_o you_o put_v off_o concern_v your_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o that_o you_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n sermon_n iu._n christianity_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o perfect_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n matthew_n v._o 17._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v i_o have_v consider_v this_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o those_o precept_n which_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o perpetual_a force_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o come_v either_o to_o dissolve_v or_o loosen_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o which_o i_o propound_v to_o clear_v these_o three_o point_n first_o that_o the_o main_a and_o ultimate_a design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n second_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v comparative_o very_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o promote_v inward_a and_o real_a righteousness_n these_o two_o point_n i_o have_v speak_v to_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o namely_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v supply_v all_o the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v very_o considerable_a advantage_n above_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v all_o that_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v to_o conduct_v they_o towards_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o jew_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o very_a signal_n and_o particular_a testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o beget_v in_o they_o good_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n they_o have_v the_o natural_a law_n reveal_v and_o the_o main_a precept_n of_o it_o write_v with_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o by_o moses_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n they_o have_v prophet_n frequent_o send_v to_o they_o to_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o of_o approach_a judgement_n they_o have_v good_a encouragement_n give_v to_o hope_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n by_o god_n appointment_n of_o several_a way_n of_o expiation_n which_o how_o unlikely_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o be_v available_a to_o the_o effectual_a expiation_n of_o sin_n yet_o they_o do_v signify_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v placable_a and_o do_v seem_v to_o figure_v some_o more_o effectual_a way_n design_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n that_o shall_v be_v exhibit_v in_o due_a time_n and_o final_o they_o have_v most_o express_a promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o judgement_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o obedience_n and_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o the_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n these_o advantage_n the_o jew_n plain_o have_v above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n god_n do_v not_o deal_v
this_o pattern_n have_v be_v since_o not_o only_o close_o follow_v but_o outdo_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o we_o have_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o remember_v upon_o 88_o this_o day_n but_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o far_a explication_n of_o the_o text_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o the_o ritual_a and_o instrumental_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o law_n and_o duty_n concern_v they_o be_v of_o less_o value_n and_o esteem_n with_o god_n than_o those_o which_o be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n especial_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o piety_n and_o humanity_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a and_o intrinsical_a goodness_n but_o the_o ritual_a and_o instrumental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o please_v to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o these_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o beget_v and_o promote_v they_o in_o we_o they_o be_v not_o natural_o good_a in_o themselves_o but_o be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v subordinate_a and_o give_v way_n to_o they_o when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o one_o another_o for_o this_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n which_o take_v place_n in_o all_o law_n that_o law_n of_o less_o importance_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o great_a quoties_fw-la leges_fw-la ex_fw-la circumstantiâ—_n colliduntur_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la utraque_fw-la seruari_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la servanda_fw-la est_fw-la lex_fw-la potior_fw-la when_o ever_o two_o law_n happen_v to_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o to_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o so_o that_o both_o of_o they_o can_v be_v observe_v that_o law_n which_o be_v better_o and_o of_o great_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o tully_n give_v much_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o this_o matter_n in_o compare_v of_o law_n say_v he_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v which_o law_n be_v most_o useful_a and_o just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v observe_v from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o when_o two_o law_n or_o more_o or_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v can_v be_v observe_v because_o they_o clash_n with_o one_o another_o ea_z maxim_n conservanda_fw-la putetur_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la maximas_fw-la res_fw-la pertinere_fw-la videatur_fw-la it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o that_o law_n shall_v be_v observe_v which_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v learn_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o say_v which_o our_o saviour_n more_o than_o once_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o prosecute_v the_o two_o proposition_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o namely_o first_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n second_o that_o no_o institute_v religion_n be_v ever_o design_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a duty_n but_o be_v intend_v to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v they_o and_o both_o these_o be_v sufficient_o ground_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n from_o this_o rule_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n i._o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n do_v suppose_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v the_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o build_v upon_o they_o by_o natural_a religion_n i_o mean_v obedience_n to_o the_o natural_a law_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o natural_a light_n without_o any_o express_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n do_v dictate_v to_o men._n these_o lie_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o be_v the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o all_o mankind_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n and_o behave_v ourselves_o reverent_o towards_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v his_o revelation_n and_o testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o by_o implore_v his_o aid_n and_o direction_n in_o all_o our_o necessity_n and_o distress_n and_o acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v that_o we_o shall_v moderate_v our_o appetite_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o use_v they_o temperate_o and_o chaste_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v just_a and_o upright_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o one_o another_o true_a to_o our_o word_n and_o faithful_a to_o our_o trust_n and_o in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n observe_v that_o equity_n towards_o other_o which_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v use_v towards_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v kind_a and_o charitable_a merciful_a and_o compassionate_a one_o towards_o another_o ready_a to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o and_o apt_a not_o only_o to_o pity_v but_o to_o relieve_v they_o in_o their_o misery_n and_o necessity_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a duty_n and_o they_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n because_o they_o do_v natural_o oblige_v without_o any_o particular_a and_o express_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n do_v suppose_v they_o and_o build_v upon_o they_o for_o all_o revelation_n from_o god_n suppose_v we_o to_o be_v man_n and_o alter_v nothing_o of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o we_o be_v natural_o oblige_v before_o and_o this_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o these_o as_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o the_o jewisâ—_n religion_n second_o that_o no_o institute_v service_n of_o god_n no_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v ever_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o these_o be_v neglect_v three_o that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o restore_v and_o reinforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o these_o as_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v ask_v which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n he_o answer_v thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o one_o will_v have_v expect_v he_o will_v have_v give_v quite_o another_o answer_n and_o have_v pitch_v upon_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o much_o magnify_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o they_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v instance_a in_o sacrifice_n or_o circumcision_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n but_o he_o overlook_v all_o these_o as_o inconsiderable_a in_o comparision_n and_o instance_n only_o in_o those_o two_o great_a head_n of_o moral_a duty_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o comprehend_v under_o they_o all_o other_o moral_a duty_n and_o these_o be_v those_o which_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o he_o say_v he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v mat._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v one_o jot_n or_o one_o title_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v man_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v and_o teach_v they_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v call_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v 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 that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o judicial_a or_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n
will_n i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o that_o the_o judicial_a or_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o pass_v away_o and_o do_v so_o not_o long_o after_o but_o this_o law_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o immutable_a for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o title_n of_o this_o law_n shall_v not_o pass_v second_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o consist_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n neglect_v for_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o except_o their_o righteousness_n do_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n they_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o now_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v the_o most_o accurate_a and_o punctual_a people_n in_o the_o world_n in_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o judicial_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v away_o any_o thing_n from_o these_o observance_n that_o they_o have_v add_v to_o they_o and_o enlarge_v they_o by_o innumerable_a tradition_n of_o their_o own_o so_o exact_a be_v they_o that_o they_o will_v pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cummin_n as_o our_o saviour_n observe_v but_o then_o they_o be_v extreme_o defective_a in_o moral_a duty_n they_o be_v unnatural_a to_o their_o parent_n and_o will_v pretend_v that_o their_o estate_n be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n that_o under_o this_o pretence_n of_o positive_a religion_n they_o may_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o a_o natural_a duty_n and_o let_v their_o parent_n starve_v for_o god_n sake_n they_o be_v covetous_a and_o unjust_a and_o devour_v widow_n house_n in_o a_o word_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o they_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n mercy_n judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v faith_n with_o man_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o our_o righteousness_n must_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n viz._n in_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n which_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o moral_a law_n which_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o instance_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v in_o his_o follow_a discourse_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o judge_v what_o he_o mean_v he_o instance_n in_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o perjury_n which_o be_v undoubted_o forbid_v by_o the_o natural_a law_n and_o then_o he_o iâ—stances_n in_o several_a permission_n which_o be_v indulge_v to_o they_o for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n but_o yet_o do_v entrench_v upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o first_o and_o original_a constitution_n of_o thing_n as_o the_o permission_n of_o divorce_n upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n and_o of_o revenge_n and_o retaliation_n of_o injury_n four_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o design_v and_o ultimate_o intend_v by_o they_o which_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o moral_a duty_n which_o as_o they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o two_o table_n by_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o be_v chief_o inculcate_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o so_o we_o find_v this_o phrase_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n elsewhere_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o mention_n that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v to_o we_o matth._n 7._o 12._o therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o how_o be_v this_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n when_o this_o rule_n be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v in_o either_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v so_o much_o inculcate_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n so_o that_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o observation_n of_o moral_a duty_n to_o be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o call_v moral_a duty_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n matth._n 23._o 23._o but_o you_o say_v he_o to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n and_o mercy_n and_o fidelity_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n busy_v themselves_o chief_o about_o ritual_a observance_n but_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o that_o those_o other_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o important_a duty_n of_o the_o law_n and_o lay_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o much_o the_o same_o enumeration_n the_o prophet_n make_v where_o he_o compare_v sacrifice_n and_o these_o moral_a duty_n together_o mic._n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8._o wherewith_o â—hall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burn_a offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first_o bear_v for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n he_o have_v require_v sacrifice_n but_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o they_o in_o comparison_n with_o these_o ii_o no_o institute_v service_n of_o god_n no_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n whatsoever_o be_v ever_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o moral_a duty_n be_v neglect_v nay_o so_o far_o from_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o he_o reject_v they_o with_o disdain_n and_o abhorrence_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v almost_o innumerable_a passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 1._o 11._o etc._n etc._n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o i_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o religion_n so_o it_o follow_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n imply_v that_o till_o they_o have_v respect_n to_o moral_a duty_n all_o their_o external_a worship_n and_o sacrifice_n signify_v nothing_o and_o so_o likewise_o isa_n 66._o 3._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o abomible_a than_o their_o sacrifice_n so_o long_o as_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o wicked_a practice_n he_o that_o kill_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n he_o that_o offer_v a_o oblation_n as_o if_o he_o offer_v swine_n blood_n and_o he_o that_o burn_v incense_n as_o if_o he_o bless_v a_o idol_n yea_o they_o have_v choose_v their_o own_o way_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v in_o their_o abomination_n and_o to_o mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n jer._n 7._o 4_o 5._o trust_v you_o not_o in_o lie_v word_n say_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o thorough_o amend_v your_o way_n and_o your_o do_n thorough_o execute_v judgement_n between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o neighbour_n oppress_v â—ot_n the_o stranger_n the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o shed_v not_o innocent_a blood_n if_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v these_o duty_n and_o forbear_v those_o sin_n all_o the_o reverence_n for_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o
worship_n of_o god_n signify_v nothing_o you_o see_v in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o sake_n viz._n the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o that_o all_o institute_v religion_n that_o do_v not_o promote_v and_o further_o these_o or_o be_v destitute_a of_o they_o be_v abominable_a to_o god_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n prefer_v a_o moral_a duty_n before_o any_o gift_n we_o can_v offer_v to_o god_n and_o will_v have_v it_o to_o take_v place_n mat._n 5._o 23_o 24._o if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n unto_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n but_o it_o shall_v seem_v by_o this_o and_o what_o haâ—h_v be_v say_v before_o that_o god_n prefer_v goodness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o man_n before_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o second_o table_n before_o obedience_n to_o those_o of_o the_o first_o but_o this_o do_v but_o seem_v so_o all_o that_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o this_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v already_o say_v be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n prefer_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n before_o any_o institute_v worship_n such_o as_o sacrifice_n be_v and_o before_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v mere_o positive_a though_o they_o do_v immediate_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o first_o nor_o of_o any_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v this_o our_o saviour_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n intimate_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o bear_v a_o revengeful_a mind_n towards_o our_o brethren_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o any_o gift_n or_o sacrifice_n that_o we_o can_v offer_v to_o he_o or_o indeed_o of_o any_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v three_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o restore_v and_o reinforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o of_o moral_a duty_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n begin_v his_o first_o sermon_n by_o promise_a blessedness_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n of_o purity_n and_o meekness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o mercifulness_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n under_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o tell_v we_o as_o i_o show_v before_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o release_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n but_o to_o oblige_v they_o thereto_o more_o effectual_o and_o that_o as_o these_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v the_o main_a duty_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o be_v they_o much_o more_o to_o be_v so_o of_o the_o christian_n this_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v every_o where_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o these_o duty_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o effectual_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o that_o know_a and_o excellent_a text_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12â—_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldy_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o herein_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v jam._n 1._o 27._o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n and_o chap._n 3._o 17._o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v that_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a knowledge_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n have_v these_o property_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v these_o effect_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a and_o then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o of_o good_a fruit_n and_o the_o plant_n of_o these_o disposition_n in_o we_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n eph._n 4._o 20_o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o of_o the_o vice_n and_o lust_n wherein_o the_o gentile_n live_v tell_v christian_n that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o instruct_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n that_o you_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o that_o you_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n or_o as_o the_o word_n perhaps_o may_v better_o be_v render_v in_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n for_o it_o immediate_o follow_v wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o make_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n gal._n 6._o 15._o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o chapter_n before_o express_v thus_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v or_o be_v inspire_v by_o charity_n and_o yet_o more_o express_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o the_o compare_v of_o which_o text_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o christianity_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o this_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o this_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o produce_v these_o virtue_n in_o we_o and_o indeed_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o justification_n in_o his_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o assistance_n therein_o promise_v be_v to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v and_o enable_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o moraâ—_n duty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n do_v suppose_v it_o and_o build_v upon_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o namely_o that_o no_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n be_v ever_o design_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a duty_n but_o be_v intend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o and_o this_o also_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o all_o reveal_v religion_n call_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o natural_a duty_n thus_o the_o jewish_a religion_n do_v the_o first_o law_n which_o god_n give_v they_o and_o which_o hâ—_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n by_o write_v they_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n with_o his_o own_o finger_n be_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o among_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v to_o reprove_v not_o so_o much_o their_o defect_n in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o institute_v worship_n as_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o immorality_n and_o to_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o reform_v and_o amend_v these_o fault_n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o it_o be_v almost_o whole_o make_v up_o of_o moral_a
duty_n namely_o those_o which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o those_o two_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v very_o little_a that_o be_v mere_o positive_a and_o institute_v beside_o the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v to_o mankind_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v furnish_v we_o with_o the_o best_a help_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o moral_a duty_n it_o discover_v our_o duty_n more_o clear_o to_o we_o it_o offer_v we_o the_o great_a assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o it_o present_v we_o with_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o engage_v we_o thereto_o so_o that_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a duty_n that_o it_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o urge_v we_o more_o forcible_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 3._o the_o positive_a rite_n and_o institution_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o entrench_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o be_v always_o design_v to_o be_v subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o they_o and_o when_o ever_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n it_o be_v the_o declare_a will_n of_o god_n that_o positive_a institution_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o natural_a duty_n and_o this_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v plain_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o say_v in_o the_o text_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n if_o circumstance_n be_v such_o that_o one_o part_n of_o religion_n must_v give_v place_n god_n will_v have_v the_o ritual_a and_o institute_v part_n to_o give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o moral_a it_o be_v very_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n when_o the_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o rite_n of_o divine_a institution_n come_v in_o competition_n to_o slight_a and_o disparage_v these_o in_o comparison_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o and_o which_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o he_o will_v hardly_o own_o that_o he_o have_v command_v when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n isa_n 1._o 12._o thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_n thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burnt-offering_n psal_n 51._o 16._o will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n but_o god_n no_o where_o make_v any_o comparison_n to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o natural_a duty_n he_o never_o derogate_a from_o they_o in_o any_o case_n he_o never_o say_v he_o will_v have_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o not_o mercy_n or_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o such_o a_o rite_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v perform_v than_o that_o man_n shall_v do_v the_o great_a good_a and_o show_v the_o great_a charity_n to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v no_o where_o make_v a_o question_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v that_o we_o deal_v just_o every_o man_n with_o his_o neighbour_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n one_o to_o another_o that_o we_o be_v kind_a and_o tender-hearted_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o distribute_v and_o give_v alm_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o need_n there_o be_v no_o such_o question_n as_o this_o put_v in_o scripture_n nay_o it_o be_v positive_a in_o these_o matter_n that_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v i_o instance_n in_o this_o virtue_n more_o especial_o of_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o prime_a instance_n of_o moral_a duty_n as_o sacrifice_n be_v put_v for_o all_o the_o ritual_a and_o institute_v part_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o disposition_n of_o mind_n our_o saviour_n make_v the_o root_n of_o all_o moral_a duty_n love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o the_o great_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n and_o this_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n he_o advance_v above_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n and_o hope_v the_o great_a of_o these_o be_v charity_n and_o without_o this_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v a_o man_n to_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o christianity_n this_o he_o make_v our_o high_a perfection_n and_o attainment_n and_o that_o which_o abide_v and_o remain_v in_o the_o future_a state_n charity_n never_o fail_v this_o our_o saviour_n most_o effectual_o recommend_v to_o we_o both_o in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o by_o his_o example_n this_o he_o press_v as_o the_o peculiar_a law_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o proper_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o disciple_n this_o he_o require_v we_o to_o exercise_v towards_o those_o who_o practice_n the_o contrary_a towards_o we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o and_o of_o this_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n that_o ever_o be_v when_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o he_o love_v we_o so_o as_o hardly_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v his_o friend_n so_o as_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o he_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n for_o a_o memorial_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o now_o the_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n to_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n be_v very_o obvious_a and_o there_o be_v two_o very_a natural_a inference_n from_o it_o first_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n it_o plain_o appear_v what_o place_n natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n ought_v to_o have_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o all_o natural_a duty_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n this_o be_v so_o primary_n a_o duty_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o great_a and_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n that_o all_o positive_a institution_n must_v give_v way_n to_o it_o and_o nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n can_v cancel_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o nor_o justify_v the_o violation_n of_o this_o great_a and_o natural_a law_n our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o religion_n have_v declare_v nothing_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v heighten_v our_o obligation_n to_o it_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a by_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o so_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o who_o will_v kill_v man_n to_o do_v god_n service_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o cause_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n will_v break_v through_o all_o obligation_n of_o nature_n and_o civil_a society_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n by_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o religion_n design_n to_o release_v man_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a and_o civil_a duty_n he_o have_v as_o one_o will_v imagine_v as_o much_o power_n as_o the_o pope_n but_o yet_o he_o depose_v none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o do_v absolve_v their_o subject_n from_o their_o fidelity_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o for_o their_o opposition_n to_o his_o religion_n he_o assume_v no_o such_o power_n to_o himself_o no_o not_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la nor_o that_o ever_o we_o read_v of_o do_v he_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o whence_o then_o come_v his_o pretend_a vicar_n to_o have_v this_o authority_n and_o yet_o the_o horrid_a attempt_n of_o this_o day_n be_v first_o design_v and_o afterward_o carry_v on_o in_o prosecution_n of_o the_o pope_n bull_n of_o excommunication_n and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o despair_n and_o discontent_n of_o that_o party_n here_o in_o england_n as_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n of_o extirpate_v heretic_n and_o depose_v king_n and_o absolve_a subject_n from_o their_o allegiance_n to_o they_o no_o zeal_n for_o any_o positive_a institution_n in_o religion_n can_v justify_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n the_o precept_n whereof_o be_v of_o primary_n and_o indispensable_a obligation_n the_o pope_n supremacy_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o civil_a government_n nor_o be_v transubstantiation_n so_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v both_o in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v no_o murder_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o thousand_o have_v be_v
christ_n have_v redeem_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o that_o be_v whereas_o the_o law_n leave_v sinner_n as_o to_o those_o sin_n which_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o pardon_n under_o a_o curse_n have_v provide_v no_o expiation_n for_o they_o christ_n have_v redeem_v they_o from_o that_o curse_n by_o make_v a_o general_a expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v ch._n 9_o 15._o that_o christ_n die_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o transgression_n that_o be_v under_o the_o first_o covenant_n that_o be_v for_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n have_v provide_v no_o way_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n say_v emphatical_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 7._o that_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n three_o the_o law_n do_v not_o afford_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n as_o the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n grow_v worse_a so_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n wax_v dimmer_v and_o dimmer_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v more_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o that_o in_o very_o considerable_a instance_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o even_o to_o they_o who_o only_o have_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o give_v clear_a and_o perfect_a light_n and_o direction_n as_o to_o moral_a duty_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a reason_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n explain_v it_o to_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o it_o be_v understand_v to_o have_v among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o intend_v and_o have_v not_o only_o forbid_v several_a thing_n permit_v by_o that_o law_n as_o divorce_n and_o retaliation_n of_o injury_n but_o have_v heighten_v our_o duty_n in_o several_a instance_n of_o it_o require_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n and_o provocation_n though_o never_o so_o often_o repeat_v and_o not_o only_o not_o to_o revenge_v they_o but_o to_o requite_v they_o with_o good_a turn_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o mankind_n to_o be_v law_n before_o but_o yet_o when_o due_o consider_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o bâ—st_a men._n so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n â—ath_v not_o only_o fix_v and_o determine_v our_o duty_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o great_a certainty_n but_o have_v raise_v it_o to_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o render_v it_o every_o way_n fit_a to_o bring_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o more_o divine_a temper_n and_o a_o more_o reasonable_a and_o perfect_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n than_o ever_o the_o world_n be_v instruct_v in_o before_o four_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n be_v only_o of_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o very_o languid_a and_o faint_a motive_n to_o obedience_n not_o but_o that_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n have_v such_o apprehension_n of_o their_o own_o immortality_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n after_o this_o life_n as_o natural_a light_n suggest_v to_o they_o which_o be_v in_o most_o but_o a_o waver_a and_o uncertain_a persuasion_n and_o consequent_o of_o small_a efficacy_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n add_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o those_o natural_a notion_n concern_v a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o strengthen_n of_o this_o persuasion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o do_v rather_o suppose_v it_o than_o give_v any_o new_a force_n and_o life_n to_o it_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n more_o particular_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v but_o weak_a to_o make_v man_n good_a because_o it_o do_v not_o work_v strong_o enough_o upon_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o threaten_n and_o that_o for_o this_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o a_o more_o powerful_a and_o awaken_n dispensation_n bring_v in_o in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o heb._n 7._o 18_o 19_o for_o there_o be_v very_o a_o disannul_n of_o the_o commandment_n that_o be_v before_o that_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a law_n for_o the_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n thereof_o for_o the_o law_n make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v that_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o promise_v eternal_a life_n and_o ch._n 8._o 6._o for_o this_o reason_n more_o especial_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n have_v obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n and_o rom._n 1._o 16_o 18._o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n because_o therein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o men._n the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o gospel_n so_o proper_a and_o so_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n the_o great_a impiety_n of_o mankind_n and_o their_o impenitency_n in_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o before_o while_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n ignorant_a of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v say_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o overlook_v it_o but_o now_o he_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a act_v 17._o 30_o 31._o the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o perfect_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n call_v loud_o upon_o all_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n five_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n have_v no_o spiritual_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o of_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o mortify_n of_o sin_n and_o enable_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o support_v they_o under_o suffering_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_n 11._o 13._o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v actual_o confer_v upon_o all_o true_a christian_n those_o who_o do_v sincere_o embrace_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n rom._n 8._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o hence_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n v_o 2d_o of_o that_o chap._n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o herein_o manifest_o appear_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o leave_v man_n destitute_a of_o this_o mighty_a help_n and_o advantage_n at_o least_o as_o to_o any_o special_a promise_n of_o it_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o by_o make_v he_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n condemn_a sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v that_o that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o law_n aim_v at_o and_o signify_v but_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o effect_v may_v be_v real_o accomplish_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v who_o be_v act_v and_o assist_v by_o a_o high_a and_o better_a principle_n than_o man_n either_o have_v in_o nature_n or_o the_o carnal_a dispesnation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v endow_v man_n withal_o and_o because_o of_o this_o great_a defect_n the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o servitude_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a
and_o not_o sacrifice_n which_o say_v be_v quote_v by_o he_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n chap._n 6._o 6._o i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o than_o burn_a offering_n which_o text_n our_o saviour_n cite_v and_o apply_v upon_o two_o several_a occasion_n the_o consider_v and_o compare_v of_o which_o will_v give_v full_a light_n to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v here_o in_o the_o text_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n find_v fault_n with_o he_o for_o converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n the_o other_o be_v matth._n 12._o 7._o where_o the_o pharisee_n blame_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o pluck_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o if_o you_o have_v know_v what_o this_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n you_o will_v not_o have_v condemn_v the_o guiltless_a that_o be_v if_o they_o have_v understand_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v chief_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v regard_v they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o forward_o to_o censure_v this_o action_n of_o his_o disciple_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o say_v be_v this_o that_o in_o compare_v the_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o duty_n together_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v of_o moral_n and_o natural_a obligation_n be_v most_o value_v by_o god_n and_o aught_o to_o take_v place_n of_o those_o which_o be_v positive_a and_o ritual_a i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v rather_o than_o sacrifice_n according_a to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o hebrew_n phrase_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o comparitive_a sense_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o hosea_n i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o burn_v offering_n if_o they_o can_v be_v observe_v together_o let_v sacrifice_n be_v neglect_v and_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v do_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o seem_v very_o plain_a because_o show_v mercy_n or_o do_v good_a in_o any_o kind_n be_v a_o prime_a instance_n of_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o do_v natural_o and_o perpetual_o oblige_v but_o sacrifice_n be_v a_o instance_n of_o positive_a and_o ritual_a observance_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o kind_n so_o that_o when_o moral_a duty_n and_o ritual_a observance_n come_v in_o competition_n and_o do_v clash_n with_o one_o another_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o rite_n or_o positive_a institution_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o moral_a duty_n and_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o that_o case_n to_o neglect_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o a_o rite_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v command_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o though_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o true_a mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v a_o tacit_n condition_n employ_v in_o all_o law_n of_o a_o ritual_a and_o positive_a nature_n provide_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o the_o hindrance_n and_o prejudice_n of_o any_o duty_n which_o be_v of_o a_o high_a and_o better_a nature_n in_o that_o case_n the_o obligation_n of_o it_o do_v for_o that_o time_n give_v way_n and_o be_v suspend_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n by_o compare_v more_o particular_o the_o instance_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o his_o disciple_n pass_v through_o the_o corn_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o be_v hungry_a pluck_v the_o ear_n and_o do_v eat_v this_o our_o saviour_n do_v justify_v to_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n because_o in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n it_o do_v not_o oblige_v for_o the_o disciple_n be_v call_v to_o attend_v upon_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o be_v to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n this_o attendance_n hinder_v they_o from_o make_v necessary_a provision_n against_o the_o sabbath_n they_o in_o obedience_n to_o their_o master_n be_v intent_n upon_o a_o better_a work_n but_o that_o they_o may_v not_o starve_v the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v provide_v for_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n which_o be_v but_o positive_a and_o ritual_a shall_v give_v way_n to_o a_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o self-preservation_n if_o you_o have_v know_v what_o this_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n you_o will_v not_o have_v condemn_v the_o guiltless_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o any_o instrumental_a part_n of_o religion_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o promote_v piety_n and_o goodness_n as_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n keep_v good_a company_n and_o avoid_v bad_a the_o duty_n of_o this_o kind_n our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n where_o he_o likewise_o apply_v this_o rule_n compare_v with_o moral_a duty_n to_o avoid_v the_o company_n of_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a person_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o preserve_v man_n from_o the_o contagion_n of_o their_o vice_n and_o be_v always_o esteem_v a_o duty_n among_o prudent_a man_n both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a disallow_v by_o our_o saviour_n but_o yet_o not_o so_o a_o duty_n as_o to_o hinder_v a_o great_a duty_n nor_o so_o strict_o and_o perverse_o to_o be_v insist_v upon_o as_o if_o one_o ought_v not_o to_o converse_v with_o bad_a man_n in_o any_o case_n or_o upon_o any_o account_n no_o not_o for_o so_o great_a and_o good_a a_o end_n as_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o vice_n in_o this_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o our_o first_o and_o high_a obligation_n be_v to_o moral_a duty_n comprehend_v under_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n among_o which_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a be_v to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n and_o to_o show_v mercy_n and_o pity_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o the_o great_a good_a that_o one_o man_n can_v do_v to_o another_o be_v to_o be_v instrumental_a to_o reclaim_v he_o from_o the_o evil_a and_o error_n of_o his_o way_n because_o this_o be_v to_o save_v his_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n ever_o intend_v by_o any_o rule_n of_o prudence_n or_o positive_a constitution_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n so_o to_o forbid_v their_o accompany_v with_o bad_a and_o scandalous_a man_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a to_o converse_v with_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n and_o amendment_n go_v you_o and_o learn_v what_o that_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o st._n paul_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n in_o 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